Bruton moves closer to securing EU job in Washington

Incoming European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso has reportedly expressed his support for the appointment of former Taoiseach John Bruton as EU Ambassador to Washington.

Reports this morning said Mr Barroso told the commission earlier this month that he would be happy to see the job go to Mr Bruton.

The former Fine Gael leader already has the support of current EC president Romano Prodi, as well as British commissioners Chris Patten and Neil Kinnock.

However, his appointment to the EU job in Washington must be ratified by the entire Commission, which could reportedly be done by as early as next week.