Right-wing backs Patten for EU job

A bitter battle between Europe's leaders over a successor to Brussels chief Romano Prodi has got more complicated.

As heads of government gather for a Brussels summit consensus over the man for the EU executive's top post seems to be a distant prospect.

The latest element to enter the fray is Europe's centre-right - victorious in European Parliament elections.

The European People's Party (EPP) bloc of MEPs  and leaders is desperately seeking a right-wing candidate after Lxembourg PM Jean-Claude Juncker dropped out of the race.

Their choice is existing external relations commissioner Chris Patten and Italian leader Silvio Berlusconi has been mandated to push his case at a summit dinner.

"The candidate is Patten. He is a candidate with a pro-European standing," said Antonio Lopez Isturiz, secretary general of the EPP.

Centre-right French and Luxembourg leaders, Juncker included, did not back Patten.

The former UK Conservative politician and Hong Kong governor is viewed as a "highly remote prospect" for the EU's top job.

His chances - bad as they are - are unlikely to be boosted by Berlusconi.

The colourful Italian PM presided over last year's failed constitution talks and does not enjoy a serious reputation in EU circles.

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