Seeing the prime minister and the opposition leader having a drink together, in public, on Victory Day, was a breath of fresh air in an island so dominated by politics.

Dr Lawrence Gonzi and Dr Alfred Sant were filmed and photographed together, probably sharing a joke or two, as other officials from the two main political parties also mingled together, smiles on their faces.

It is such a rare sight in Maltese politics, and one that should be seen more often too. It is also an example that should be followed by the public.

Too often, we allow politics to take over our lives. Friends end up quarrelling over one or more political issues, and it is not always the case that they remain on speaking terms. Trouble is also known to erupt among members of the same families that do not share the same ideas and, again, it is not always the case that the differences are ironed out.

This scenario is more likely to happen as a general election draws closer and the future of the country is at stake.

Many will say that Dr Gonzi and Dr Sant were seen in such a friendly mood because the election is two and a half years away. It might be so but, on the other hand, it must also be said that the few minutes they spent with each other – which were luckily picked by cameramen and photographers – did a load of good to the way politics should be perceived.

One will remember that soon after being elected Nationalist Party leader, Dr Sant had invited Dr Gonzi to the Malta Labour Party headquarters in Hamrun for a visit. Both of them had then acknowledged the need for a change in the way politics is conducted. That invitation was a good start, and in fact it must be said that the two leaders have since developed a good relationship, as could be seen that time when they met on the programme Xarabank.

They disagreed and continue to disagree on most issues, as expected, but it is good to see them together on social occasions, as happened last Thursday. Dr Sant has as yet not been invited over to the PN headquarters; maybe the right time would be when the Nationalist Party officially opens its reconstructed premises.

Generally speaking, politicians of opposing sides obviously do not share the same ideas. Sometimes they have completely different thoughts on the same subject. They battle it out in Parliament, in public meetings and in the media.

What should be kept in mind however is that it is not the messenger that should be attacked, but the message. One has every right to an opinion on whatever subject and he or she has the right to express it, within the limits of the law. But one should never resort to personal attacks, because they often have the reverse effect.

After all, again generally speaking, people enter politics to be of service to their country and its citizens. It's the way they want their country to get better that is different.

Politics is an important part of our life, but it is not everything.