So what does Rudd’s rejection mean for Clark?
Turnbull was coy on whether his government would throw its weight behind former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark.
OPINION: Kevin Rudd’s own government does not think he is up to the task of leading the United Nations. That has to sting. The former Australian prime minister and UN SecretaryGeneral hopeful failed to get support after the decision was left to a ‘‘captain’s call’’ by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
That leaves the candidate lineup as is, and one highly respected candidate from Down Under is in the 12-horse race.
Australia is yet to formally announce who it will support.
Turnbull was coy on whether his government would throw its weight behind former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark’s bid to lead the UN.
Nor would he comment on the bitter debate reportedly held within the Cabinet over whether or not to back Rudd.
‘‘I do not want to add to Mr Rudd’s disappointment,’’ he said.
Indeed, reports suggest those who supported Rudd’s bid only did so because it would break with tradition in supporting other prominent Australians for international roles.
So what does this mean for Clark? Likely, very little.
Once the salt has has been washed out of the wounds for Rudd, it’s likely the Australian Government will support Clark.
That will help – Clark will be grateful for all the support she can get.
The government under Turnbull’s predecessor Tony Abbott had in fact promised its support to her, but Turnbull took a more appropriate approach – respectfully withdrawing while Rudd made up his mind.
Now that he has and been told by the highest seat in his land that they’re not prepared to stick out their necks for him, he may prove to be disruptive for Clark.
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has famously said, ‘‘Kevin’s ego makes Donald Trump’s look like a rounding error.’’
But for our pick – and it shouldn’t need reminding Clark has the full support of the New Zealand Government, including her own dedicated diplomatic corps – it’s business as usual.
After an official straw poll earlier this month, Clark found herself further down the rankings than many expected, so that business may be tough going.
It was a shock result, and one that some are regarding as a strategic move to eliminate one of the strongest candidates.
The current two leading contenders are former Portuguese prime minister Antonio Guterres and former Slovenian president Danilo Turk.
Speculation is already mounting that the ‘‘old boys’ network’’ is prevailing, despite a clear mood in the wider assembly that the UN is ready for a female Secretary-General.
Clark is still in the running, however, after coming in between fourth and sixth, but Eastern European woman candidate Irina Bokova is ahead of her.
The UN Security Council will consider nominated candidates from next month, before taking a resolution for the role to the General Assembly.
This is really where it matters, because the chosen one will rise from the geo-political ashes once the United States, Britain, Russia, China and France have dished out their vetoes.
As for Rudd, she’ll be right, mate.