Tony Blair's recent pointed interventions into European politics have triggered speculation that he is angling for a top job in Brussels, perhaps even president of the European Commission.
However the former prime minister insisted on Monday morning that he was not a candidate. "Don't get my position mixed up with this, that's not going to happen," he said.
Many British politicians would perhaps like to see a Briton in one of Europe's most powerful positions. But the former Labour leader has not escaped the legacy of Iraq.
The clarification was a relief to Ukip MEP Jane Collins, who told BBC Two's Daily Politics programme: "I'm so relieved to hear Tony Blair say he is not going to be a candidate, because quite frankly he is a megalomanic and a warmonger."
Looks like Blair can not count on the Ukip vote in the European Parliament. The feeling is probably mutual.