[Strengthandhonour]

Silvio Berlusconi: Italy needs God's help

By Malcolm Moore
Last Updated: 3:05AM BST 14/05/2008
Italy will have to rely on divine intervention to sort its problems out, Silvio Berlusconi, the country's new prime minister, said on Tuesday.


In his first speech to parliament in his new term, Mr Berlusconi, 71, said Italy was facing a "tough struggle".
"Challenges are always a gamble, games of fate. And we must invoke God's help for all of us," he said.
Italy's economy is predicted to record almost zero growth this year and unemployment is rising.

Mr Berlusconi went on to say that luck did not shine on public figures who became discouraged, and that he would put himself "in the hands of the Lord".
Mr Berlusconi has been criticised for using religion when it suits him, but he does attend Mass regularly. The half-hour speech drew several standing ovations.
"We must create stability. Italy has no time to waste," he said, signalling that he was ready to work on reforms with Walter Veltroni, the leader of the opposition.
Mr Berlusconi promised he would solve Naples' rubbish crisis and remove tax from all primary homes. Cities are to be given powers to expel illegal immigrants.




source: Silvio Berlusconi: Italy needs God\'s help - Telegraph