Taoiseach recommends Barroso to replace Prodi

The Taoiseach is to propose the name of Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Barroso for the position of President of the EU Commission.

Prime Minister Barroso is expected to take the job when the EU Council of Ministers meet in Brussels this Tuesday.

If he accepts the role he will succeed the outgoing President of the Commission Romano Prodi.

Last week in Brussels, EU Ministers could agree on a new EU constitution but could not on a successor for Romano Prodi to head up the all-powerful European Commission.

After endless phone calls during the week the Taoiseach in his role as head of the European Commission believed he found a candidate who is acceptable to the rest of Europe.

The name that has emerged as the Portuguese Prime Minster Jose Barroso has now the overwhelming support of the EU Prime Ministers.

His name will be formally proposed at a council meeting on Tuesday in Brussels, bringing an end to a long search for an acceptable candidate in wrapping up a successful Irish presidency of the European Union.