Berlusconi storms off set after row with TV presenter

Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi stormed off the set of a state TV show today, branding the journalist interviewing him as a leftist, two days before a planned debate between the conservative leader and election challenger Romano Prodi.

“I’m getting up and leaving if you don’t let me answer. Is that clear?” the premier and media magnate said curtly when the programme’s host, Lucia Annunziata, insisted he answer he questions.