Today's papers react to the publication of the Liberal Democrat manifesto yesterday.

Times

"The Liberal Democrat manifesto published yesterday is a tighter, less ambiguous document than that offered at the last general election. In most part, however, particularly on questions of economic management and the future of the public services, it comes across as a volume purposefully positioned to the left of Labour. This may be a short-term tactic, but makes for poor long-term strategy."

Independent

"Whether honesty on tax, as on immigration, will prove the best policy in terms of winning votes is a separate question, and one that only the election itself will decide. For the time being, it is refreshing to hear a political party setting out its priorities as it sees them and offering a genuine alternative, when so many seek only consensus."

FT

"The Liberal Democrats have steadily increased their vote in recent general elections and opinion polls suggest they will take an even higher share on May 5. They stand to win over Labour voters disenchanted with Tony Blair's leadership and Conservative supporters unconvinced by Michael Howard's hard-faced Toryism. Given the similarities between the main parties, there was an opportunity for Charles Kennedy to present a real alternative - an opportunity he has sadly squandered."

Guardian

"The Liberal Democrats are one reason why the outcome of this election will be so interesting. Last time, they won 52 seats. It's nearly 80 years since a Liberal party did any better. In this parliament, they have won two by-elections and performed well in two others. They are starting out on this election campaign at a higher point than at any time in the party's brief history. This, as well as fatherhood, is why Charles Kennedy has a song in his heart. Lib Dems believe they are poised to free themselves from being defined by what they are not, and establish themselves as what they aspire to be: the party of freedom and fairness."

Sun

"What a pathetic shambles the launch of the Lib Dem manifesto turned out to be. As the only party promising HIGHER tax, the Lib Dems had to get it exactly right. But leader Charles Kennedy had no idea about the details of his party’s plan for local income tax — such as at what point it would cost you more than council tax. If Kennedy can’t get his head round his tax rises, he should hand over to someone who might make more sense. How about his son Donald?"

Mail

"The lessons of economic history seem lost on the Lib Dems. Have they made any serious attempt to cost their proposals? Hardly. Quite the most telling moment of this manifesto launch was Mr Kennedy's obvious bafflement over whether his sums add up."