Blair V Brown: Part Deux

pete quentin, 22 October 2007

Now that the EU Reform Treaty has been agreed by the member states, speculation has turned to who will be appointed the first permanent “President of Europe”, writes Cem Suleyman. The Reform Treaty proposes that the President of the European Council replaces the existing six month rotating presidency. The President of the European Council will be elected for a fixed two and a half year term, renewable once. He or she will chair the Council meetings, help set the EU agenda and be a figurehead for the EU on the international stage. While key decisions will continue to be taken by the national heads of government, many fear the post is the forerunner to a directly elected President of Europe.

Potential candidates for the post will not be seriously discussed until the Reform Treaty has been ratified by all 27 members. Therefore, assuming all the member states manage to ratify the treaty, a new president will not be confirmed until at least summer 2008.
Nevertheless, speculation that Gordon’s old foe Tony may be a potential candidate has not been welcomed in Downing Street. The prospect of ‘President Blair’ has been stoked by comments made by the newly divorced French President, Nicolas Sarkozy. Speaking at the end of the EU summit in Lisbon, Mr Sarkozy told reporters:
“I saw Tony Blair two nights ago. He is a very remarkable man… he is the most European of Britons … it would be intelligent to think of him.”
When asked if Tony Blair would make a suitable candidate, Gordon Brown replied positively but was careful to mention that Blair was doing work in the Middle East which is of “huge international importance”. Sounds like Brown would be happy to see Blair stay in the Middle East!
Some newspapers have even reported that the French may force Brown to accept Tony Blair as President by nominating Luxembourg’s Prime Minister and arch Euro federalist, Jean-Claude Juncker, as well as Blair. This would leave Brown with little choice but to choose Blair.
Downing Street has been quick to point out that Tony Blair may not want the job and that his appointment may not receive the necessary support from the nation states, due to his divisive role in the Iraq war. Therefore, while it must be made clear that much of what has appeared in the press is speculation and gossip, it is still interesting to think that Brown could once again be foiled by his old enemy.
The possibility of a reunion is especially interesting with a new book detailing the final years of the Blair government. The book claims that with Blair/Brown partnership crumbling, Blair is alleged to have said about his relationship with Brown and the Brownites “I feel like an abused and bullied wife”. What I wouldn’t give to be a fly on the European Council wall should Blair became EU President!