Presidency job to dominate EU summit in Brussels

Taoiseach Brian Cowen is in Brussels today for the start of a two-day EU summit that is expected to be dominated by informal discussions on the new job of EU president.

The issue is not on the agenda for the summit, which will officially discuss climate change and financial regulation.

However, the job of European Council president, which is due to be created by the Lisbon Treaty, is likely to be on everybody's lips.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been lobbying for the position for some time, despite still not publicly declaring his candidacy.

Former Taoiseach John Bruton, who is currently the EU Ambassador to Washington, has also declared his interest in the position.