DUP MEP Diane Dodds has stated her opposition to Tony Blair taking up the position of ‘President’ of the European Union, if the post is created post-Lisbon. Commenting as speculation mounts of a Blair candidacy and as European heads of government meet in Brussels, Mrs. Dodds said:
"The creation of the post of EU President, brought about by the Lisbon Treaty, is yet another example of Europe bestowing upon itself the trappings of sovereign governance. Undoubtedly this post will bring about a concerted effort to grab more power away from national government and centralise power to Brussels, endangering our ability to determine our own national foreign policy. Such a move I vehemently oppose and believe to be against the wishes of the British people.
For people in the United Kingdom, and particularly in Northern Ireland, the thought of Tony Blair holding such a position is nauseating. Here in Ulster we remember the plethora of broken pledges and the scant regard he appeared to have for what is right or wrong. Speculation that Blair will only take the position if it has real and meaningful power shows that his intent is to enhance the role of Brussels, taking more power away from member states. Yet again Blair is showing is readiness to ignore what is in our best interests in his desire for self glorification.
My hope is that the personal ambition of Tony Blair is foiled by the downfall of the Lisbon Treaty. Therefore it is incumbent upon the Conservative Party to give a clear indication that they will hold a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty if they are elected to form the next government. They may voice opposition to Blair as President, but actions speak louder than words. Without such a guarantee, they are complicit to the elevation of Tony Blair to such a post, and to the further erosion of our sovereign power at Westminster."
