Quietly, presidential frontrunner emerges

BRUSSELS: Belgian Prime Minister Herman van Rompuy's stock is rising as a strong "consensus" runner for the plum new job of European Union president, diplomats said late on Monday.

"There is a consensus around his name, which is rare among the 27" EU nations, said one European diplomat. "No one is opposed to him and many (leaders) are asking him to accept."

A second source echoed that stance, saying "no one else can get unanimity" following informal discussions between EU heads of government and state at a two-day summit in Brussels last week.