Rachida Dati, France’s Minister of Justice, has been the object of a lot of criticism for returning to work immediately after giving birth.

Curiously, the most vicious criticism comes from some who call themselves feminists on the grounds that they think Miss Dati should have exploited her statutory maternity leave to the full.

Yet it is Miss Dati who is the true feminist, demonstrating that women’s equality is not a matter of claiming rights but of living up to responsibilities.

Entrepreneurs understand this. We have no maternity or paternity leave, no statutory sick pay, and no paid annual leave.

We know we can choose how long we take off work, but we are responsible for the consequences of that choice. If our businesses fail because we are not there, it does not matter whether we had a good excuse or not.

We have every right to demand that the leaders of much bigger organisations – especially in the public sector – have a similar sense of responsibility.

By setting a good example, Miss Dati has shown others up for their lack of responsibility – hence the vitriolic criticism – but, for the same reason, she deserves the support of all who admire the work ethic.

Vive la Dati!