Silvio Berlusconi’s People of Freedom party withdrew its support for Italy’s technocrat prime minister Mario Monti, setting up a conflict that could force an early election.

New Italian leader Mario Monti has formed a government without a single politician, picking bankers, diplomats and business executives in hope of ensuring escape from looming financial disaster.

IRELAND'S infrastructural deficit has weakened its competitiveness and businesses are concerned that the poor exchequer finances will lead to investment cuts.