Berlusconi – “Pretty Women Better than Being Gay”

Premier’s quips: “Ruby is a problem. Where can I fix her up with a job?”

MILAN – It’s just a “storm in the papers”. That was how Silvio Berlusconi, speaking at the Milan Fair bicycle and motorcycle show, dismissed the Ruby story. And he did so in language that triggered a volley of protests. The PM said: “I’ve always been like that. Sometimes I happen to look a pretty girl in the eyes but it’s better to be keen on pretty women than gay”. Earlier, again referring to the Moroccan woman invited to parties at Arcore, Mr Berlusconi said: “I’ve got to fix up a certain Ruby with a job on one of these stands”.

ATTACK ON MEDIA – The premier took his cue from the reference to Ruby, who has just celebrated her 18th birthday, to attack the media – “The press is pulling the wool over your eyes”, he told those present – give assurances about the health of the government and maintain that the majority will see out the legislature. Despite “attacks from newspapers and editorialists on a government they claim lacks clear ideas and fails to get results, the fact is that we scored a raft of goals yet again at the latest European summit”, said the prime minister. Mr Berlusconi also discussed the media in [talk show host – Trans.] Bruno Vespa’s new book: “RAI broadcasting is still firmly in the hands of the parties of the Left”. Sky “is a worldwide colossus and today has every sympathy from the Left because it is one of Mediaset’s competitors”.

PHONE TAPS – Ruby wasn’t the only item on the prime ministerial agenda. Among other things, Mr Berlusconi announced that the government intended to present a new bill on phone taps to Parliament. “The issue is close to Italians’ hearts. We have surveys that show this”, said Mr Berlusconi, revealing that the law would be based on three points: “Use of this tool will be restricted to international terrorism, criminal organisations, paedophilia and murders. Phone taps will not be admissible as evidence for the prosecution or the defence. Any communications media publishing transcripts will be subject to a three to 30-day ban”.

VISIT TO STANDS – Mr Berlusconi explained that he was making a surprise visit to the Milan Fair. “I managed to reschedule an international appointment to be here”, he said. After a lengthy speech that tackled the most urgent issues, from the Ruby case to the refuse that is still piled high in the streets of Naples, Mr Berlusconi made a tour of the fair, stopping at among others the Ducati and Brembo stands. It was difficult to get close to the premier, who was surrounded by a large police escort. The prime minister is no stranger to the bicycle and motorbike show which, as he pointed out several times, “is a friend of the Fair”.

English translation by Giles Watson

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