Leadership in EU

The Boss of the EU is usually a French – German joint venture. With the withering of the credibility and power of both Chirac and Schroeder, others, most notably Our Own Dear Leader have taken a more centre role. Now it seems there is another pretender to the crown:

José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, the Spanish prime minister, could play a pivotal role in EU affairs over the next two years.

Zapatero, yellow bellied withdrawer from Iraq, friend of the lovely Mr Chavez and promoter of that land of Peace and Democracy Cuba. There is no real reason why this man should be a rising star.

But the domestic troubles of Europe's more experienced leaders mean that Mr Zapatero's star has been rising in Brussels, almost by default, diplomats say.

Its almost enough to say: Come back Mr Chirac all is forgiven. I did say almost.