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Blair's Path to EU Helm Grows Clearer

If Irish approve Lisbon treaty, ex-PM in line for newly created position

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted May 22, 2009 11:53 AM CDT
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(Newser) – If Ireland votes yes on the Lisbon treaty, officially creating the role of EU president, Tony Blair is looking more and more like the man for the job. Not that the former UK prime minister has publicly expressed any interest—he's remained tactfully silent—but he has pockets of support and a dwindling list of rivals, writes David Charter in the Times of London.

Blair's "role as Middle East envoy has gone some way to restoring his reputation after his support for the invasion of Iraq angered many Europeans," Charter observes. Nicolas Sarkozy openly supports Blair, as do Silvio Berlusconi and Blair successor Gordon Brown. But Angela Merkel might not be thrilled with an attention-grabbing EU leader. Depending on how the Germans vote this fall, she might be free to challenge Blair herself.

Luxembourg's Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker was considered a front-runner for the EU presidency, but with Juncker's recent tiff with Nicolas Sarkozy, his chances dropped.
Luxembourg's Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker was considered a front-runner for the EU presidency, but with Juncker's recent tiff with Nicolas Sarkozy, his chances dropped.   (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, May 14, 2009, before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Middle East peace.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, May 14, 2009, before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Middle East peace.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
One of the biggest supporters for Tony Blair as EU president is French leader Nicolas Sarkozy.
One of the biggest supporters for Tony Blair as EU president is French leader Nicolas Sarkozy.   (AP Photo/Philippe Wojazer, pool)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
cochiserocks
Aug 9, 2009 11:26 AM CDT
Blaire has done absolutely nothing in his role as 'Middle East envoy'. Why? It takes more than photo op's, cheesy smiles and an overinflated ego to sort out - that's why.

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Tony Blair • Angela Merkel • European Union • Nicolas Sarkozy • Gordon Brown • Ireland • Silvio Berlusconi • Lisbon Treaty • EU president

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