globe and mail, feb 3 2006

Canada's ambassador to the United Nations, Allan Rock, yesterday joined the parade of prominent Liberals rejecting a run for the party's leadership, ending conjecture that the Chrétian-era cabinet minister would return to federal politics.

"I know there has been speculation but I'm not going to be a candidate," Mr. Rock said in a brief telephone interview in New York.

"I've considered it and discussed it with my family, and we've decided that there are many ways to serve Canada and I am not going to take part in the leadership race."

Mr. Rock's decision follows a similar announcement by Frank McKenna, the departing ambassador to the United States, who had been viewed as the front-runner, and former cabinet ministers John Manley and Brian Tobin.

His move further highlights the trouble the Liberal Party is having in attracting star candidates from its recent past, although other would-be candidates have said the party would be better to look to its future in an effort to renew itself after its election loss last month.

Mr. Rock, 58, was appointed to the United Nations job by Prime Minister Paul Martin 13 months ago. He served as minister of the justice, health and industry departments when Jean Chrétien was prime minister.

Yesterday, he refused to comment on his future, or whether he hoped to stay at his UN post under the Conservative government of Stephen Harper.

He now co-chairs a General Assembly committee on UN management reform, which is due to complete its work by July. UN watchers say the committee will play an important role in attempting to bridge differences between the United States and many developing countries over the troubled organization's management structure.

His decision to remain at the UN, even temporarily, contrasts with Mr. McKenna's immediate resignation from the ambassador's post in Washington. Mr. McKenna said his job was too politically sensitive for a Liberal political appointee to be serving under a Conservative government.

Former cabinet colleagues such as Herb Dhaliwal and Lloyd Axworthy were among those who supported a political comeback by Mr. Rock.

Some Liberals believe the dearth of high-profile candidates could force the party to delay the date of its leadership convention to next year. However, others say a new leader must be in place as soon as possible, to get his or her feet on the ground as leader in the event of an early election. Moreover, party officials believe the Liberal leader must be in place before the party can go ahead with a policy renewal.

The party's national director, Steven MacKinnon, said a later date would not necessarily attract more candidates.

"We'll consider our options under a reasonably narrow band of time," he said.

A senior Liberal source said that Mr. Rock was seen in the party as "yesterday's man."

"I don't think it was there for him," the source said of Mr. Rock's prospects of winning a leadership race.

The source said that should he leave his UN job, Mr. Rock, a lawyer, would have many career options back in Canada.

Those who are still contemplating a leadership bid include outgoing ministers Belinda Stronach, Joe Volpe and Scott Brison, as well as new MP Michael Ignatieff. Former junior finance minister Maurizio Bevilacqua, former justice minister Martin Cauchon and former Ontario premier Bob Rae are also said to be interested.

B.C. Finance Minister and former CBC chair Carole Taylor said she had been approached to consider seeking the leadership, but was happy in British Columbia.

Mr. Rock, who was a contender for the crown in 2003 when Mr. Martin won, was seen from the time he entered politics as a possible leader. However, he had a number of difficulties in various controversial portfolios and dropped out of the running.

   

I think these people know something we don’t; PMSH is going to open a can of worms the liberals cannot refute. No one wants to be defending something they cannot and also be lumped in as the leader of the thieves.

   

Allan knows that even Liberals won't support him as leader. He's too much of a flake to be leader of the party.

   

I think that he doesn't want to leave his WELL paid, couchy job at the UN.