Blair likely to face battle for presidency

Gordon Brown today acknowledged that Tony Blair is likely to face a stiff battle to become the first president of the European Union.

At a press conference to mark the end of the two-day EU summit in Brussels, the British Prime Minister insisted that there had been no formal discussion of the presidency ahead of the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty.

But while he insisted that Mr Blair remained Britain’s choice for the position, he acknowledged that there would be other candidates competing for the post.

“I think I am right to say that Britain has someone in Tony Blair who would make an excellent president of the Council of the European Union. I think there are many people who are members of the council who accept that and believe that to be true,” he said.

“I recognise also that there are many candidates who may come forward, some have already indicated their intention to do so, but I do believe that Tony Blair will remain an excellent candidate.”