The end justifies the means for bumptious Berlusconi

SILVIO Berlusconi went on a charm offensive over the weekend to prove he is not the buffoon, monster, moron or crook he often appears to be.

He flew over 50 journalists from the world's leading media including the Irish Examiner from Brussels to Rome for a three-day getting-to-know-you session.

After the disastrous start to Italy's EU presidency when he likened a German MEP to a Nazi concentration camp commander, Italy's richest man was anxious to show his true colours.