1 - Blair is widely unpopular in France: associated with Iraq war, Bush's poodle, neo-lib deregulation push and the financial stink bomb that exploded in the City of London was grown on his watch.

With all the furor Re Prince Jean and other contentious issues, Sarkozy does need a Blair support controversy like he needs a hole in the head.

2 - Blair as "President of Europe" would simply steal the limelight from Sarkozy. Intolerable.