HELLO TONY?

One potentially scary side effect from the referendum vote in Ireland (today) that's being touted by the UK Media, is the distinct possibility that ex PM, ex MP - Tony Blair could be proclaimed Europe's first President within weeks if the Irish people decide to vote "yes" in today's referendum.

With stories in the UK Media suggesting that French President Sarkozy believes that Tony Blair is the best candidate and suggestions that Angela Merkel has changed her mind to favour Blair - the Times has suggested that, following a 'YES' vote that the former PM could be bounced into the EU's top position at a summit meeting on October 29th.

There are other consequences closer to home for the Tories, if the Irish people ratify the Lisbon treaty - the result which will be declared on Saturday (3rd October) then only the signatures of the Polish and Czech presidents will be absent preventing a full ratification of the Treaty. The Poles may be expected to jump on board quite quickly, but the Czechs may want a few more tasty sweeteners to induce them to sign up.

There's more... the Irish result also puts the Tories in a difficult position, as David Cameron remains publicly committed to holding a referendum on the treaty - but what will Cameron do if Brown signs up to the Treaty prior to the next Westminster General Election?

So once again the question is Will he hold a referendum, if the Treaty is ratified before any Westminster election, because he will then have to renegotiate the UK's relationship within the EU, and he may have to do it by negotiating with Tony Blair (who might be EU President)...