Tony Blair in the running to head World Bank

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Friday May 18, 2007 · 12:01 PM PDT

2007/05/18 · 12:01

Speculation today from the Daily Mail that Tony Blair is among the candidates being tipped to head the World Bank in the wake of Wolfowitz's much needed resignation

Nobel prize-winner Joe Stiglitz, a former senior vice president at the World Bank, said: "He is one of the people that is clearly being discussed."

It would definitely be a consolation prize that Bush could give to one of his closest friends and allies... but there could be a snag in any plans to install Blair...

Mr Stiglitz said the World Bank would probably prefer an economist with experience in development - which some pundits argue effectively rules out the prime minister, who has often admitted to being shaky at maths.

Blair seems like a plausable fit being a former PM with a Global Profile, he could potentially bring some new blood and vision to the Bank and heal the divides. I believe he would also be the 1st international leader to head the bank, and seeing how close he is to Bush, it's not beyond possible.

Some other news in this article. This may have been reported elsewhere, but it seems that Wolfowitz's exit was infact a buy off:

Bank sources said Mr Wolfowitz will leave on June 30 with a £200,000 pay-off and a face-saving compromise in which the bank takes part of the blame for the scandal.

That's one hell of a compromise... did it come with Lube?

As for Blair's chances at the bank, I have to agree it's time we look for an Economist and not a political figure... The bank is charged with Development, not politics, and the head should have experience...

"I think it would be good for the institution at this juncture if they had somebody who was an economist who really understood what development was entailed and could work closely with the staff that has been very alienated by Paul Wolfowitz over the last two years and bring together the institution.

"It wouldn't rule (Blair) out but I would say that if I were going through a first priority list of priorities it would probably begin with somebody with real experience in development.

Steve in Oxford however in the comments may have the real insights into the matter:

Blair cannot afford to take the position at the World bank. He would lose the opportunity to capitalise on his fame/notoriety with his upcoming multi-million dollar valedictory US lecture circuit tour.

Steve, Oxford, UK

I tend to agree... Look no further than Rudy to see how lucrative post-official life can be when played well...

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