29/10/2009

Ex-Taoiseach Backed For Euro Presidency

The Green Party leader John Gormley has given his support to former Taoiseach John Bruton to become President of the European Council.

Mr Bruton, who is 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.

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

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.

However, a number of high profile candidates are already vying for the high profile position.

Yesterday, Gordon Brown said he would be "very happy" to support a bid by his predecessor Tony Blair to be the first president of the European Council.

Meanwhile, Luxembourg PM Jean-Claude Juncker has also declared himself a candidate.

(DW/BMcC)

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