Lino Spiteri’s article ‘A presidential mistake’ included elements of shortsighted thinking. Referring to Laurence Gonzi’s nomination of George Abela as President he wrote: “That Abela turned out to be a widely popular President is not the point. The point is Gonzi’s weak electoral victory and his imposition.”

Whatever the reason behind Gonzi’s decision to choose Abela, it proved to be an excellent decision. Same as his decisions leading to an exceptional handling of the Libya crisis and to economic stability while saving and creating jobs within the context of an international crisis.

Therefore it is irrelevant whether an electoral victory is weak or a landslide when tangible results are produced. While this is the case with Gonzi, it is not the same with Joseph Muscat because his overall performance is still to be judged in four years’ time.

To date this premiership is mostly characterised by reward appointments for the clique. However, the nomination of Marie Louise Coleiro Preca for President may well prove to be the right decision whatever the reason behind this choice.

Apart from the fact that Abela and Coleiro Preca both come from Qormi, there is another common factor. They both – unsuccessfully – contested a PL leadership election. Gonzi consequently did what PL delegates failed to do. He presented a well-deserved prestigious State position to Abela.

Very likely Muscat will equally do what PL delegates failed to do in the case of Coleiro Preca. This popular personality has qualities to make her presidency uniquely effective.