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Rudd like a pig in mud in the Foreign Ministry

Tory Maguire

by Tory Maguire

15 Sep 12:45pm

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Filed under: Foreign Minister, Kevin Rudd, Pakistan, Politics, United Nations

48 comments

It’s hard to imagine a politician more comfortable with the convoluted parlance of international diplomacy than Kevin Rudd.

Kevin Rudd in his element

The freshly-minted Foreign Minister just held his first press conference to announce he’s zipping off to Pakistan enroute to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly Leaders’ Week (that’s “the UNGA” to the cool kids).

It was a very different Kevin Rudd to the surly-looking outcast at yesterday’s ministerial swearing-in ceremony (you can read Sam Maiden’s account of yesterday here.)

There’s been some speculation Julia Gillard’s appointment of the man she knifed to the high-profile role on the world stage was a tactical blunder. But after today’s reminder of just how much Rudd gets off on round table discussions, bi-lateral meetings, and even coffee with senior diplomats, it now seems like a very good idea.

A happy, busy, Kevin Rudd is going to be much more use to Gillard than he would be stewing away in a puddle of bile on the back bench.

He’s back where he always belonged.

His press conference was a lesson in just where Rudd came from.

He’s off to “a meeting - a high level meeting” on Sunday where he’ll be able to brief his “international colleagues” after his time “on the ground” in flood-ravaged Pakistan.

He talked about nations as “developed and developings”.

His desire to visit Pakistan was cemented after he “sat down for coffee with the head of Ausaid just a couple of days ago”.

The newly energized and invigorated Rudd was able to shrug off questions about his demeanour at yesterday’s swearing-in with a casual sledge against David Marr.

He comitted himself to serving as Foreign Minister for the full term of Government, and restated that “our national interest are at stake” in the bid to get a spot on the UNSC (United Nations Security Council to you).

Rudd hasn’t looked this chuffed since Cate Blanchett’s last baby was born. Sometimes giving people what they want can be a very good idea.

Most commented

48 comments

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    • Chris M says:

      12:54pm | 15/09/10

      Good.  Now can he bugger off overseas and stay there?

      Reply

    • papachango says:

      01:42pm | 15/09/10

      Hear Hear. It’s more than he deserves for being one of the most incompetent PM’s ever.

      I’m no fan of Gillard either, but she is politically shrewd, and having Ruddles out the way is a good move on her part. There’s probably a backroom deal for the Government to endorse him for some high-level UN job where his utter uselessness will be put to good use.

    • Bruce says:

      03:12pm | 15/09/10

      If I was Steven Smith, I would be “browned off” knowing that rudd was given his job. Well at least rudd will be out of the way and can ‘bath’ in all his own perceived self importance. I am sure his overseas counterparts will be having a good laugh.

    • Robert Smissen, rural SA, God's own country says:

      05:57pm | 15/09/10

      Surely they would give him a return ticket would they

    • Lucius says:

      12:57pm | 15/09/10

      The only reason he got the job was because if Gillard didnt give him the job he wanted he would have turned on Labor and done more than “leak” information (which we all know he did during the election). The traitor should have been ousted from the Labor party - not rewarded.

      Reply

    • Scarneck says:

      02:01pm | 15/09/10

      ““leak” information (which we all know he did during the election)” I wasn’t aware of this Lucius, tell me more…do you know Kevin personally?

    • Against the Man says:

      05:44pm | 15/09/10

      Rudd doesn’t need the ALP. after what they have done to him, this is more than shame and pride. Rudd would get angry at a hostie for bringing him a wrong meal but not get angry at Gillard for destroying his career? And what about the news today how she got his minder to come back from NY to ‘keep an eye on him’ during the elections? Rudd needs to grow a pair and stick it to the ALP. God knows he doesn’t need the money and what more has he to lose? He has no more pride or respect. Kevin O’Lemon was never more true!

    • Austin 3:16 says:

      07:14am | 16/09/10

      You tell em ‘Man - putting his own ego aside and working hard for the greater good. What kind of fella does that ?

    • Sherekahn says:

      09:07am | 16/09/10

      Well I told you so didn’t I?
      There’s far too much anger and emotion here.
      A good leader utilises the forces at hand.  Abbot is doing similar with Malcolm Turnbull, however that one may be a ‘poisoned chalice’.

