IT is becoming less likely that Tony Blair will become president of the European Council despite Gordon Brown coming out in glowing support of his former rival.

Ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, which would create the post, is moving ever closer and, if we are to have a president, it needs to be a big-hitter.

It is a position which demands someone with a global standing and, although a decade as Britain’s Prime Minister has undoubtedly robbed him of much of his popularity in this country, Mr Blair fits the presidential bill in many ways.

He remains a popular figure in America and that influence would surely be useful to Europe And despite David Cameron’s protestations, an authoritative British voice as Europe’s president would be good for this country, no matter which party ends up in power.

The stumbling block for Mr Blair, of course, is Iraq.

A war which was opposed by significant European neighbours, is a shadow hanging over his time as Prime Minister, and it is now a shadow hanging over his suitability for a new role at the heart of Europe.

It is a strong relationship with Barack Obama that Europe wants and Mr Blair is dogged by his strong relationship with the President’s discredited predecessor.

The lack of support from European socialist leaders for Mr Blair as a candidate is deafening.

For all that we believe it would ultimately have been a good move for Britain, we cannot see Tony Blair becoming Europe’s president.