Yes there needs to be controls on Captains, but that doesn't mean building ships without engines.  And your argument that the engine shapes the captain is a bit weird. The proposed Engine in this case is the Lisbon constitutional structure of the EU.  The question of who gets the top job is an entirely distinct question.  Blair might even have had himself in mind for the job.  That doesn't mean he will get it, and indeed, makes it no more likely that he will get it.

We could write an entire diary on the ship of state metaphor for constitutional reform.  Most politicians are better suited for sailing boats as they just go wherever the wind blows tacking from left to right all the while.  Blair fancied a luxury cruise liner with all his rich buddies on board.  The neocons wanted a battle ship they could base their missiles on.  I'd be happy with a  hard working feighter keeping the economies ticking over - using solar/wind energy, of course!

notes from no w here