Papers scrutinise Sarkozy visit

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The state visit of French president Nicolas Sarkozy and his new wife is the front page focus of Thursday's papers.

The Independent calls Mr Sarkozy France's "bling bling president", also observing that he is a short man.

And the Sun provides a close up of the president's stacked heels, noting that they boosted his frame, while his wife wore flat shoes to avoid towering over him.

"Part Jackie Onassis, part district nurse," was the assessment of Carla Bruni Sarkozy's ensemble in the Times.

Game fears

The paper also highlights a growing moral panic about video games and government plans to respond, by forcing them to carry health warnings.

The Daily Telegraph says they will have cinema-style age classifications to help stop children accessing graphic images of sex and violence.

And the Guardian refers to a six-month study on the issue by a psychologist.

It suggests parents and children may be struggling with the impact of the internet and computer games.

Northern Rock

Some papers consider a review by the Financial Services Authority into its handling of the Northern Rock crisis.

The Financial Times says the FSA deserves praise for publishing a study into its own shortcomings.

But the Telegraph wishes it had been as fastidious in performing its regulatory duties in the first place.

And the Daily Star agrees, arguing that FSA officials would have spotted the Rock's reckless strategy if they had been more efficient.

Cough medicine fears

The Daily Mail says the drug safety watchdog wants some best-selling cough medicines for toddlers to be taken off shelves and put under the counter.

The front page story says the move will affect at least 100 products.

It says the action is being taken because of fears that parents are giving doses that are too high and potentially fatal for toddlers.

It could signal a return to old-fashioned remedies such as honey and lemon, says the paper.