The difference between the leaders of the two major political parties was in the way they addressed each other in last Friday’s Xarabank.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi chose a polite way, referring to his political opponent in the correct way – Dr Muscat. Not Joseph, not Joey. Just Dr Muscat. It was a sign of respect towards the young leader, a formal way of address. They were not having coffee together; they were being watched by thousands of Maltese.

For his part, Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat wrongly called the Prime Minister by his first name. It may have appeared to be a friendly touch, but it was on the whole a disrespectful way of addressing the head of government. Again, they were not having coffee, they were speaking to each other in front of the whole country.

To have the younger of the two leaders prefer such an informal way of address shows that Dr Muscat still has so much to learn.

Peter Vella

Mellieha