Ahern to nominate Belgian PM as new EC president

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is reportedly set to nominate Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt as the next President of the European Commission.

Reports this morning said Mr Ahern would recommend Mr Verhofstadt’s appointment during a meeting with other EU leaders in Brussels tomorrow.

The Taoiseach has given mixed signals in recent weeks about whether or not he himself would be interested in the European Commission post, which is currently held by Romano Prodi.