The unexpected nomination of Lydia Abela as Labour's executive secretary, a post given birth by the one and only Joseph Muscat, is a confirmation of how highly Dr Muscat thinks of the female gender in the political arena.

Even though Dr Abela appeared literally out of nowhere, I have no doubt that it was a wise and ingenious decision on the part of the Leader of the Opposition.

Since Women's Day, on March 8, is less than a month away, I feel I want to congratulate him on his tremendous choice.

Placing a woman in this post must surely be a part of Labour's plan to strengthen the party.

I have no doubt whatsoever that the President's daughter-in-law will not let others down but will live entirely up to expectations.

She will do us proud not because she is a woman, not because Dr Muscat has complete and utter faith in her capabilities hence her new post, but because she has the necessary qualifications to be a magnificent inspiration to other women who are thinking along the lines of entering the political field.

It is indeed a rare quality that women like Dr Abela have drive, motivation, ambition and a strong conception of what other women think and feel.