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Blair 'is EU president candidate' Blair 'is EU president candidate'
(20 minutes later)
Ex-prime minister Tony Blair is the UK candidate for president of the European Council, Europe Minister Baroness Kinnock has apparently confirmed.Ex-prime minister Tony Blair is the UK candidate for president of the European Council, Europe Minister Baroness Kinnock has apparently confirmed.
At a briefing for journalists in Strasbourg, Lady Kinnock said the UK was supporting Mr Blair for one of the most powerful posts in the EU.At a briefing for journalists in Strasbourg, Lady Kinnock said the UK was supporting Mr Blair for one of the most powerful posts in the EU.
Asked if this had been discussed with Mr Blair, she said the government "would not do that without asking him".Asked if this had been discussed with Mr Blair, she said the government "would not do that without asking him".
The post depends on Irish backing of the Lisbon Treaty in a referendum.The post depends on Irish backing of the Lisbon Treaty in a referendum.
But this is the first time a UK government minister has publicly announced Tony Blair is a candidate for the job.But this is the first time a UK government minister has publicly announced Tony Blair is a candidate for the job.
Previously, ministers have said that as there was at present no job, any talk of supporting a specific candidate was premature.Previously, ministers have said that as there was at present no job, any talk of supporting a specific candidate was premature.
Lady Kinnock went on to say Mr Blair had the "strength of character" and "status" to take on the job.Lady Kinnock went on to say Mr Blair had the "strength of character" and "status" to take on the job.
She added: "People know who he is, and he could step into this new role with a lot of respect and he would be generally welcomed."She added: "People know who he is, and he could step into this new role with a lot of respect and he would be generally welcomed."
Later, an official emphasised that the Irish Republic has yet to hold its referendum on the Treaty. Later, an official emphasised that the Irish Republic had yet to hold its referendum on the Treaty.
But the official added that if and when the treaty came into force and Mr Blair decides run as a candidate, Mr Blair would have government support. But the official added that if and when the treaty came into force and Mr Blair decided to run as a candidate, he would have government support.