(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – The idea of Tony Blair becoming president of the European Council is not particularly popular with people in Britain, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 47 per cent of respondents oppose the former British prime minister taking on this role.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – The idea of Tony Blair becoming president of the European Council is not particularly popular with people in Britain, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 47 per cent of respondents oppose the former British prime minister taking on this role.
Blair served as Britain’s prime minister since May 1997, winning majority mandates in the 1997, 2001 and 2005 elections to the House of Commons. In June 2007, Gordon Brown officially became Labour leader and prime minister, replacing Blair. Brown had worked as chancellor of the exchequer.
A new common European body of law, known as the Lisbon Treaty, has been ratified by all of the EU’s 27 members, except Ireland and the Czech Republic. The document’s provisions call for the creation of new posts, such as a foreign policy chief, and a High Representative who will answer to EU governments and serve as vice-president of the European Commission.
Under the terms of the Lisbon Treaty, EU leaders would also choose a president of the European Council for a two and a half year renewable term. This will effectively eliminate the current six-month rotating presidency among member nations. The Lisbon Treaty also provides for the creation of a mutual defence clause, in case one of the member states is attacked.
Several European media outlets have reported that Blair is being considered for the job of European Council president.
On Oct. 14, Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi endorsed Blair, saying, "Tony Blair has got everything it needs to become the first president of the European Council. In agreement with many other heads of government, and heads of state, and in co-ordination with the powers of the European Parliament, my government and I will work to ensure we do not lose a great political legacy."
Polling Data
Under the terms of the Lisbon Treaty, EU leaders will choose a President of the European Council for a two and a half year renewable term. Would you support or oppose Tony Blair becoming president of the European Council?
|
Strongly support |
9% |
|
Moderately support |
23% |
|
Moderately oppose |
12% |
|
Strongly oppose |
35% |
|
Not sure |
20% |
Source: Angus Reid Strategies
Methodology: Online interviews with 2,005 British adults, conducted on Oct. 8 and Oct. 9, 2009. Margin of error is 2.2 per cent.
