Robinson candidate for EU presidency

FORMER president Mary Robinson is among a number of high-profile names being tipped to become the first president of the European Union, a position created by the resounding Yes vote in favour of the Lisbon Treaty.

The post of president of the council will be created once the treaty is fully ratified, a prospect looking more likely after the Irish people endorsed it with a 67% Yes vote.

Vice-president of the EU Commission Margot Wallstrom said: “We have started to hear some names and finally I have heard the name of Mary Robinson being mentioned. I am very glad about this.”