MEPS back Robinson for top EU job

Mary Robinson is being backed as a candidate for the new role of President of the European Council.

A group of 30 MEPs from around the 27 member states have come together calling for the former Irish president to be "seriously considered" for the position.

It comes as European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso continues to call for more female nominees for the top EU jobs.

Portuguese MEP Ana Gomes said Mrs Robinson was a "principled, experienced and able" politician.

"We need an inspiring and principled figure at the top of the European Union," Ms Gomes said.

"Otherwise this Union will just muddle through and will not take advantage of the opportunities that the Lisbon Treaty opens to it."