British Foreign Secretary David Miliband today condemned Tory opposition to Tony Blair becoming the first president of the European Union.
Mr Miliband said that the former prime minister would be an “excellent choice” for the post and accused the Conservatives of “silly” partisanship in seeking to stand in his way.
Mr Blair’s hopes of taking on the prestigious new role received boost with Taoiseach Brian Cowen declaring that he would be “very supportive” if he were to put his name forward.
The creation of the post of president of the European Council of Ministers under the Lisbon Treaty moved a step closer yesterday with the Yes vote in Ireland’s referendum on treaty ratification.
However the prospect that an incoming Conservative government could be greeted by a President Blair in Brussels has caused dismay among Tories.
Shadow foreign secretary William Hague has already warned that they would be prepared to lobby European capitals to block his appointment.
While stressing that Mr Blair had not yet declared as a candidate, Mr Miliband dismissed the Conservative stance as counter-productive.
"I think he would be an excellent choice, if he decides to put forward his name. What I think is important is that we need a strong person at the head of the European Union," he told Sky News's Sunday Live with Adam Boulton.
“What I do regret actually is the Tories said yesterday that, because of Tony Blair duffing them up at three elections, out of partisanship they would oppose him. That seems to me to be very silly. Surely we should be saying we need the best man or woman for the job.
“If Tony turns out to be a candidate and the best candidate, then surely it is right to say that he is the right man for the job, not because he won three elections against the Tories he is somehow ruled out.
He’d be there as an international statesman, not as Labour Party leader or ex-Labour Party leader.” Meanwhile, Mr Cowen signalled that Mr Blair could expect Irish backing if he did put his name forward.
"Tony is highly respected in this country. He made a wonderful contribution during his premiership in relation to the peace process, providing peace and stability in this country," he told Sunday Live.
PA