Widespread reports in Britain last weekend that former Northern Secretary and general good person Mo Mowlam was such a natural to succeed Mary Robinson as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, that the job was practically hers for the asking, are greatly exaggerated. Mowlam, after apparently being shafted by New Labour for being too popular, announced some months ago she would not be standing for parliament again. When Robinson said she was leaving the UN next September, there were reports that Mowlam would love the job as she wanted a new challenge away from British politics. Downing Street backed her and all proclaimed her outspoken approach ideal.
This may all be so, but she is unlikely to get the job. UN watchers say Secretary General Kofi Annan made two big appointments recently and they both went to Europeans - Gro Brundtland to the WHO and Ruud Lubbers as UNHCR. A European woman, they say, will be the last choice to succeed Robinson. Annan will be looking to Asia or Africa.