      PS:  There were three people in the room of the leak and of course “the butler!”

    • Denny says:

      10:06am | 16/09/10

      I don’t think Rudd is putting his ego aside for the greater good. We all have seen his tremendous ego. He is doing it out of fear. The ALP have something on him and that is why he is falling into place like a good lil’ soldier. Rudd never had what it takes to be a leader.

    • James says:

      01:26pm | 15/09/10

      As much as I am the first to spit on Rudd’s abysmal attempt at a Prime Ministership, I agree he is perfectly suited to this new role.

      It satisfies the sole reasons Rudd became prime minister—to pretentiously indulge foreign diplomacy, get mass attention, and be “inscribed in the history of Australia”. Taking to the Prime Ministership with only these goals reaped the obvious result. But I can easily see him being an excellent foreign diplomat.

      Assuming, of course, he keeps is formidable sanctimony hidden.

      Reply

    • Super D says:

      01:37pm | 15/09/10

      The floods are a distraction.  He’s holding a masterclass in match fixing for pakistani bookmakers.

      Reply

    • BW says:

      06:05pm | 15/09/10

      or should that be politics and spin?

    • Macca says:

      01:39pm | 15/09/10

      Probably JGs best decision in her short PM career so far. Its a shame Rudd’s performance on the world stage - where he clearly loves to be - is undermined by the history and experiences of his removal as PM.

      He’s got a thicker skin (or head..?) than I have to be performing such a key role in a Gillard government.

      Reply

    • Jon says:

      01:46pm | 15/09/10

      Be afraid, be very afraid, Rudd loose at the UN will sell the country down the river, just to get favour for his next promotion.

      Reply

    • Hilton says:

      09:20am | 16/09/10

      I really feel quite sorry for all the other diplomats at the UN.

    • David says:

      01:50pm | 15/09/10

      Hell on earth; listening to Rudd and Oakeshott.

      Reply

    • James says:

      07:27am | 17/09/10

      Oh gawd, can you imagine the agony of being stuck in a room with this pair of bloated narcissistic windbags ....

    • Scarneck says:

      01:55pm | 15/09/10

      Who didn’t seriously believe that Rudd wouldn’t relish this role? He probably spent as much time out of the country when he was PM as he did at home.  Kevin Rudd is highly regarded outside of his own country more than he is here (sad really) therefore the choice was a no brainer.

      Reply

    • Wayne Fehlhaber says:

      06:41pm | 15/09/10

      Scarneck :  Well , he is perfectly suited to the job then as he had no brains when he was P.M. and i’m bloody sure he still the same.

    • Steph says:

      02:07pm | 15/09/10

      In ten years time, after I have forgotten how I feel now, I will accept that his axing was a good tactical move for the Labour Party.

      He is a given natural for this post though. I also know in my head that he did somewhat mis-represent himself throughout his term, and from incidental reports around the place, he was a prick to work for. But I still do feel really sorry for the way this guy was sacked.

      Reply

    • James says:

      04:38pm | 15/09/10

      He deserved nothing less.

    • ibast says:

      02:24pm | 15/09/10

      The beauty of putting him in the foreign affairs role (from Gillard’s and Labor’s point of view) is that the foreign affairs ministry tends to be permanent whilst ever the minister has a seat.  Everybody is aware of the higher import of having a constant point of contact in this role.  So it highly unlikely he will ever push for leadership again.

      Reply

    • jb says:

      02:53pm | 15/09/10

      Not sure about you guys but shouldn’t ol’ Ruddy be looking after the East Timor solution before he goes gallivanting around strip clubs in the states?
      Just asking….

      Reply

    • Rob r Charteris says:

      06:23pm | 15/09/10

      j “I have no idea” b, there is a little thing called the United Nations general assembly. But living with your head in the sand you probably would not know anything about that or have any understanding of it and why we need to be represented there.

    • Tony of Poorakistan says:

      06:50pm | 15/09/10

      +1

      A processing centre for illegals (alleged ‘‘asylum seekers’‘) was an election commitment. Swanning around the globe, sight-seeing in Pakistan and lobbying for a seat on the security council were not.

    • Pat McConville says:

      11:47pm | 15/09/10

      Pretty sure the Security Council bid has been a hotly-contested part of the ALP platform for some time. And I’m not sure you quite understand the point of the word, “alleged” in the context which you used it, Tony.

