Guest blog from Pippa Westwood

Today the Irish hold their second referendum in 15 months on whether to ratify the Lisbon Treaty. The treaty would introduce the controversial position of President of the European Council, a so-called “President of Europe”.

With recent polls indicating a victory for the pro-treaty camp in Ireland, it is surely more important than ever to know who may be the new face of the Europe Union.

Though Tony Blair has been widely touted as the most likely candidate for the position, the Times today listed several other key contenders. But who are they and what are their credentials?

Felipe Gonzalez — “charismatic” former Spanish PM 1982-1996 (Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party)

- Brought Spain into the EC

- Suffered from controversy over government-sponsored militias targeting Eta Basque separatists

- Backed by EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and purportedly also by Nicolas Sarkozy (although he has expressed support for Blair as well)

- Some have expressed fears of an "Iberian overload" in the EU

Jean-Claude Juncker — Luxembourg PM (Christian Social Party)

- Influential in mediating between member states during negotiations about the economic and monetary union

- During Luxembourg’s EU Presidency oversaw initiation of member state annual action plans to combat unemployment

- Campaigned for the European Constitution in the Luxembourg referendum in 2005

Jan Peter Balkenende — Netherlands PM (Christian Democrat Party)

- Became PM in 2002, had never held cabinet office before and only became head of his party in 2001

- Criticised by human rights groups for harsh anti-immigration policies

- Supported the EU Constitution but was unable to build popular support resulting in a resounding defeat in the Dutch referendum of 2005

Francois Fillon - French PM (UMP)

- Former cabinet minister who organised Sarkozy's presidential campaign after falling out with Jacques Chirac

- Is “renowned” for his conciliatory skills

- (presumably also enjoys the support of Sarkozy to be President of the European Council)

Wolfgang Schussel — former Austrian Chancellor 2000-2008(Austrian People’s Party)

- A controversial Chancellor, formed a coalition with the right-wing Freedom Party causing other EU members to suspend political cooperation with Austria for several months

- Criticised for a range of unpopular social policies like: introducing tuition fees, raising the retirement age and reducing state pensions

Herman Van Rompuy — Belgium PM (Christian Democrat Party)

- His BBC profile notes that he is “widely seen as a safe pair of hands with good negotiation skills”