Allan Rock rules himself out

[Minstrel Boy]

TORONTO — Canada's ambassador to the United Nations, Allan Rock, has joined the parade of prominent Liberals rejecting a run for the party's leadership, ending conjecture that the Chretien-era cabinet minister would return to federal politics, the Globe and Mail reported Friday.

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

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 to succeed Paul Martin as leader.

CTV

[MrPrax]

1. Oh so sad...

My NDP mom loves this guy!

I support Rock on this issue...

(can you imagine it--Young Liberals would play the Queen anthem over and over again, if this guy got tapped...scary thought!!)

[Minstrel Boy]

2. Hopefully

your NDP mom can console herself by voting NDP. ;)

Seriously, I think Rock would have been a good Liberal choice. Though I dreaded further reminiscences about his day with John Lennon.

[MrPrax]

3. LOL...

Yeah...she did the last time...but she LIKES that Allan guy

Yeah...the Lennon thing didn't work for Kerry either...I don't think there's a whole lot of 'cred' to be gained...

Nice photo!!...Rock looks like a--um what did they call it--a square.

Bet he 'dropped' acid too!! LOL