Lord Mandelson has called for new leadership in Europe to give the EU a key role in the world. Skip related content
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Mandelson plea on new leadership role in Europe
He said personalities as well as policies would make the difference between a "meaningful" union on the international stage or one with just a "walk-on role".
As EU leaders prepare to pick a new, all-powerful President under the Lisbon Treaty, Lord Mandelson studiously avoided naming any particular favourite "personality" he had in mind.
And his speech to the Bruegel think-tank in Brussels emphasises that establishing the EU's global brand does not come down to one individual.
But, asked before his speech whether Tony Blair was the figure to offer Europe leadership, the Trade Secretary said the former Prime Minister's track record spoke for itself:
"He reformed the Labour Party and built up the case for New Labour. I saw him do the same in Northern Ireland," he added: "That is not an advertisement for his candidacy - he can and will argue for himself if he wants this role".
Mr Blair's chances have dwindled as many EU leaders press for a more low-key political figure in the job - such as the current Belgian or Luxembourg prime ministers.
Tributes have been paid to a schoolgirl who died after slipping in her high heels and falling under a train while waving goodbye to her friends.
