I’ve been disappointed in elections many times, Blair and Bush’s re-elections being the most painful still. I care just as much now about the result of this election in Italy. If Berlusconi succeeds, then I’m afraid for Italy, I really am. His corruption and his near-complete control and abuse of the media are jaw-droppingly brazen, and he has failed dismally to tackle the problems that beset the economy. His face in this poster speaks volumes – dyed hair, plastic surgery, fake smile – would you buy a used car from this man?

In his last election broadcast, he said that anyone who votes for the opposition is “un coglione” – which literally means testicle, but means idiot or fool.