      You’re right about Pakistan, though. I mean, why should the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs care about what goes on in other countries?

    • Pedro says:

      03:09pm | 15/09/10

      All I can say is how embarrassing for Australia. A failed PM from a failed government, and this is how the world will view us. Failures !

      Reply

    • ibast says:

      03:56pm | 15/09/10

      With Downer the foreign affairs minister for years the standard is not very high.  I think the Liberals gave him the job because they were too embarrass to be in the same room with him.  I do however believe it is a role that shouldn’t necessarily be changed with a change in government.  There is certainly a case for bi-partisan agreement on this role.

    • Jock says:

      04:29pm | 15/09/10

      Hear, hear

    • Michael says:

      03:18pm | 15/09/10

      Isn’t it funny that just a few weeks ago - in his last press conference as PM, krudd was adament that an East Timor “solution” was a “lurch to the right”, terrible and unthinkable… Now, just a few short weeks later, East Timor is a great solution and good policy. Either krudd has no morals whatever and stands for nothing or krudd is still a weak willed liar. The acrobatics and ritual back flipping of labor continues…

      Reply

    • antman says:

      02:21pm | 16/09/10

      The “East Timor Solution” had not even been touted when Rudd gave his press conference. I have never heard Rudd oppose it…ever. If, as I understand it, the idea of a regional processing centre in East Timor (or where ever) is to speed up the processing of people waiting in non-UNHRC countries before they take the people-smuggling route. I don’t see why Rudd would be opposed to that. It’s very different to turning back boats or picking people out of the water and whisking them off-shore.

    • Henry A says:

      04:00pm | 15/09/10

      Australia:  A PM from Cath and Kim and a foreign minister who looks like a nana on HRT.

      We are a joke on the world stage.

      Reply

    • Anjuli says:

      04:02pm | 15/09/10

      Watch out Ban Ki Moon.

      Reply

    • Soames says:

      04:28pm | 15/09/10

      Mr Rudd ought to be given free reign as foreign minister, early. A shrewd move by Ms Gillard’s advisers. Mr Rudd either falls on his sword by his immediate actions, particularly launched from a narcissistic personality, or he makes a fist of it with the correct amount of humility, not seen yet. His failure of moral strength as PM will not convince world leaders of his power status yet. Either way, Ms Gillard is a winner. She will be seen as a fair minded political leader, endorsing Mr Rudd’s achievements, or relieving him of a burden, mostly self imposed, that would reduce Australia’s standing , should Mr Rudd not perform to Cabinet satisfaction. The point is, it’s a big gamble, there is to date no-one left to replace Mr Rudd, should the unthinkable happen.

      Reply

    • Joan says:

      06:28pm | 15/09/10

      Gillard is just happy that Rudd is not about, so she and her gang that ousted him don’t have to face Rudd regularly…..she has sent him packing OS and probably hopes he won’t return in a hurry. Rudd does not look a happy chappy… the snipppets I saw were of a Rudd who forced the occasional smile to cover a smouldering ache.

    • nosthow says:

      04:28pm | 15/09/10

      You cant keep a good flyboy down Tors and Kevin “Wings” Rudd is such a chap. he loves the 747 and what the heck he might as well do a job he likes. He will have to dust off the old Mandarin when he gets to China but that shouldnt be a problem. Some impersonators now have a new lease of life too !
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wksMvWCsh4

      Reply

    • Nicole says:

      05:12pm | 15/09/10

      Jet setting all over the world, just what he loves doing. Only problem is, he opens his gob and talks utter sh!t. So, I guess we can still call him Kevin747 then.

      Reply

    • Michelle says:

      05:59pm | 15/09/10

      “He’s back where he always belonged”. No, no, no. Y’all making the same mistake again by being mesmerised with Rudd’s energy, verbosity and appearance of doing something. He looks impressive but never does anything useful.

      Rudd said: “our national interest are at stake”. Lie, lie, lie. Rudd does not believe in nations. He is a post-national, trans-national, open-borders ideologue intent on opening Australia’s immigration borders wide open to Asia in the “spirit” of the European Union. And his most insane belief of all, he believes he can liberalise China by smothering it with transnational flows of people, ideas, and business. He believes the more it engages with the world the closer it is to collapsing into democracy. But the reality is the West is losing power whilst China remains fiercely nationalistic and grows in power. There is no way China can be trusted to become a superpower.

