Not this time, Silvio

Silvio Berlusconi is trying to start a movement to make the President of Italy electable by the people. Nothing wrong with that - a popular mandate would be far better than him or her being elected by the corrupt, time-serving envelope receivers that constitute the Italian parliament.

It's just that you don't have to read too deeply between the lines to realise what Silv is up to: he wants to be President himself and reckons he could get the popular vote.

No, caro. This blog never thought the man's private life made him unfit for the job of Prime Minister - the problem with Silvio is that he never actually did that job, his tenure being characterised by ineffectual posturing.

But the job of President is a different one to that of Prime Minister: it involves the non-political representation of 60 million people. The President is a figurehead and an example and Silvio's past life excludes him from the position.

Also he is a voice from the past, and the people want something new.

Berlusconi should retire to his girls and his villas and his yacht. If he wants to campaign for an elected President, he should undertake not to be a candidate himself. It was fun while it lasted, ma basta!