Berlusconi loses Italian election (I reckon)

The first exit polls are in, the voting has ended, Berlusconi is out. As Europe once more swings to the centre-left, (see Spain, the demonstration of people-power in Paris, socialist gains in the Netherlands etc etc), the truth is that the one thing the right wing used to be able to claim a monopoly on monopoly on – being able to look after economies – has been taken away from them.

Naturally, I have a strong dislike for Berlusconi. I can only hope that they arrest the grinning demagogue as soon as possible, and put him back on trial where he belongs.

As to Romano Prodi… he's no angel, and he's going to have his work cut out holding together such a braod coalition. The Italian people can worry about that in the weeks to come. Tonight they can celebrate getting rid of the most incredible and laughable leader they've had for generations. Molto bene etc etc.