Britain would back Blair for EU president job

By Matt Falloon

LONDON (Reuters) - The government would back former Prime Minister Tony Blair if he were to stand for the job of president of the European Union, his successor's spokesman said on Wednesday.

The comments came after media quoted Europe minister Glenys Kinnock as saying Blair was expected to seek the post.

The new role is due to be created as part of reforms under the Lisbon Treaty, which has yet to come into force largely due to public resistance in Ireland.

The treaty, which aims to give the 27-member bloc stronger leadership, fairer decision making and more of a say on the world stage, could be ratified later this year.

"It's the prime minister's view that Tony Blair would be a good candidate for any big international job," Prime Minister Gordon Brown's spokesman told reporters.

"If Tony Blair decides to stand as president of the European Council, once that job has been created, then of course we will support him."

There has been long-standing speculation that Blair would seek the role. It resurfaced again on Wednesday after comments from Europe minister Kinnock in Strasbourg.

"The UK government is supporting Tony Blair's candidature for president of the Council," the BBC quoted her as saying at a briefing. "It is the government's position. I am sure they would not do that without asking him."