Engulfed in sex scandals, corruption allegations and accusations of economic mismanagement, the nevertheless upbeat prime minister advised assembled journalists "not to take seriously those who take themselves too seriously. Self-irony is always important." Wire tap evidence gathered by prosecutors suggests that Mr Berlusconi, 74, invited dozens of aspiring starlets and TV showgirls to attend so-called "bunga bunga" parties in a basement room in his mansion near Milan, where they performed pole dances and strip teases.