The appointment as a little-known peer to become Europe's first "foreign minister" stunned and dismayed many in Westminster today, prompting a barrage of briefing against Britain's most senior female politician. Gordon Brown looks likely to draw little credit from his Labour colleagues for installing Baroness Ashton of Upholland, the EU trade commissioner who has never held elected office, into the post of High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security. "To think that we wanted Blair and we ended up with Cathy Ashton. It's such an indictment of Gordon," said one member of the government hours after the appointment was announced. Lady Ashton emerged from the pack after European Socialist leaders confirmed their veto of Tony Blair but said that Britain could have the second job instead. As part of the horse trading Herman Van Rumpoy, the centre right's choice to be president, was given a virtual clear run once leaders sat down for dinner last night.
The appointment as a little-known peer to become Europe's first "foreign minister" stunned and dismayed many in Westminster today, prompting a barrage of briefing against Britain's most senior female politician.
Gordon Brown looks likely to draw little credit from his Labour colleagues for installing Baroness Ashton of Upholland, the EU trade commissioner who has never held elected office, into the post of High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security.
"To think that we wanted Blair and we ended up with Cathy Ashton. It's such an indictment of Gordon," said one member of the government hours after the appointment was announced.
Lady Ashton emerged from the pack after European Socialist leaders confirmed their veto of Tony Blair but said that Britain could have the second job instead. As part of the horse trading Herman Van Rumpoy, the centre right's choice to be president, was given a virtual clear run once leaders sat down for dinner last night.
She added: "I hope that my particular set of skills will show that in the end I am the best choice." ... ... Of course there are foreign ministers I haven't met but... I have worked alongside ministers from across the world," she said. "It's not about gathering power, it's about saying as a team we are much more powerful and I will represent that team."
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... Of course there are foreign ministers I haven't met but... I have worked alongside ministers from across the world," she said.
"It's not about gathering power, it's about saying as a team we are much more powerful and I will represent that team."
There's also an 8-minute radio segment from the Today programme. En un viejo país ineficiente, algo así como España entre dos guerras civiles, poseer una casa y poca hacienda y memoria ninguna. -- Gil de Biedma
