Franco Frattini, Italy's Foreign Minister, delivered a second setback when he said that the choice of future president should be "unanimous and the result of consensus" among the 27 EU member states. Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian Prime Minister, who will not make tomorrow's summit after contracting scarlet fever, had indicated he favoured Mr Blair. "That's true," Mr Frattini added. "But the entry into the fray of Mr Juncker and why not [Dutch Prime Minister Jan-Peter] Balkenende changes the picture."
That's been my argument in latest comments here. The Big Three already had this agreement, voting will be done in secrecy during bargaining for all positions of the new EU Commission. To preserve unity, it's not going to be Tony Blair. His high profile will work to his disadvantage with Sarkozy, Merkel and in the end with Brown also. No one wants Blair reinstated in another 5 year haul with all benefits and expenses paid.
"But I will not let myself be reduced to silence."
