Sex scandal hurts Berlusconi but party support up

THE latest scandal surrounding Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has damaged his public image but support for his party has risen, meaning he would likely win an early election, a respected pollster said yesterday.

Presenting the findings of his latest ISPO survey for Corriere della Sera daily, Renato Mannheimer said while half of those interviewed thought Berlusconi should resign, support for his centre-right party had increased.

The poll was conducted after Milan prosecutors alleged Berlusconi paid for sex with a “significant” number of prostitutes, including a 17-year old nightclub dancer.