Love Me, Love My Dog

I missed this post from The Road To Surfdom last week:

Australia is so important to America and John Howard is held in such high regard that President Bush hasn't bothered to appoint an ambassador to Australia for the last twelve months.

Following the link:

Mr Downer says the US is having some difficulties with the appointment, but will not discuss the reasons for the hold up.

"That's a matter for them," he said.

"That would be very undiplomatic for me to start to canvass the issues.

"That's a matter for the Americans."

He says Australia would like the US to send a new ambassador as soon as possible.