Gormley backs Bruton for EU presidency job

Green Party leader John Gormley has given his support to former Taoiseach John Bruton in his bid to become president of the European Council.

The new job is due to be created under the Lisbon Treaty.

Mr Bruton, the current EU Ambassador to Washington, has declared his interest in the position and has written to the US-based ambassadors from all 27 EU member states seeking the support of their governments.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has also been lobbying hard for the job, despite the fact that he has not publicly declared his candidacy.

Speaking in Dublin this morning, Mr Gormley said he believed Mr Bruton would be ideal for the post given his excellent work in Europe and the high esteem in which he is held within the EU.