Dark horse tipped to become first EU president

Brussels: He had to have his arm twisted to become the prime minister of Belgium and is best known for his love of writing Japanese-style poetry. But Herman Van Rompuy has emerged as the unlikely favourite to become the first president of the European Union, despite being almost unknown on the international stage.

He is regarded as the "safe" anti-Tony Blair choice for Germany and the smaller "dwarves gang" of EU countries. He discussed taking up the post with his family over Sunday lunch last weekend and appears to be on course to be picked as the least controversial candidate.

One European diplomat said: "There is a consensus around his name, which is rare among the 27 EU governments.

"No one is opposed to him and many are asking him to accept. Nobody else has unanimity."

Reluctant leader

Van Rompuy, 62, a Flemish Christian Democrat, is a reluctant Belgian leader who had to be persuaded by King Albert II to become prime minister ten months ago after the government collapsed amid the financial crisis and scandal.

Geertrui Van Rompuy, his wife, has confirmed that his hat is in the ring but has repeated the official Belgian line that he is needed as prime minister. "Sincerely, it is an honour for him that his name is mentioned but Belgium still needs him," she said.

Van Rompuy is best known for his haikus, a 17-syllable form of Japanese poetry, which he often composes in the Flemish-Dutch language during political meetings. His most recent offering was even read out last week to a meeting of the EU's next three rotating presidencies, Spain, Belgium and Hungary. The Irish bookmaker Paddy Power cut the odds on the Belgian getting the post from 33-1 to 3-1 between last Thursday evening and Tuesday afternoon.

Van Rompuy's front-runner status to hold the President of the European Council job for the first five years could benefit David Miliband's candidature for the post of EU foreign minister.