'Court's ruling won't stop me, Viva Berlusconi'

SILVIO BERLUSCONI today vowed to cling to power after Italy's highest court ruled that an immunity law he brought in was unconstitutional.

The prime minister introduced the law last year, shielding himself and three other key figures in the Italian constitution from prosecution during their period in office.

Berlusconi was defiant today as he dismissed the ruling by Italy's Constitutional Court, saying: "The court is of the Left. I will carry on. These things do not bother me."

He added: "These things just charge me up. They charge up Italians. Viva Italia. Viva Berlusconi."

The immunity law was used earlier this year to remove the billionaire from the corruption trial of company lawyer David Mills, the estranged husband of Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell.

Mills was found guilty of accepting £350,000 from Berlusconi in return for giving favourable evidence during previous trials, and sentenced to four and a half years. Berlusconi escaped punishment. Last night's decision came after a 24-hour deliberation by 15 judges, who voted nine to six to reject the law.

Before the verdict members of the anti-immigration Northern League - part of the ruling Right-wing coalition - had said they would call for elections if the law was overturned.

It is the second time a court has thrown out immunity legislation brought in by Berlusconi - the first was in 2004 - and again the same reason was given: "The law is equal for all."

Delighted opposition MPs said it was "time for Berlusconi to pack his bags and go". Many called for immediate elections.

The rejection of the law means that two trials involving the prime minister will resume - the corruption case involving Mills and another which focuses on financial irregularities in Berlusconi's Mediaset TV empire.

Berlusconi is also at the centre of two "frozen" investigations, a financial case involving a company called Mediatrade and another for bribing senators.

Mills's appeal against his sentence is due to begin in Milan tomorrow, and Berlusconi could be called to testify.