Cook: Blair should go after EU presidency

LONDON, June 1 (UPI) -- Prime Minister Tony Blair should step down after Britain's presidency of the European Union, former Foreign Secretary Robin Cook suggested Wednesday.

It had been widely expected that the British referendum on the European Constitution would provide a suitable moment for Blair's resignation. But with the referendum all but shelved after the French no vote Sunday, his departure date now seems uncertain.

Cook, however, suggested the end of the EU presidency on Dec. 31 would be an ideal time.

Writing in the Evening Standard, Cook acknowledged the European constitution was "as dead as the proverbial parrot," but said resolving the ensuing crisis would provide Blair the opportunity to restore Britain to a central role in Europe.

"If he succeeds during our European presidency he will have prepared the best possible curtain call for himself to take a graceful exit," he said.