Hasbeen
I don't think it is about gaining an ally, if anything Carr may one day contend for leader - who would know?

Foreign Affairs is about diplomacy and communication. What sort of experience does one need if not either directly working for DFAT (as Rudd did) or dealing with foreign dignitaries and leaders in a political environment. Carr's experience cannot be denied in this area no matter what one thinks of his past leadership in NSW.

Rudd was mainly good in the foreign affairs portfolio but he did make some mistakes as all foreign ministers do. It is that sort of area of politics. Diplomacy means that at some time somebody will probably be offended, that does not mean decisions were necessarily wrong.

Previous ministers for foreign affairs have been a mixed bunch on both sides, most never having worked for DFAT. What did Downer bring that Carr couldn't? Downer was an embarrassment in many cases and I reckon Carr will be better than Downer by a long shot.

Don't take my words as indicative of being a Carr supporter, I just reckon the spin so far about the appointment is not balanced or rational.

one needs ask why the lies?
what part in this all do the faceless men play

are they the elected caucuss?

as the pm isnt accorded any mention..in the constitution
who is best to pick the min for foreigners affairs

do corperations actually 'have affairs'

or was this 'role'/position' created..for a minester
dealing with forweigners.." affairs'.. in his own cuntry
ie on behalf of the govt of this state foreigners visit

see i dont think foreign affairs
extends to being a mouth piece..for govt ...overseas

lol where he would be the foreigner..
needing the help of that state's..forreign affairs dude..serving foreigners afairly

it just all seems so rote
spin is in[commin spinner]..

no i didnt..no i wont
oh yes i will

BUTT
not for long you wont

The thread is evidence that for some the ALP can do no good.
Mr Bob Carr is one of Labors finest, a true living treasure he, no leg pulling is as good as Kevin Rudd.
Labor has, avoided rewarding a Gillard hanger on, with less talent than any candidate, getting his petulant way.
The man with the hair, and not much under it Steven Smith.
Poirot, as a green are you aware Carr created more national parks in this state than any one.
He as was the case with Whitlam, and is with Rudd, is an intelligent man who history will regard as a great minister.
Gillard , no Friend of mine, has been advised well, I hope both party's continue to select the best person for the job.
And that more such outside Parliament recruitments take place.
I could pick ten well past use by date on both sides, and Greens pick them selves.

Poirot,

I agree with you, and I think the Labor Party will regret not appointing Warren Mundine to the Senate, and Stephen Smith to the position of Foreign Minister.

Does politics always have to be dirty and opportunistic ? You sort of expect it from one side of politics, but from both/all sides ?

Cheers,

Joe

It doesn't really matter what labor does, no matter how pointless or incompetent, there'll always be enough selfish non-thinkers to support them. That's why they pander to the Public service for that is their backbone. The coalition on the other hand knows that it is business & not mere funding that creates an economy. Business is what provides the ability to fund not just emptying the coffers. You can only withdraw for so long without any depositing until your account is overdrawn. That's what Labor did & the Coalition will put it right again. quite simple really.

As someone who lived in NSW throughout the reign of Bob Carr, I can confirm that the man has oodles of style, but absolutely zero substance. He postured and pontificated to great effect, but achieved precisely nothing of benefit.

The man's a flake.

A perfect example, in fact, of a politician's politician.