Speculation abounds as to who will fill Cabinet positions in the new PNP administration. All too often women have been given “soft ministries” such as youth, culture, sport, women affairs and the like. Such portfolios are used to cut the ministerial teeth of political fledglings or second and third tier government members.

Lisa Hanna has over the past four years proved to be an exemplary parliamentarian. She has tended to her constituency rather well while at the same time acquitted herself as a shadow spokesperson for youth and culture.

She has learnt from more seasoned parliamentarians and has not been embroiled in controversies nor has she spoken out of turn but followed the party line. This in itself would bode well in considering her for a more substantive Cabinet position. She can no longer be regarded as a political neophyte but rather as a young capable Cabinet member; one destined for greater things in the future.

Hanna was the undoubted star of the recent televised debates and she exhibited an understanding and mastery of relevant data and statistics. Her delivery was consummate and not given to emotionalism and verbal constipation. Her fluidity and steadfastness set her apart from many who stumbled and faltered.

As Minister of Information, the new administration will need someone with acumen, who is articulate while diplomatic and forthright – someone who will not continuously embarrass the government and here Hanna can do a fine job. She has media experience and is well regarded and respected in the fraternity.

She exudes an innate dignity while at the same time maintaining a personable mien. Not for her is vulgarity, crass behaviour, going off message, malapropisms and a propensity for embarrassment and oaffishness. She will not run amok and give the administration cause to hold its head in its hands as it cringes. In fact she may very well become the next great minister of information following in the footsteps of Burchell Whiteman who was hailed by many for his deft touch as minister of information and leader of government business. Hanna can be relied upon not to be a clone of Margaret Thatcher’s bluff and combative press secretary Sir Bernard Ingham who was devotee of the “dark arts” of media spin and had a curt manner when defending his charge. She is more likely to be closer in style to President Obama’s former While House Press Secretary, Robert Gibbs who won correspondents over with his old-school courtesy and was known for his conciliatory but firm approach.

By appointing Hanna as Information minister it sends a clear signal that younger PNP Members of Parliament will reap their just rewards once they have exhibited loyalty and ability. The Prime Minister appears very comfortable with Hanna and she enjoys good favour with her comrades. All in all Lisa Hanna would be a rather good choice for this most important position.