Flash Silvio surprises Blair with fireworks

Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi laid on a special treat for his holiday guest Tony Blair – a firework display spelling out the words “Viva Tony”.

Blair and wife Cherie were lavishly entertained at Berlusconi’s Emerald Coast villa in Sardinia.

The threesome strolled the streets near the sprawling grounds of Berlusconi’s luxury villa, where the Blairs stayed overnight.

Italian news accounts said the Blairs were treated to a musical performance at a newly constructed amphitheatre on the estate.

After a dinner featuring seafood risotto, marinated tuna and Sardinia’s renowned white wines, the fireworks display was set off putting Blair’s name in colourful lights.

Berlusconia, a billionaire media magnate turned politician who is known for his meticulous tailoring, made an unusual fashion statement, sporting a print bandanna on his head and a white, loose-fitting shirt showing much of his chest.

Blair matched the informal mood with a short-sleeved shirt outside his trousers, while his wife was a study in casual cool, wearing a gauzy print dress.

The front pages of Italian newspapers were splashed with photos today of Berlusconi’s new look, which included white shoes and trousers.

Today, the two leaders engaged in informal talks on international policy as well as taking a stroll by the sea, Berlusconi’s office said. Iraq was central to the discussions.

A Berlusconi spokesman said that the two leaders urged the Iraqi government to “make every possible effort to find a solution without using weapons”.