Mary Robinson for the European Presidency.

A campaign has started to have former Irish president Mary Robinson considered for the new post of president of the European Council which will be established under the Lisbon Treaty. You can sign a petition at http://www.maryrobinson.eu/petition.html and the campaign has a website www.maryrobinson.eu.

Mary Robinson was President of Ireland from 1990-1997. She then chaired the United Nations Commission for Human Rights from 1997-2002. She has always been an advocate for human rights and equality throughout her political career. Most importantly she has never had a problem challenging authority. In her political life she has challenged the dominant forces in Irish society and also internationally she challenged both the United States of America and the state of Israel.

She may not be perfect but if you need more convincing think about the other candidates in the field. Bertie Ahern's name was mentioned previously for this job. Luckily stores of unaccounted suitcases of money passing through St.Luke's may have tainted his reputation. The name being pushed by most commentators presently is Tony Blair. Blair's legacy to the world is the illegal invasion of Iraq. His appointment would be another sign that the EU is gearing up to be a military power in the future.Lets get behind someone who might actually listen to the people instead of conducting backroom deals with their political buddies.