Today's papers react to the Conservative Party's general election manifesto.

Times

It suggests the Conservatives are evolving, over time, from a dysfunctional rabble to a more modern and plausible political party... Mr Howard is a politician of genuine weight who is well qualified to serve in high office. Can the same be said of senior members of the current shadow Cabinet, let alone those more distant from the spotlight? As Peel would have agreed, government can be as much about the quality of people as the character of ideas.

FT

The overarching theme of the manifesto is that Britain is heading in the wrong direction. There is certainly a strong case to be made for this, with sharply rising government spending producing disappointing improvements in public services and taxes climbing without any sign of levelling off... Unfortunately there is little to make such a case in the manifesto.

Guardian

Michael Howard unveiled what he called his "British dream" yesterday but its language conjures up something more like a nightmare. Though the Conservative manifesto launch was upbeat (Mr Howard said he wanted the "sunshine of hope to break through the clouds of disappointment") the reality was thoroughly depressing. The Conservative document is relentless in its negativity, dangerous in its priorities and distorted in its tone.

Independent

"Are you thinking what we're thinking?" the Tories ask repeatedly in their manifesto, as on their election posters. Well, no, actually; when it comes to the future of this country; we had something quite different in mind.

Sun

For all the government's other failings, many voters may prefer the devil they know, despite Gordon Brown's refusal yesterday to rule out tax increases if Labour wins. The Tories have got to concentrate on tax CUTS. That isn't rocket science, either, Mr Howard.

Express

Mr Howard's manifesto, launched yesterday, was splendidly concise and to the point; less than half the length of its 2001 predecessor. His presentation of it was deliberately shorn of the sort of windy idealism so beloved of Mr Blair. He may not be a charmer but are you thinking what I'm thinking?

Mail

Mr Howard addresses the fear of rising crime by promising to recruit more police, eliminate mindless form-filling and make criminals serve longer sentences. He won't be cowed by those who want to stop debate about illegal immigration and abuse of asylum system. The tyranny of centralised NHS targets will be scrapped and more money will be spent on patients... The choice could not be clearer. It is between a Tory leader who is prepared to to be held to account and a Labour leader whose campaign is based on deception.