I followed with interest the Nationalist Party's internal election for the post of president of the party's general council. The post was contested by two competent lawyers both of whom have held other positions within the party. Paula Mifsud Bonnici was successful in this election garnering the majority of votes from the party's councillors. I wish Dr Mifsud Bonnici all the very best in her new position and am confident that she will bring an injection of energy and enthusiasm to the position.

This is the first time that a female has occupied this position within the PN and Dr Mifsud Bonnici now joins Marthese Portelli (president of the PN's executive committee) in the list of successful females who are making great strides in the political arena.

My happiness at Dr Mifsud Bonnici's election was however tinged with a note of frustration as I realised that in this day and age we are still celebrating when a woman makes it to the top. Despite political parties' best efforts to see that more women are involved in politics, it seems that a dearth of female candidates ultimately means that statistically it will remain a struggle for women to succeed in politics.

I therefore appeal to all women to involve themselves more in politics whether on a party, local or general level. More women candidates for party posts, local council elections or general elections means a better chance of having more females in prestigious party positions and in Parliament.

I look forward to that time when the news of an elected woman is greeted with no more fuss than that of her male counterpart.