Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has dropped former allies accused of corruption and mafia association as election candidates, in a bid to shed the image of scandal that has dogged sections of his centre-right party.

Italian president Giorgio Napolitano led a chorus of condemnation of Britain’s failure to inform the Italian government before launching a botched rescue mission with Nigerian forces that led to the deaths of British and Italian hostages held by a militant Islamist group.

PRIME Minister Silvio Berlusconi is bracing for a confidence vote in Italy’s parliament this week that will determine his political future amid a rebellion by some allies and growing discontent with his leadership at a time of financial crisis.

Italy's president today asked Romano Prodi to stay on as premier and face a confidence vote in parliament.

Former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi, who was rushed to hospital for tests after he fainted during a rally, has no intention of leaving politics, his spokesman said today.