Dr Lydia Abela is an asset to the Labour Party and now to the Labour government. The few times I saw her on television I admired the sober way in which she conducted herself as executive secretary of the Labour Party's executive committee, to which she was elected in 2010. Since her husband's appointment as Prime Minister she has stepped back from active political appointments and is instead focusing on championing social issues that are not in the limelight.

Our meeting for the interview took place at Villa Francia. She was immediately warm and welcoming and we conversed with ease, as if we had known each other for a long time.

At the home of her parents in Cospicua the five children were always taught to be of service to others. "This came with our upbringing. But my parents also set an excellent example by being themselves of service and helping whoever they could. My mother Emanuela simply loved making people happy. My father Anthony was more into politics."

A political animal, Mr Zerafa always insisted that his children had to know what was happening in their country and that meant reading newspapers and following the world of politics.
One can say that politics was woven into the family's life right from the cradle. "My father involved us first of all by introducing us to local political discussions. Politics were discussed during meals. So we all became familiar with the world of politics from a young age."

Was there anyone that has particularly influenced her - a role model - apart from her mother, when she was young? "Yes," she replies without hesitation. "I had one teacher at the Fgura Primary school I remember in particular: Miss Letty Borg. I shall never forget her; she was totally dedicated to her pupils. Very strict but at the same time very encouraging. She would correct me but spur me on saying: 'I know you can do it.' She was smart and made an impact on my young self and even patiently taught me cursive writing."  

The Azzjoni Kattolica also played its part in Dr Abela's young life. "This is where we learnt the basics outside our home." I got the impression that it was a positive experience.

She admired another woman. "Her name was Gollina and I could see she worked very hard in the grocery shop. She went on working until she died."

Dr Abela met her husband Robert when they were both law students at the University of Malta. They were in the same course. "Yes, we met constantly from the beginning of the course to the end. He was very active, full of energy. We 'clicked' right away. He would wait for me and give me a lift home. Sometimes he would stop to drop in to see his grandmother who was over 90. He was very fond of her. His kindness impressed me."

Dr Abela is not embarrassed to say that soon she was dreaming of marrying Robert. "I liked him right from the start. I liked everything about him." So after many lifts and years of studies, and dropping in on nanna, one day he sent her a message: "Are we getting married or not? We have to get married." She smiles: "And so we did in 2008; the year after he had sent that message and a day after my 30^th birthday."

Their daughter Georgia Mae, who is now 9, was born in 2012. "She is my priority. Childhood is so short. We have to listen to the opinions of our children, even invite them to express their opinion; they are an important part of society. This exchange with grown-ups builds up their self-esteem. One day in a restaurant Georgia Mae commented: 'Isn't the waiter seeing me? Why isn't he asking me what I want to order just like he has asked you?' Children notice everything."

As to being a working wife she told me: "There was no question of giving up my career once Robert became prime minister." Dr Abela enjoys what she is doing, mostly working with those who are separating - a sad but realistic part of life today.

Dr Abela is a polished dresser and seems to believe in the adage: "The best dressed man is one who doesn't stand out in a crowd." What about their daughter? "Georgia Mae doesn't like wearing dresses. She has her own style. When she is getting dressed she asks me: 'What do you think?' I give her my opinion but let her decide."

Dr Abela would have liked their daughter to learn the piano. "But she prefers the electric guitar so that is what she is learning to play. And she says she wants to be a vet. It seems we have to forget about her becoming a lawyer."

On the subject of children Dr Abela comments that children like activity. "We have to give them all the opportunities possible to be active. We have a very high rate of obesity in children in Malta. It must be addressed."

Like her husband Dr Abela is herself a great believer in physical activity. "You have to feel physically good and the only way to do that is to exercise." She herself tries to go to the gym regularly - and even has a photo of herself with Jeremy Corbyn, former Leader of the Opposition and former Leader of the Labour Party - at a gym in the UK. Dr Abela walks whenever she can find the time often following the news on her iPhone at the same time.

She recently started the Smiles with Miles campaign. This initiative is helping to raise awareness about mental health as well as physical wellbeing. "I want to encourage the entire nation to exercise not only for their own wellbeing but for a good cause as well. It is not only mental health projects which are going to benefit from this campaign but also those individuals participating."

Dr Abela is understated and since little is understated in Malta it is a talent I look upon with admiration. I have noticed that she seems to avoid the froth - her forays on television are rare as are interviews. But when she does appear it is for a solid purpose and she is a breath of fresh air. We are not tired of seeing her.

Dr Abela is not the sort to get puffed up. I get the feeling she is sceptical if not cynical about the glories of this world and doesn't really believe in them. She would much rather get on with her work and family life. She is interested in the ongoing projects and not the ancillary businesses. She doesn't need anybody to glorify her or praise her. Perhaps she thinks it's a waste of time and a bother. She clearly believes in being self reliant and gets her strength from within rather than seek it from the praise of others.

In my time I was considered distinctly forward for wanting to establish my independence. It is different nowadays. Dr Abela seems to have worked out a way of living that gives her independence and the space to do her thing. "My aim is to help other women achieve their potential; to help them open doors for themselves. I have always believed that women can do much better than they are doing but they need help." She has proved that she is committed to this by the various initiatives she has taken over the years.

She doesn't feel that her role is to be the guardian of her husband's soul or that her primary responsibility is to make sure that things run smoothly at home. She seems to have a knack for keeping her distance from the intrusions of the world or of only allowing as much into her life as suits. It's a sensitive balance especially for people in the public eye and I suspect she has the hang of it.

Dr Abela seems to take everything in her stride. A meeting with the President today and a visit to WasteServ next.  It's business as usual as far as she is concerned.

I must say I was charmed and impressed. I am sure the Prime Minister understands what a valuable asset he has by his side.