Romano Prodi, who defeated Silvio Berlusconi in two elections and was twice
brought down by his own allies, says he is "finished with Italian
politics" and possibly with all politics

(EU) ROME, ITALY (FILE - JANUARY 22, 2008) (REUTERS) - Italy's caretaker prime minister, Romano Prodi, said on Sunday
(March 9) that he has finished with Italian politics.
    The centre-left leader ,who resigned in January after defections from
his coalition, has been marginalised in the current campaign for mid-April
elections.
    His successor as head of the Democratic Party, the candidate for prime
minister Walter Veltroni, has distanced himself from Prodi's turbulent 20
months in office and the media depicts the 68-year-old Prodi, former president
of the European Commission, as an isolated figure.
    But, Prodi put a brave face on the apparent end to his political
career, telling reporters: "The future? The future is always
beautiful" he said answering questions of a Sky Italia reporter who
surprised him during an afternoon walk in his native Bologna.
    "I am finished with Italian politics and possibly with politics in
general". Prodi said. "The world is full of opportunities but also
of duties" he added.
    Prodi will go on as Italy's caretaker prime minister until Italians
return to the polls on April 13 to choose a new political majority.