Anthony Barnett (London, OK): The Mail reports that at the World Economic Forum, in Switzerland, Tony Blair said he was ready to interrupt his nascent business career to return to the political frontline. Blair already has the support of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who is his "unofficial campaign manager." Elsewhere, the collapse of Romano Prodi in Italy has meant another Blair ally - Silvio Berlusconi - stands a good chance of returning to power in his country. The article notes however that the support of Berlin remains critical. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is said to support him privately, but faces opposition from left-leaning coalition partners, wary of Blair's role in the Iraq war.

Meanwhile, friends of Gordon Brown told the paper that it would be awkward to have the former Prime Minister in such a sensitive role. "It could be unbearable," one said. "Every statement by Brussels and London will be scrutinised for tensions between the two. Tony Blair is much keener on the EU than Brown and that would be seized on as a source of conflict."