March 7 (Bloomberg) -- Wanted: current or former prime minister to become first full-time European Union president. Must be committed to strengthening EU's global clout without stealing the limelight from EU government leaders.
In other words: Tony Blair need not apply.
Blair, 54, is weighing a bid for EU president, a job set to be created next year. The same questions raised about his 10 years as U.K. leader -- doubts about his EU loyalties, the legacy of Iraq, allegations of showmanship -- dog his European career prospects.
``I don't think he would be the right character,'' says Enrique Baron Crespo of Spain, a former EU Parliament president. A Stop Blair! campaign organized by a Paris investment banker has gathered 24,000 signatures.
The debate goes beyond personalities. It's about whether Britain is serious about leading in the 27-nation EU or abdicates that role to pro-EU continental nations. It's also about whether the EU can overcome its divisions and become an international force to be reckoned with.
President Blair ``would be a bad idea,'' says Jerome Guillet, the Stop Blair! founder. ``He promised that he would bring Britain into Europe and he didn't even try. And the invasion and occupation of Iraq is a pretty bad symbol for Europe, which is built on peace.''
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http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aZV.CYwUHDoY&refer=news
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