Is Tony Blair the right person to be the President of Europe?

The above title is a controversial aspect to consider in acknowledging whether not just Tony BlairTony Blair is the right candidate, but whether he holds the neccesary skills and experience to fulfill this role. This article will reflect on the two sides of the arguement, the pros and cons.

One side of the arguement is to believed that Tony Blair is the right perosn for this position because of experience. It's stating the obvious that Tony Blair is unquestionably politically experienced. With over eight years of experience as Prime Minister of Britain as well as his current incarnations, Mr. Blair can certainly wield his extravagant CV at interview. It's clear that no other candidates has quite the level of credentials that can be displayed by Tony Blair, and therefore, he would be an ideal candidate for this position.

However, to maintain a strong political community would require a strong leader who has the support of most of the population they seek to rule over. With Tony Blair's support for te war on Iraq and his sidelining with George BushGeorge Bush still on European's minds, Blair cannot be said to have this support. He was practically forced out of his own position as Prime Minister of England due to a lack of public support an also the support of his cabinet members.

Another reason why Blair may be suitable for this position is the tipping point. It has often been said, since the foundation of the contemporary EU, that if a foreignpower wants to speak to Europe, wo do they call? Would they call Paris, London, Berlin, Brussels? With an ostensibly legitimate EU president, that would resolve all our issues. If Obama or Putin wishes to call about Iran or energy supplies, Mr.Blair can be the man who answers the phone. And we have no reason to object this because he is experienced in negotiating with the heads of state at the highest level of high politics, and therefore he would be the perfect broker between Europe and America, being seemingly both Pro-European and Pro-American. Whilst his leverage over countries oposed to the illegal war in Iraqmay be significantly diminished, those of the new governments in Europe quickly forget his crimes, as does the new American President. This would then lead to a belief that Mr. Blair would be the ideal candidate to lead the EU in foreign diplomacynd international policy.

Despite this, it was said his only mistakes was Iraq, the repercussions of his "mistakes" are still ongoing. Today an estimated 130 people have been killed and 500 injured in two car bomb attacks in Baghdad. History will never forget George Bush era of dark and troubling timei world politics, Mr Blair is inextricably entwined with this era. Therefore his endorsement of the Iraq war had costed Mr Blair the confidence of the people of Europe. The war was the most damaging political decisiont the EU's foreign policy to date. Destiny will call upon the Leaders of Europe to stand united and make the right choice as most did but tragically Mr Blair didn't.

Despite Tony Blair, there are other possible candidates who could fulfill this position. Mr Jean Claude Juncker, known as the the European "back room dealer" he is the man to go in Brussels if bilateral meetings need adjudication. He is currently the former President of Eurogroup and one of the longest serving executive of any European government.

Another possible candidate is Felipe Gonzalez, the former Spanish Prime Minister who I believe is ready to challenge Blair for presidency and is popular among centre left politicians on the continent. He presided over the modernisation of Spain and it's entry into the Euro. However most importantly, Gonzalez has the backing of Nicolas SarkozyNicolas Sarkozy, after he altered his support for Mr. Blair.

Next possible candidate could be Paavo Lipponen, formerly the Finnish Prime Minister, Lipponen has the desires to become president at his intricate affiliations with the Nord Stream will certainly benefit from having this pariah status. He is emerging as the consensus candidate with few objectors and many abstainers.

Another possible leader could be Aleksander KwasniewskiAleksander Kwasniewski, an outsider given his less than commendary past. The often controversial polish politician can garner much support from the former Soviet Bloc states.

Lastly Bertie AhernBertie Ahern, whilst Mr Ahern's interest in the opposition has wained in recent months, h still has the ability to mount a serious attempt t gain the EU presidency. He will have to gather much support in order to do this, but his personal popularity in Europe among politicians will certainly enhance his position.

All of these potential candidates would be far better suited to the role as EU President compared to Mr.Blair. Promoting a war criminal to head of a nominal population of 500 million people, would be disasterous for the EU's credibility and legitimacy at home and abroad.