Last year, I attended an art history conference at the National Gallery and, whilst enjoying some tea and biscuits, became involved in a discussion with an elderly woman who – upon discovering I was from America – told me exactly what she thought of George Bush and Tony Blair. She said of Mr. Blair, “he’s a disgrace to our nation and a highly unprincipled man.” It is this very sentiment that has unified, according to Time Magazine’s Catherine Mayer, the British Conservatives, French Socialists and feminists, to oppose Mr. Blair’s bid for the European Union Presidency. The former Prime Minister has emerged as the leading candidate to lead the 27-nation confederation, although he has made no public claims about his interest or lack thereof in chairing the European Union.

Tony Blair has become the central candidate for the post ahead of Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende, Jean-Claude Juncker from Luxembourg, and former Irish President, Mary Robinson. His credentials and political background, his supporters argue, make him the ideal candidate for this position. Blair found an avid supporter in French Prime Minister, Nicholas Sarkozy. However, recent reports by the Guardian suggest that support for Blair is sinking. Sarkozy’s enthusiasm for a Blair presidency has waned over the past few months and after a dinner meeting with German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, on October 29th at the Elysée Palace, it appears there is strong preference for a more conservative candidate who would unite the ruling parties of the EU. Italian leader, Silvio Berlusconi – forgetting his own troubles at home – along with Blair’s successor, Gordon Brown remain some of Blair’s most outspoken advocates. Brown disclosed that the EU was at risk of “permanent irrelevance” by denying Blair the post. Perhaps there should be cause for concern when Blair’s support stems from the likes of Berlusconi Brown, and former Irish Premier, Bertie Ahern, while a large majority of the British public is strongly against his appointment. And that is because the populace see severe repercussions for Europe if Mr. Blair is elected President of the EU.

Tony Blair’s very public profile is one that has worked in his favour, as he seeks to become the international face of the EU, but one that has also irked the public. As the Times reported, William Hague disclosed in a meeting with EU ambassadors that Blair “had consistently placed a higher priority on US interests than on those of Europe.” Hague’s statement draws attention to Blair’s visit to Washington to meet the newly-elected U.S. President, making him the first European politician to meet President Obama in the White House. The disastrous war being waged in Iraq and Blair’s close friendship with George Bush- one that is frowned upon by many in Europe- has marred his image and is in stark contrast to the EU’s peaceful nature. Also being called into question is Mr. Blair’s difficult disposition, exemplified by his decision to ignore the electorate and intervene militarily in Iraq and Afghanistan. His veto of Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt’s candidacy for the EU Commission Presidency in 2004, created further hostilities between Britain and Belgium.

A leader many view as a warmonger who should be prosecuted for war crimes will in no way unify Europe. In any case, it will cause a greater rift between Europe’s leaders, as Britain remains ambivalent about adopting the Euro currency and the Schengen passport system. Widespread sentiments about Britain’s euroscepticism will also hinder Blair’s chances of securing the position.

After stepping down as Prime Minister in 2007, Tony Blair has become a Special Envoy working to bring peace to the Middle East. But the question lingers, what significant difference has he contributed to that volatile situation? His work on climate change is yet to be recognised by any institution, and his refusal to acknowledge the Goldstone Report demonstrates his inability to understand the world, and what Jim Holstun calls in The Electronic Intifada, “the business of covering up war crimes.” These are issues that are essential to the EU, which seeks a candidate with actionable policies that tackle climate change, globalisation, immigration, Middle East relations, and the global economy.

As the search continues for an EU President and the issue of the Lisbon Treaty remains unresolved, the EU ambassadors have to severely question whether appointing Tony Blair will be beneficial for Europe as it looks to progress in a rapidly changing world. Since leaving office, Blair’s accomplishments can be measured by the amount of money he has garnered at speaking events and from book deals. His contribution towards European unionisation, political issues, and governance seems to have taken a backseat, along with his limp enthusiasm for his post as Special Envoy to the Middle East. The repercussions of Mr. Blair’s election are to be heavily considered, because a Blair Presidency will ignore the democratic process and create a polarising atmosphere on the continent.