The people, not caucus, must decide

Too often the Prime Minister and Kevin Rudd have not been on the same page on foreign policy.

During the debate about whether there should be a no-fly zone imposed over Libya, the former Foreign Minster was actively campaigning, while in Europe and Northern Africa, for a no-fly zone, while the Prime Minister was in Washington refusing to support that initiative.

One can only guess what our international allies and partners presumed to be our formal position.

Former Labor Foreign Minister Stephen Smith once said there cannot be a "crack of light" between a Prime Minister and a Foreign Minister to ensure Australia's national interest and international reputation is protected.

The relationship between the Prime Minister and Kevin Rudd has been utterly dysfunctional from the time that she betrayed him by executing a plot to remove him from office.

This situation has been untenable from the outset and has now exploded into open conflict.

The ongoing damage to Australia's interests domestically and internationally will not stop with Kevin Rudd's dramatic resignation.

Only a general election can bring certainty to the highest levels of our national government and give a much needed boost to national confidence.