Berlusconi: I'm backing Tony Blair as EU president

Silvio Berlusconi has backed his friend and ally Tony Blair for the European Union presidency.

The Italian prime minister, 73, declared his support for Mr Blair in a letter to Right-wing newspaper Il Foglio, which was published on the front page under the headline: "Vote Tony, Vote Tony."

Mr Berlusconi has a long friendship with the former prime minister and invited Mr Blair and his wife Cherie to his Sardinian villa for a holiday five years ago. Mr Berlusconi was photographed wearing a bandanna after having a hair transplant.

In his letter, Mr Berlusconi said Mr Blair had "the right credentials" and should get the job as soon as "legally and politically possible".

"Tony Blair has got everything it needs to become the first president of the European Council. In agreement with many other heads of government, and heads of state, and in co-ordination with the powers of the European Parliament, my government and I will work to ensure we do not lose a great political legacy."

Il Foglio wrote in an editorial: "If Silvio Berlusconi, after all the furious and embarrassing controversies of these past few months, wanted to relaunch his government and give it an international profile, he now has a great opportunity by backing Tony Blair as president of Europe."

Mr Berlusconi has been involved in scandals since April, when it emerged he attended the 18th birthday party of model Noemi Letizia. He has denied allegations that he paid prostitutes to go to parties at his official residences.

Mrs Blair appeared on Italian TV earlier this year, saying her husband went "frantic" when he saw the bandanna.

She said: "Tony said to me, 'Whatever happens make sure I am not photographed next to Silvio wearing a bandanna, make sure you are in the middle otherwise the press will kill us.'"