He has already decided he will retire as Irish PM in the next couple of years, where his stock has declined precipitously because of a rather dodgy way of handling his personal finances and lack of clarity over same.  However those issues probably don't loom large in a European context (especially amongst his peers on the Council) and they will always prefer to appoint someone from amongst their own number.  

If I was a betting person I would put a large wager on his getting the job of President of the Council as he has a superb record of brokering agreements at that level.  He also has a relatively small ego (for a politician) and would attract none of the negatives that Blair attracts at a personal level, even though he also has a track record of working with the US and not doing anything about renditions etc.

He doesn't speak any European languages and that includes English as far as many people are concerned!  But then diplomats are not always supposed to be intelligible, are they?  I don't think he will inspire Europeans, but he may actually make the EU institutions work more effectively together.

"It's a mystery to me - the game commences, For the usual fee - plus expenses, Confidential information - it's in my diary..."