Sydney, Apr 15 : Known for his reputation with the ladies, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi recently made another gaffe when he told a female doctor that he "wouldn''t mind being resuscitated by her."

Berlusconi met Dr. Fabiola Carrieri, an intensive care specialist from Milan, during a visit to Abruzzo earthquake survivor camps.

"I wouldn''t mind being resuscitated by you," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted him as saying.

Carrieri, however, defended the premier's comment and said that Berlusconi was simply being "gallant" and trying to take the "drama" out of the situation, according to reports by London''s The Times.

She responded to the PM's comments by saying she hoped that she would never have to resuscitate him.

Carrieri also said that Berlusconi gave a glimpse of a similar gallantry with another female patient whose husband was sitting at her bedside, saying he hoped she got better soon "so I can ask you to dance with me."

"(He was) trying to raise a smile in the middle of all the sorrow we have all around us," said Carrieri.

Ever since Berlusconi has made the remarks, Carrieri has become an instant celebrity, and Italian newspapers are going gaga over her "long red hair and big blue eyes."

Last week, Berlusconi hit the headlines when he suggested that the tens of thousands left homeless by the earthquake should think that they were on a camping trip. (ANI)