Blair nears EU top job

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is in line to become Europe's first president within weeks if voters pass the EU reform treaty, the Times reports, quoting unnamed sources.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy is supporting Blair and German Chancellor Angela Merkel has softened her opposition, according to the Times.

Blair could be ushered into the European Union's top post at a summit on October 29 if the Lisbon Treaty passes.

Ireland heads to the polls today in a referendum on the European Union's reforming treaty which sets out the new job.

Opinion polls suggest Ireland will pass the treaty after rejecting it last year.