It was the first time in 16 years that Italians overturned government policies by national referendum, which requires a voter turnout of more than 50 per cent to come into force. Not only was that threshold easily crossed, but more than 90 per cent of those who cast ballots did so against the government.

The result was further evidence that Italians have soured on their flamboyant leader, whose failure to jump-start a stalled economy and whose legal troubles, including charges that he paid for sex with a minor, have badly tarnished his reputation. Two weeks ago, Berlusconi and his center-right coalition suffered a humiliating defeat in local elections _ even in his own hometown, Milan, where he had explicitly portrayed the vote for mayor as a judgment on himself.

"A slap hurts but sometimes brings you to your senses," Interior Minister Roberto Maroni said Tuesday, according to La Stampa newspaper.

Maroni belongs to the Northern League, partner to Berlusconi's People of Freedom party in the ruling coalition, without whose support the premier would have no majority in parliament.

But as public disenchantment with Berlusconi continues to grow, the Northern League may start distancing itself from him, undermining his ability to get things done and perhaps even forcing him to call early elections.

The regional party, which supports greater autonomy for the more affluent north, is already angry that Berlusconi has not delivered the tax cuts it wants. A confidence vote in parliament next week should give a sign of the league's intentions.

In the referendums, Italians threw out a return to nuclear power, a plan to privatize water utilities and a law allowing government ministers to avoid having to appear in court. Rejection of the last measure was the strongest statement directly against Berlusconi, a media tycoon who has routinely introduced legislation designed to shield him and his companies from prosecution over alleged business irregularities.

Jubilant anti-Berlusconi activists celebrated in Rome on Monday night when the poll results began to show a resounding defeat for him.

Yet no one is predicting Berlusconi's immediate downfall. His formidable political survival skills have been considerably abetted by the disarray of the opposition against him, which analysts say has kept him in power almost by default.

Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Prosecutor+speaks+Berlusconi+trial/4942780/story.html#ixzz1PJQVDckh

We're extremely disappointed that 10 weeks of tough negotiations has not resulted in a new agreement that we can take back to our membership," said Lewenza in a press release. "This strike is unfortunate - not only for our members, but also for Air Canada passengers who may be inconvenienced."

Meanwhile, Friesen said morale is good and he expects to be out for a while.

¡°We have been prepared for this for a long time and we are also prepared to go the long haul,¡± said Friesen, a 32-year employee at Air Canada. ¡°We don¡¯t really have a choice because frankly we can¡¯t back down on this issue ¡­ it¡¯s too important.¡±

Friesen is disappointed that Air Canada seems unprepared to make any movement on the issue of pensions.

¡°A few years ago Air Canada made us make concession after concession with the promise our pensions wouldn¡¯t be touched and now look at what they are going after,¡± said Friesen. ¡°We aren¡¯t giving in even if it means months on the picket line.¡±

CAW Local 2002 represents 3,800 members across the country who work in customer service and sales in major airports and call centres. If you are flying with air Canada anytime soon, visit the website for updates at www.aircanada.com.

Read more: http://www.richmond-news.com/Canada+workers+picket+airport/4945030/story.html#ixzz1PJPPerBV

LONDON ¡ª Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi faced fresh political uncertainty Tuesday after suffering a crushing loss at the polls that will make it more difficult for the longtime leader to keep his fragile government intact.

In two days of balloting Sunday and Monday, voters overwhelmingly rejected key elements of Berlusconi's agenda in four referendums, including a plan to revive nuclear power and a measure to help Berlusconi and other legally embattled officials delay court proceedings against them.

It was the first time in 16 years that Italians overturned government policies by national referendum, which requires a voter turnout of more than 50 per cent to come into force. Not only was that threshold easily crossed, but more than 90 per cent of those who cast ballots did so against the government.

The result was further evidence that Italians have soured on their flamboyant leader, whose failure to jump-start a stalled economy and whose legal troubles, including charges that he paid for sex with a minor, have badly tarnished his reputation. Two weeks ago, Berlusconi and his center-right coalition suffered a humiliating defeat in local elections _ even in his own hometown, Milan, where he had explicitly portrayed the vote for mayor as a judgment on himself.

