Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Blair Set to Become First European President

Ex-PM expected to become President Blair if Irish pass treaty

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 2, 2009 6:02 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Tony Blair could be installed as Europe's first-ever president within weeks if Ireland, in voting today, approves the treaty creating the job. Nicolas Sarkozy believes Blair is the best man for the job, sources tell the Times. Angela Merkel initially believed the job should go to somebody from a country that has adopted the euro, but sources say the German leader will get behind Blair if Germany is offered some top jobs in the European Commission.

The Lisbon Treaty has already been ratified by 24 of the EU's 27 states. Remaining holdouts Poland and the Czech Republic are expected to fall into line quickly if Ireland votes yes. Blair's support is fairly solid in Europe, although he has denied that he is campaigning for the presidency. "There is no campaign," a Blair spokesman said in July. "As we have said time and again on this, there is nothing to be a candidate for since the job doesn't actually exist."

Middle East Envoy Tony Blair smiles as he addresses the media after a meeting at the EU Commission headquarters
Middle East Envoy Tony Blair smiles as he addresses the media after a meeting at the EU Commission headquarters   (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
British Prime Minister Tony Blair gestures while speaking during a media conference at an EU summit in Brussels,
British Prime Minister Tony Blair gestures while speaking during a media conference at an EU summit in Brussels,   (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
Yes posters urging voters to vote on the Lisbon Treaty in Dublin, Ireland, yesterday.
Yes posters urging voters to vote on the Lisbon Treaty in Dublin, Ireland, yesterday.   (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
Tony Blair speaks after receiving a $1 million Dan David Prize in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, May 17, 2009.
Tony Blair speaks after receiving a $1 million Dan David Prize in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, May 17, 2009.   (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
JackieBrown
Oct 3, 2009 6:05 AM CDT
cock-sucker
Fondue
Oct 2, 2009 12:45 PM CDT
You positive about that? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E... --- The UK, that's where Blair is from, has been a member state since 1973.
divetrader
Oct 2, 2009 12:36 PM CDT
Wow! TB can be Prez of a union he is not even a member of. Are those people insane? I guess it wasn't bad enough that TB played sidekick to Bush. Now they must want him to take down all the other countries.

 
Tony Blair • European Union • Ireland • European Commission • Lisbon Treaty • EU president

More Newser Stories

'Serious' Hack Strikes EU on Eve of Summit

Irish Lawmakers OK $90B Bailout—Barely

As Crises Spread, Europe Scrambles for an Answer

EU Antitrust Regulators Target Google

EU Agrees to $113B Ireland Bailout
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne