he Bernier affair has overshadowed the prime minister's European tour. Editors have splashed headlines of the scandal in dozens of papers across the continent. Rome's La Stampa newspaper's front-page headline read: "NATO plans in the lover's room."
"(And) on the front page of Corriere della Sera (the headline was) . . . 'Lovestruck minister loses his head and his documents,'' said Italian-born Maurizio Bevilacqua, a Liberal MP who interpreted the headline for a Canadian Press reporter.
"When the prime minister launched his European tour, are these really the headlines he was hoping for,'' asked Bevilacqua.
The opposition says the entire affair deservers nothing short of a full public inquiry and an investigation by the RCMP. The Tories have said foreign affairs is conducting an internal investigation and will ask for outside help if required.
The Conservatives are accusing the opposition of being fascinated with tabloid news. Government House Leader Peter Van Loan said the prime minister has no time to read headlines, but is instead busy promoting Canadian priorities to world leaders. More...
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