Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 49: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has made contact with his EU counterparts to support the candidacy of the EU's Ambassador to Washington and former Taoiseach, Mr. John Bruton for the position of EU president; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42346/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Lisbon Treaty provides for the creation of two major new posts: the President of the European Council and the High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy. These posts will bring greater coherence and continuity to the work of the EU, particularly in its external dimensions. The President of the European Council will chair that body, driving forward its work and ensuring continuity while endeavouring to facilitate cohesion and consensus within the Council.

Both these new posts must now be filled as the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty by all member states was completed this month. The Lisbon Treaty will therefore come into force on 1 December, less than two weeks from now.

The Swedish Presidency is consulting bilaterally with member states regarding these posts and has convened a special meeting of the European Council to consider these two appointments. The Taoiseach will attend this meeting tomorrow evening, 19 November.

A declaration attached to the Lisbon Treaty provides that, in filling these posts, due account be taken of the need to respect the geographical and demographic diversity of the Union and its member states. It is expected that other balances will also be considered, including the political affiliations of candidates. The President of the European Council will be elected by the European Council for a two and a half year term, renewable once.

The Taoiseach has discussed these appointments with the Presidency and will contribute to the collective discussion tomorrow at the European Council. This process has not been marked by intensive lobbying on behalf of individual candidates as heads of state and government are understandably concerned not to undermine whoever is eventually appointed to the post. However, the Taoiseach has made known to colleagues his high regard and support for the former Taoiseach, John Bruton, who has expressed his availability for the position of European Council President, particularly if no serving member seeks the post.

In addition, officials in my Department and in the Department of the Taoiseach have made direct approaches to their counterparts in other EU member states, to make clear our support for the candidature of Ambassador Mr. John Bruton. I have also discussed the issue with colleagues at the General Affairs and External Relations Council, confirming my support for Mr. John Bruton.

Several other well qualified people have been mentioned for this post and we await a report from the Swedish Presidency on the outcome of its soundings as to which candidate, or candidates, would appear to command the most support.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister for his reply. What soundings has he taken from Foreign Ministers in the European Union regarding ambassador John Bruton's interest in the position of President of the European Union? Having looked at the CVs of all the candidates mentioned for the job, I believe Mr. Bruton is well qualified. He has served for five years as European Union ambassador to the United States. This must be borne in mind considering the Union is going through an important transition and given Ireland's ratification of the Lisbon treaty, in respect of which the focus of the Union was on us in the first week of October. Ambassador Bruton is a former Vice President of the European People's Party and was Taoiseach between 1995 and 1997. Everybody believes he put us on the road to economic recovery at that stage. His contact with ambassadors from the EU member states in Washington and with US Senators and Congressmen makes him well qualified for the job.

The Minister's support for ambassador Bruton has been lukewarm. There are three strong contenders for the job, the Prime Ministers of Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg. Has the Minister for Foreign Affairs made contact informally with other Foreign Ministers and has the Taoiseach contacted the Swedish Presidency?

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy's last comment is unfair. I have been a strong admirer of Mr. John Bruton, particularly in his role as European Union ambassador to the United States. This arose because of the present Taoiseach's proactive engagement with former Commissioner Patten on the idea of having a political figure hold the position of ambassador in Washington. It was a very good display of political ecumenism by the Taoiseach, who was Minister for Foreign Affairs at the time.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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A rare display.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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It is a fact and the Deputies should acknowledge it. That is how ambassador Bruton was helped to get the position. He has done his job well. The idea was that, because of Ireland's historic engagement with the United States and capacity to "work the Hill", an Irish political figure, particularly a former Taoiseach, would be an ideal EU ambassador to the United States and would be able to carry out his functions ably and effectively. Mr. Bruton has been able and effective.

With regard to the soundings, people are non-committal because they seem to be filtering their views and approaches through the Presidency. The other complicating factor is that the European People's Party, of which Deputy Breen's party is a member, is producing all the candidates, although many of them have not announced themselves officially. The current Belgian Prime Minister, Mr. Herman van Rompuy, is emerging as a very credible candidate if one is to believe the soundings. Mr. Jan Peter Balkenende, the Dutch Prime Minister, was an early candidate mentioned frequently at the Council on the last occasion it met. Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker has vast experience also, as does Mr. John Bruton. These four candidates are from the same grouping and therefore the grouping itself must work something out.

In the letter to all the leaders, ambassador Bruton based his interest on sitting members not seeking the position. Much will happen through the Presidency tomorrow by way of determining who is in and who is out. Mr. Tony Blair, from the socialist grouping, is a very strong candidate. The British Government is working hard on his behalf.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Mr. Gordon Brown is very vocal in his support for Mr. Blair, not like our Taoiseach.

Does the Minister believe a decision will be made tomorrow in Brussels on the Presidency or will the decision be postponed until the December meeting? What support does the Minister believe Mr. Bruton has for his candidacy among the major countries, such as Germany and France?

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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People are keeping their cards very close to their chests, particularly the leaders of the leading countries, including France and Germany.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Is the Government keeping its cards close to its chest?

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I would have believed the Deputy would have had some insight into the position of the European People's Party.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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I am talking about governments.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I hope there will be a development tomorrow night because it is important, in terms of the timeframe, that there be clarity and certainty on this question. There may not be a development. Tomorrow evening will be interesting.