Anglo-French tension in spotlight

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French premier Nicolas Sarkozy's withering attack on Gordon Brown's economic recovery plan is closely analysed in Saturday's newspapers.

The Financial Times says Mr Brown has been left fuming by the remarks, which according to The Times have dealt an embarrassing blow to his credibility.

But The Daily Express has a different take on Mr Sarkozy's criticism.

It says he is in no position to lecture others after France ground to a halt last week because of a general strike.

The Daily Mail asks why Geoff Hoon is blaming embattled motorists for the struggle to get about in the snow.

White flag

It says: "Grit shortage leaves roads impassable and trains grind to a halt... but the gaffe-prone Transport Secretary says 'Don't Whinge' ".

The Daily Telegraph accuses councils of waving the white flag, saying some have abandoned many roads to the elements.

But the Independent reflects that the snow has been an enjoyable diversion amid the lingering economic gloom.

The Sun says Jeremy Clarkson is happy to apologise for calling Gordon Brown both one-eyed and Scottish.

But as for the "idiot" bit, he is quoted by the paper as saying "there's no chance I'll apologise for that."

The Daily Mirror argues the comments were "classic Clarkson" - clumsy, spiteful and rather unfunny.

Cottages

Meanwhile, the Times reports council tenants are being offered up to £30,000 or sea-view cottages to give up their homes to victims of the credit crunch.

The Guardian and the Mirror describe how an attempt to study the diet of one of the world's rarest lizards has been thwarted by an over-zealous cleaner.

A PhD student had spent years in the rainforests of the Philippines collecting butaan lizard dung.

But a Leeds University janitor threw out his 77-pound sack of samples.

The Daily Star's front-page exclusive is an interview with Dancing on Ice star Todd Carty, hitting back at claims he is skating poorly on purpose.