EU: And only for Rocco Buttiglione, it could have been a perfect day, writes Paddy Agnew in Rome
In more ways than one, Italy finds itself centre stage for an important moment in European Union history when the leaders of the 25 EU member-countries come together at Rome's Campidoglio (town hall) square this morning for the formal signing of the new European constitutional treaty.
In the run-up to today's showpiece event, one that comes under the aegis of the grandi eventi (important events) legislation expressly enacted by the government of media tycoon Mr Silvio Berlusconi, organisers had been worried that autumnal rain might spoil their best-laid photo-opportunity plans.
In reality, of course, political storms of a more virtual nature up in Brussels have threatened to take the shine off carefully choreographed sartorial elegance.
Preparations for today's historic ceremony have been thorough. A 7,000-strong security force will be on hand while central Rome will be closed off to all but residents and those officially accredited.
The Circus Maximus, once the scene of Ben Hur-style chariot racing, will today function as a heliport for the many helicopters that will transport dignitaries in and out of the Eternal City. The city itself will be a "no-fly" zone, prompting cancellations and timetable changes to commercial traffic.
Even old Father Tiber has been subjected to the indignity of a thorough overhaul by police divers, while everything from rubbish bins to manhole covers in the centro storico have been lifted, moved and generally checked out.
As for the ceremony itself, expected to cost €9 million, Mr Berlusconi has engaged the talents of his political comrade-in-arms, film director Franco Zeffirelli, as well as those of his favourite art director, Mario Catalano, a man associated with a number of highly successful Italian TV variety shows. In particular, an estimated €3.5 million has been spent on a restoration of the famous Sala Orazi e Curiazi where the 25 leaders, including the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, will sign the new constitution.
Were it not for Mr Rocco Buttiglione, the Italian Commissioner-designate whose conservative Catholic views on homosexuality and women have prompted the ire of sections of the European Parliament, this should have been a perfect day.
It should have been the day when Italy underlined its role as a founding member of the European Union by staging this ceremony in exactly the same Campidoglio where six countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and Luxemburg) signed the original Treaty of Rome in November 1957.
Mr Berlusconi, a man with a sharp eye for a good televisual moment, has worked hard to ensure that this event came "home" to Rome today.
The Buttiglione row, however, may partly spoil the day. Certainly the 25 leaders will not be short of a conversation topic as they sit around waiting for their turn to sign.
Although Italy formally confirmed yesterday that Mr Buttiglione remained its nominee as incoming Commissioner, diplomatic and media sources were speculating that, in the end, Mr Berlusconi may withdraw his controversial candidate, opting for a replacement.
Former EU commissioners Emma Bonino and Mario Monti, former Foreign Minister Gianni De Michelis, current Foreign Minister Franco Frattini, former Berlusconi government Finance Minister Giulio Tremonti and Lombardy regional president Mr Roberto Formigoni are among those allegedly in line to substitute Mr Buttiglione.
Who said rain was the only possible problem today?