Blair to be named EU President 'within weeks' if Irish ratify Lisbon Treaty.

Another great reason to vote 'NO'



Blair to be named EU President 'within weeks' if Irish ratify Lisbon Treaty.

[link to www.dailymail.co.uk]

Tony Blair is set to become EU President within weeks if Ireland votes 'Yes' in its referendum on the Lisbon Treaty tomorrow.

The former prime minister's candidacy for the new post will be rushed through as quickly as possible, according to government sources.

Mr Blair is among the favourites to become the first President of the European Union, a role that is chosen by the EU's 27 leaders and not by voters.

Such an appointment would restore him to the world stage as well as boost his long-term income.

Mr Blair has refused to rule himself in or out of the running, but did say that 'it is good to have fans' for a possible candidacy.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has given his full support to a Blair bid. When French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner was asked yesterday if Mr Blair was the only real candidate, he said: 'For the moment, indeed.'

The post of President cannot exist until the Lisbon Treaty is formally ratified by all member states and officials across Europe would scramble to move forward this weekend if Ireland votes 'Yes' on Friday.

Yesterday Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen ruled out a third referendum on the Lisbon Treaty if the controversial charter is rejected again.

As both sides in the debate made their final pleas to voters Mr Cowen warned a second and final defeat would plunge the EU into uncertainty.

Read more: [link to www.dailymail.co.uk]