The Taoiseach has given his full backing to John Bruton's bid to become the first ever President of the European Council. The former Fine Gael Leader and TD for Meath, who is serving out his time as EU Ambassador to the US, indicated in recent days that he is interested in the position. Speaking in Brussels this afternoon, Brian Cowen said the Government would have to wait and see what other candidates are interested in the position. "From our point of view clearly we'd be supportive of it," the Taoiseach said. "It's up to the Swedish Presidency now to gauge what level of support there might be for his and other candidacies." Before John Bruton's interest was made clear, Mr. Cowen had previously indicated that Tony Blair would make a good President of the European Council. The appointment is unlikely to be made before the Czech Republic ratifies the Lisbon Treaty.