Foreign Minister Carr's World View

ABC.net - Thom Woodroofe 05/03/12

Most Australians were shocked to learn Friday that the worst kept secret of the week was actually true despite repeated rejections from the Prime Minister.

Bob Carr, the longest serving premier of New South Wales, will now become Australia's Foreign Minister. Undoubtedly, Carr is well credentialed for the role he has always dreamed of

And the self-confessed 64-year-old bookworm and civil-war buff will not only bring an extensive address book of international contacts to the job, but also a methodical and thoughtful approach forged through a compelling knowledge of history.

While Carr likened himself Friday to the late US senator Robert Byrd who died in office at 92, it is well known he holds close courtship with over a dozen current senators across the Pacific. He counts Henry Kissinger amongst his best friends.

Even Liberal Premier and adversary Barry O'Farrell paid tribute to Carr's appointment on Twitter saying "no-one can deny his depth of knowledge of the portfolio"

At the end of the day, Labor needed a heavyweight like Carr to fill the vacancy created by Kevin Rudd.

Read More: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-05/middleton-carr-foreign-policy-commentary/3868252?WT.svl=theDrum