Berlusconi’s wife furious at his choice of politico-babes

Silvio Berlusconi's decision to start vetting glamorous female models, actresses and television presenters for possible election to the European parliament in June was always going to have one very outspoken opponent. And sure enough, the Italian Prime Minister's wife, Veronica Lario (pictured above with Berlusconi), has described her husband's latest flirtatious antics as being "shameless rubbish for the Emperor's entertainment".

Among the candidates said to have been given the okay by Berlusconi include TV actress Eleonora Gaggioli, singer Cristina Ravot and the former Miss Italy contestant Barbara Matera.

In an email to Italy's national news agency - which has since become front page news in Italy - Lario, 53, claimed that Berlusconi's decision was "against women" as well as being damaging to her and her children. "I want it to be quite clear that my children and I are victims and not accomplices in this situation," said the former actress. "We have to endure it, and it makes us suffer."

Berlusconi has retaliated by suggesting that his wife has been brainwashed by the left-wing press. He claims he has had nothing to do with his party selecting female candidates, who are chosen, he says, because "we want to renew our political class with people who are cultivated and well prepared", as opposed to the "malodorous and badly dressed people who represent certain parties in Parliament".

However, the 72-year-old has certainly not denounced the possible new politicians, noting that many speak several languages and have degrees. "I don't see why such women should be excluded because they worked in television or journalism and are good-looking," he said.

The row is the latest in a string of tiffs between the Berlusconis, who are permanently rumoured to be considering divorce. The Italian media believe Lario's outburst may have been prompted by reports that her husband attended the 18th birthday party of a blonde model called Noemi Letizia on Sunday. Lario said he had never attended his own daughters' 18th birthdays.