Editors' delight over Hain's pain

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Peter Hain takes a hammering in the papers over his failure to declare donations to his deputy leadership bid.

The Daily Telegraph puts it very simply, saying the work and pensions secretary is "fighting for his political life".

"Hain stained", writes the Sun, insisting that "if you tried it out on the Inland Revenue, you'd be banged up fast".

The Daily Mail meanwhile, gets personal, claiming there is "no shortage of personal glee" at Mr Hain's troubles, among colleagues who see him as "a perma-tanned spiv".

'Cruel fate'

The case of twins separated at birth who unwittingly went on to marry gains widespread coverage.

"What a nightmare it must be," the Daily Mirror says in its leader, urging readers to have "sympathy and understanding" for the couple involved.

The Sun agrees with its red-top rival, saying their fate is "cruel beyond belief".

It quotes psychiatrist Dr Glenn Wilson who says the twins would have felt a "lightning bolt attraction" to each other upon meeting for the first time.

Starr for Ringo?

Liverpool's unveiling as European Capital of Culture for 2008 sparks mixed feelings.

The Financial Times is upbeat, calling the city a "Pool of Talent".

In complete contrast, Beryl Bainbridge, writing in the Guardian, is saddened at what has become of her city. "What the hell is a culture of youth to a city that is in decline?" she asks.

The Times uses the moment to ask why Ringo Starr, who launched the event, is not yet Sir Ringo when he embodies "all that is great about Liverpool".

'Humble hero'

Finally, there are moving tributes to Sir Edmund Hillary who has died aged 88.

The Times reprints the supplement - and "scoop" - it published 54 years ago when one of its sub-editors accompanied the "modest hero" to Everest base camp.

The Daily Express says Sir Edmund was a "humble hero who climbed to the top of the world".

"Preserving Everest would be Hillary's best legacy," insists the Independent, fearing for the future of the mountain as visitor numbers explode.