Britse pers niet enthousiast over Van Rompuy, Ashton is troostprijs

De Britse pers was de laatste dagen snoeihard in haar commentaar op de mogelijke benoeming van Herman Van Rompuy als eerste president van Europa. Zowel The Times als de Daily Telegraph trokken zijn capaciteiten in twijfel en de tabloid Daily Express speelde keihard op de man met de titel 'Britain ruled by a Belgian? You must be joking!

Nu de teerling geworpen is en Blair de duimen heeft gelegd voor Van Rompuy, maar Groot-Brittannië wel de buitenlandminister binnenhaalt met Catherine Ashton, zijn de reacties op de Britse krantensites slechts een tikje gematigder. Een overzicht (in het Engels uiteraard):

The Times:
Blair dumped as Ashton becomes EU foreign minister
The choice of Mr Van Rompuy signalled that the leaders were not eager to have a high-profile personality represent the EU abroad.

The Daily Telegraph:
Van Rompuy and Baroness Ashton land top top EU jobs
Little-known Belgian federalist and the Labour peer who has never held elected office were selected as the EU's new president and foreign minister.

The Independent:
Baroness Ashton becomes Europe's first foreign minister
Diplomats said the top job, Europe's new President, had gone to leading contender Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy.

The Guardian:
Blair out of race to become European Council President
Belgian prime minister set for top job. Lady Ashton for foreign policy

The Sun:
Blair ruled out as EU president
Van Rompuy lacks any of the charisma or international recognition of Mr Blair - and that is a big plus in many capitals who do not want someone grandstanding around the globe on the EU's behalf.

The Daily Mail:
Belgian Prime Minister is named first EU president as Brown is forced to settle for Baroness Ashton as foreign minister
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is said not to be a fan of Mr Blair, reportedly commenting that she didn't like the idea of 'having to listen to Mr Flash all the time'.

The Daily Express:
Belgian PM appointed EU president
The choice of Van Rompuy signalled the leaders were not eager to have a high-profile personality represent the EU abroad.