      The last thing the world needs now is an open-borders ideologue like Rudd pushing for deeper engagement with China. China needs to be sanctioned, not smothered with kisses. We need hard heads in foreign policy, not high-stakes dreamers. Rudd is nuts.

      Reply

    • Jim says:

      07:42am | 16/09/10

      Very well said Michelle!

    • Tails says:

      06:52pm | 15/09/10

      Hang on. They don’t speak Mandarin in Pakistan!?!?!

      Reply

    • Kate says:

      08:34pm | 15/09/10

      Where is pride?

      Reply

    • Graham says:

      12:04am | 16/09/10

      KRudd will have his department employees burning themselves out, madly chasing a seat on the Security Council—which is most certainly the greatest moral challenge of our time—and putting out all kinds of irrelevant spot fires, while our key bilateral relations will be sadly neglected. We don’t need a foreign minister who is all over the shop.

      Reply

    • Chris says:

      10:30am | 16/09/10

      Why do we feel our Foreign Minister role is a perfect place to ‘hide’ or ‘Sanction’ a fella who is obviously out of flavour with the government and the majority of the Australian public? What message is this sending to the rest of the world?  Why do we not have more respect for this position? 
      Just because Kevin desperately wants to be Foreign Minister doesn’t mean he is suited or qualified.

      Reply

    • V says:

      04:10pm | 16/09/10

      Did any of you actually watch the press conference?  I saw a high articulate, well briefed minister ready to get on with the job.  Everyone with half a brain can see the smoldering intentions China has for itself as the next big superpower but sanctions, Michelle, are the last resort.  Interdependency is what Australia (and the rest of the world) is trying to build with China.  So that war is not an option.  Human rights abuses and military build up should not be ignored, however, have a look at Iran. Sanctions aren’t exactly working there are they?

      Reply

    • Michelle says:

      08:58pm | 16/09/10

      V, you’re a high stakes gambler like Rudd. Islamist Turkish PM Erdogan once said “Democracy is like a train - you get off when you reach your destination”. What makes you think China won’t do the same when they decide their military is big enough for them to do whatever they please? By that time, Western countries may well be mired in our own balkanised multicultural mire that we will be no match for China. War is definitely an option once China gets big enough to ditch the whole interdependence dream and take whatever they like. Wake up, dreamer. You’re living in a fantasy. Multicultural countries are being weakened whilst homogeneous nations like China and India are strengthening. It’s the fall of Rome all over again. History repeats. Progressionism is a dream soon to fall apart unless dreamers like Rudd are replaced with hard heads.

      Iran is run by an eschatologically Jew-hating genocidial maniac in Ahmadinejad. Of course no sanctions will derail apocalyptic Shiite theology. Ahmadinejad is the ultimate suicide bomber: he will not hesitate to nuke Israel even if that means Iran is also wiped out. In his head, that heralds the “end times” and paradise is just a nuke away.

      Sanctions are not meant to teach China any lesson. They’re meant to say: we don’t trust you to become a superpower and so you’re not going to get rich on our money. If it teaches China a lesson, all the better. But teaching them a lesson is secondary to halting our financing of their military machine.

    • Jennifer says:

      09:54pm | 16/09/10

      Anyone who thinks Rudd has ‘lost face’ on the world stage because he was knifed is deluding themselves.

      Anyone who’s worked in the US lately can vouch for the disbelief the Yanks have over what happened to Rudd.  He was the first and only PM that most Americans knew the name of.  He was the guy they credit with Australia’s dodging of the GFC, and Canadians have reacted to Rudd’s sorry to indigenous people by having their own “Sorry” day. 
      It’s not KRudd they have a prob with, it’s our parliamentary system which they think is a bit amateurish.

      Reply

    • Michelle says:

      01:36pm | 17/09/10

      Correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t the G20 group decide on a lock-step stimulus across all countries involved? So why didn’t the US and UK stimulus work so well as Rudd’s magical mystery (shh, don’t mention China, and don’t mention our stable banks) stimulus? The fact that the US and Canada like Rudd only reflects that he is popular with people who don’t think past the superficial level and who are mesmerised by presentation and style.

 
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