From the Horse's mouth... (sort of)

I can't believe it. Someone actually wrote back to me.... and it was none other than the Kevvy McRuddster.

So here you go, his rationale behind not initially agreeing to meet HH, straight from the Horse's mouth (sort of).

Dear Erin

Thank you for your email.

I appreciate you writing to me regarding the meeting with His Holiness.

For many years Labor has argued that the appropriate convention is that the Shadow Foreign Minister meet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama when he visits Australia.

That is why I met with the Dalai Lama on his last visit in 2002 despite the fact that Mr Downer refused to do so. I had a very good discourse with His Holiness then.

This time around Robert McClelland was planning to meet with the Dalai Lama, as this falls within his shadow portfolio responsibilities as Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Mr Howard has since indicated that he believed that the Prime Minister should also meet with the Dalai Lama.

Given that change in position by the Prime Minister I believed it was appropriate that Labor update our convention as well.

That is why, as well as my Shadow Foreign Minister meeting with His Holiness, I am also seeking a time in my diary for a meeting. I am looking forward to the opportunity.

Kind regards,

Kevin Rudd
Federal Labor Leader

I love the way he maintains he is still seeking a time in his diary. I wonder if that translates to "I'm not doing a bloody thing until JH goes ahead and does it first......."

Ok ok, I'll cut him some slack.......

Dear Mr Rudd,

Thank-you for your quick response.

I appreciate your taking the time to both write back to me and explain the reasons why you initially declined to meet HH. I was unaware of this convention and will be sure to pass this information on to my network of friends and supporters.

I am so very glad to hear that you have decided to meet with him and sincerely hope you find some free space in your diary.

Regards,

Erin ******

;)