A Belgian federalist and a former chairwoman of Hertfordshire Health Authority were ushered into Europe's two grandest jobs last night as it stumbled on to the world stage. The European Union's 27 leaders balked at the chance to have Tony Blair as their president, preferring not to be overshadowed. In a stitch-up between the two big blocs of the EU, the Centre Right fell in behind Herman Van Rompuy, the Belgian Prime Minister, to take that job. The centre-left Socialist leaders backed Baroness Ashton of Upholland, Britain's Trade Commissioner, to be the first High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, as well as vice-president for external affairs. The deal went through swiftly at a dinner of EU heads and the expected marathon session never materialised. The deadlock was broken when Gordon Brown abandoned his support for Mr Blair at a meeting of Socialist leaders before the summit.
A Belgian federalist and a former chairwoman of Hertfordshire Health Authority were ushered into Europe's two grandest jobs last night as it stumbled on to the world stage.
The European Union's 27 leaders balked at the chance to have Tony Blair as their president, preferring not to be overshadowed. In a stitch-up between the two big blocs of the EU, the Centre Right fell in behind Herman Van Rompuy, the Belgian Prime Minister, to take that job.
The centre-left Socialist leaders backed Baroness Ashton of Upholland, Britain's Trade Commissioner, to be the first High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, as well as vice-president for external affairs.
The deal went through swiftly at a dinner of EU heads and the expected marathon session never materialised. The deadlock was broken when Gordon Brown abandoned his support for Mr Blair at a meeting of Socialist leaders before the summit.
