The Rudd era ends !

Kevin Rudd maintained his reputation as the man who " did the unexpected " with his resignation speech in Federal parliament.   New Labor leader, Bill Shorten had just ten minutes notice of his intention - and the absence of this polarizing figure removes the uncertainty that has gripped the Federal chamber.

Love him or hate him, Kevin Rudd was a pivotal politician.   He burst on the scene in 1998 at the member for the Queensland seat of Griffith and his demeanour impressed Australia.    His youngish face and shock of blonde hair, paired with irrespressible humour struck a chord with many on both sides of the political divide - and few will forget the morning jovial stoush with Joe Hockey on the Seven network breakfast  show - " Sunrise ".

Rudd seemed to breathe fresh air into politics, and in the 2007 election he swept away long time Liberal leader John Howard - and became the prime minister of this nation.   Unfortunately, it quickly emerged that he was not a team player.  He surrounded himself with a small team of acolytes and assumed a presidential style of governing, and those holding ministerial office found themselves reading about the directions their ministry was taking by reading the morning newspapers.

The next year brought the greatest world financial crisis in decades and Rudd responded in controversial style.  Australia rode out the whirlwind better than many other nations, but lack of follow through and attention to detail saw several stimulus plans go awry.    The " Education revolution " was plagued by waste and unsatisfactory buildings, and the plan to put roof insulation into thousands of Australian homes was an abject failure that resulted in several deaths and a huge spate of house fires.

Rudd's relationship with his parliamentary colleagues worsened, and in a " palace mutiny " he was replaced as prime minister by Julia Gillard.   At a subsequent election, Labor was forced into a coalition with the Greens and this resulted in unpopular policies that saw Labor's chances of reelection wither - until in desperation the party again reinstated Rudd as it's last hope of a reversal of fortunes.

The damage was done and the rejection too complete, and Rudd lost that election, which saw Tony Abbott installed as the new prime minister.    Rudd continued to unsettle Labor by remaining in the new parliament as a backbencher - either refusing or not being offered a shadow ministerial position.    There was ever a feeling that he was "waiting in the wings " to reclaim the leadership.

Finally - of his own volition - Rudd " pulled the plug ".   The nation will watch with awe to see what he does with his new vocation as " private citizen " - and he will be well rewarded with a handsome parliamentary pension.

An era has ended - and somehow the Australian parliament will be a lesser spectacle without Kevin Rudd to add the uncertainty and sparkle that surrounded his presence !