President Blair

With the Irish referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon likely to result in a 'yes' vote, the European Union looks set to undergo a major transformation that could turn it into a more centralised political entity.

The Treaty of Lisbon is a kind of Constitution that theoretically gives Europe a united foreign policy, army and significantly enlarges the reach of European institutions. It also gives Europe a President, elected for a two and a half year term.

The frontrunner for the President's job, even though he has still not declared his intention to run, is none other than Tony Blair.

This article in the Daily Telegraph, a right wing British newspaper, provides an interesting analysis of how a Blair Presidency could change Europe.

Obviously, Tony Blair would have an easier time generating media coverage than any other candidate, but I'm not sure that I buy in to the idea that electing Tony Blair as President would instantly establish Europe as a world player. Tony Blair may be famous, but he has many ennemies (see Irak War) and, sadly, he certainly hasn't made headlines as peace envoy of the 'Quartet' to the Middle-East. The way I see it, it's a risk, but maybe taking a risk is just what Europe needs.