Time magazine names Clark as UN contender

Time magazine has named Prime Minister Helen Clark as a possible contender for the role of Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Secretary-General Kofi Annan steps down at the end of this year.

Time said candidates were expected to come from nations other than the five with permanent seats on the UN Security Council, but must have the backing of all five.

A council straw poll was due this month with Jordan's UN envoy, Prince Zeid al-Hussein, expected to declare.

"Other possible candidates are former Malaysian Deputy PM Anwar Ibrahim and two contenders to be the first female Secretary-General: Singapore Ambassador to Washington Chan Heng Chee - said to be a US favourite - and ... Helen Clark," Time said.

Helen Clark said last month that she had had no approach about the job.