Van Rompuy clinches the EU presidency

By Arnold Bhebhe

Little known Belgian Prime Minister Van Rompuy has dashed the hopes of Tony Blair by landing the newly created post of EU president .

Britain’s former prime minister had been touted as a strong candidate for the role, but the 62-year-old Belgian will now be called on to bolster the EU’s standing in world affairs and help it match the meteoric rise of emerging powers such as China.

Baroness Catherine Ashton, who is also relatively unknown, was named Foreign Affairs Chief of the bloc to ensure Britain was not left empty-handed as appointments were made under the Lisbon Treaty.

Baroness Ashton (53) said: “I believe my experience will speak for itself. Am I an ego on legs? No I am not. Do I want to be seen out there saying everything all the time? No, I don’t. Judge me on what I do and I think you will be pleased with the outcome.”

Rompuy, a Flemish Christian Democrat in power for less than a year has been credited with hauling his country from the brink of disintergration following tensions between its Dutch speaking and French speaking populations.

In his acceptance speech, Van Rompuy said his areas of immediate concern were climate change and high unemployment adding: “I will consider everyone’s interests and sensitivities. Even if our unity is our strength, our diversity remains our wealth.”

Previously, a logjam had emerged within the bloc with Gordon Brown the British Premier lobbying for Tony Blair his predecessor and that was only removed when he withdrew amid pressure from other EU heads of state.

On going to press,the Scottish National Party and Labour had not responded to questions what their positions are regarding the appointment of Van Rompuy to the EU presidency instead of Tony Blair, and what the implications were regarding devolution in the UK and aspirations for Scottish independence.

The tenure of the £250,000 per annum presidency lasts 2 1/2 years.