Blair may leave post for EU presidency
British minister confirms UK sees current Quartet envoy to Middle East as its candidate to lead European Union. Move depends on ratification of Lisbon Treaty this fall, consent of European nations
The Quartet's envoy to the Middle East, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, has been selected as the UK's official candidate for the EU presidency. The confirmation of the report was attributed to Britain's Europe Minister, Lady Kinnock.
The post itself does not exist yet, and will only be established if the Lisbon Treaty is ratified by all EU nations. Ireland, which previously rejected the treaty, is to hold a second referendum in early October.
British media quoted Lady Kinnock as saying the UK government "is supporting Tony Blair's candidature for president of the Council." Speaking at a briefing in Strasbourg, Kinnock was also asked whether the matter had been discussed with Blair. "It is the government's position. I am sure they would not do that without asking him," she answered.
This is the first time a British minister has publicly acknowledged the government's support for Blair's candidacy. Ministers have previously said there was little point in discussing candidates for a position not yet in existence.
Lady Kinnock cited Blair's "strength of character" and "status" in explaining why he was considered Britain's top choice for the presidency. "People know who he is, and he could step into this new role with
a lot of respect and he would be generally welcomed."
Blair himself has not commented on the reports.
The London Times is reporting that Blair has already garnered the support of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende. In the past French President Nicolas Sarkozy has also been counted as a Blair supporter, but recent reports in France indicate that the president now favors former Spanish Prime Minister Felipe Gonzalez.
