Was Trevor really recalled early?

Radio NZ reports:

Foreign Minister Winston Peters is celebrating former Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard being replaced as Ambassador to Ireland.

Peters named Angela Hassan-Sharp for the role in a statement about 1pm on Tuesday.

Asked about Mallard, he said “you know that famous song from the Seekers? Carnival’s over”.

He said Mallard was “coming home and he’s coming home early”.

I’m not sure it is that early. His appointment was announced in August 22 and his replacement in August 25. That is three years gap, which is not abnormal for appointments other than the UK or Ireland.

In fact since 1991, the majority of appointments to UK and Ireland were for three years or less.

While Mallard’s appointment was controversial, I think it is fair to note that there has been nothing to suggest that he has not performed the role with diligence over there.

I do agree with Peters that generally politicians should not be diplomats (Goff showed us the danger), but I wouldn’t make it a hard and fast rule. In the US especially a former Prime Minister can open up many more doors than a career diplomat.