Blair dismisses claims of being lined up as Trump advisor

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has dismissed as "beyond speculation" claims that he is being lined up as an advisor to US president-elect Donald Trump after he was spotted having lunch with the mogul's son-in-law.

Blair dined with the US president-elect's influential son-in-law Jared Kushner, married toTrump's daughter Ivanka, at a restaurant in New York. Both were spotted deep in conversation.

Blair's spokesman said on Wednesday: "Tony Blair has known Jared Kushner for several years. He was walking past their lunch table. He knew a number of people at the table and he was invited to join them," The Telegraph reported on Thursday.

The meeting has led to suggestions -- vigorously denied by Blair - that he could be offered some form of advisory role in Trump administration.

Blair remains keen to broker a peace deal in the Middle East and retains a staffed office in Tel Aviv.

"He has not discussed any role. This is completely overblown," his spokeman said.

Asked if Blair would take on a formal Middle East peace role if asked by Trump, the spokesman replied: "It is so far beyond speculation there isn't a word for it."

--IANS

pgh/