"A slap hurts but sometimes brings you to your senses," Interior Minister Roberto Maroni said Tuesday, according to La Stampa newspaper.

Maroni belongs to the Northern League, partner to Berlusconi's People of Freedom party in the ruling coalition, without whose support the premier would have no majority in parliament.

Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Prosecutor+speaks+Berlusconi+trial/4942780/story.html#ixzz1PJMgIMdW

Regarding the article (May 18) discussing the gay marriage ban in North Carolina:

This country has laws against discrimination. They are based on treating everyone the same; therefore, you cannot ban gay marriage based on the Bible.

Heterosexual marriages are not stopped based on the Christian Bible. You do not have to be Christian to get legally married in the United States. All other religions and any heterosexual atheist, agnostic or Satan-wor

Regarding the article (May 18) discussing the gay marriage ban in North Carolina:

This country has laws against discrimination. They are based on treating everyone the same; therefore, you cannot ban gay marriage based on the Bible.

Heterosexual marriages are not stopped based on the Christian Bible. You do not have to be Christian to get legally married in the United States. All other religions and any heterosexual atheist, agnostic or Satan-worshiping couples can go to the courthouse, get a license and get married.

As long as the Bible is not a determining factor for everyone else who gets married, then it should not be used to ban gay marriages.

This does not mean that any church that chooses not to support the marriages has to perform them. They do have a choice about their own belief of the Christian faith.

Andy Ralston-Asumendi
Greensboro

shiping couples can go to the courthouse, get a license and get married.

As long as the Bible is not a determining factor for everyone else who gets married, then it should not be used to ban gay marriages.

This does not mean that any church that chooses not to support the marriages has to perform them. They do have a choice about their own belief of the Christian faith.

Andy Ralston-Asumendi
Greensboro

Regarding the article (May 18) discussing the gay marriage ban in North Carolina:

This country has laws against discrimination. They are based on treating everyone the same; therefore, you cannot ban gay marriage based on the Bible.

Heterosexual marriages are not stopped based on the Christian Bible. You do not have to be Christian to get legally married in the United States. All other religions and any heterosexual atheist, agnostic or Satan-wor

Regarding the article (May 18) discussing the gay marriage ban in North Carolina:

This country has laws against discrimination. They are based on treating everyone the same; therefore, you cannot ban gay marriage based on the Bible.

Heterosexual marriages are not stopped based on the Christian Bible. You do not have to be Christian to get legally married in the United States. All other religions and any heterosexual atheist, agnostic or Satan-worshiping couples can go to the courthouse, get a license and get married.

As long as the Bible is not a determining factor for everyone else who gets married, then it should not be used to ban gay marriages.

This does not mean that any church that chooses not to support the marriages has to perform them. They do have a choice about their own belief of the Christian faith.

Andy Ralston-Asumendi
Greensboro

shiping couples can go to the courthouse, get a license and get married.

As long as the Bible is not a determining factor for everyone else who gets married, then it should not be used to ban gay marriages.

This does not mean that any church that chooses not to support the marriages has to perform them. They do have a choice about their own belief of the Christian faith.

Andy Ralston-Asumendi
Greensboro

One of the railings pierced her stomach and shoulder and it took rescuers more than two hours to cut her free. They praised her courage.

She was taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) with part of the railing still in her body.

Keith Trotter of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "She is an incredibly brave young lady who showed extraordinary courage.

"Her parents were there throughout so that helped her, but she was very, very brave indeed."

Weight supported

Mr Trotter said the rescue operation was delicate for the three crews in attendance.

He added: "Due to the nature of the impalement it was a very difficult operation in as much as the crews had to support her weight throughout.

"The little girl could not be laid down so the crews had to carry her in the same position all the way to the ambulance which was about 250ft away. That was the closest it could get."

The railing has now been removed and the girl is said to be responding well to treatment.