Watching our female Governor General swear in our female prime minister yesterday was spine tingling. First Dog on the Moon’s line yesterday was important:

doggillard

As a woman (what an annoying line that is) Gillard should be spared the questions about her fruit bowl.

But she should also be spared questions like: “Is this the exemplary trajectory for female success?” What exactly IS the most desirable, most womanly — lady like even — path to success?

Yesterday Gillard performed first and foremost as a very effective politician.

If women are going to own the great Gillard qualities, then they also have to own her ability to knife Kevin Rudd.

Two words to the men and women who suggest that Gillard didn’t earn her place as first female Prime Minister in the most desirable fashion: Margaret Thatcher.

Now let’s leave her to  get on with the job.

CRIKEY: Apologies for the delayed delivery of your (slightly shorter) Daily Mail today — major technical difficulties left us with no email and no internet. Thanks to our friends at Business Spectator for letting us use their spare computers… We’re now going to lie in a quiet, dark room for several days, thank you.)