As the saying goes, honesty is the best policy and the two leaders’ response to this question is telling during tonight’s edition of Bondi +.

When prime minister Lawrence Gonzi was asked whether lying is an acceptable practice in politics, he pounced on the question, saying that “honesty and openness are cardinal principles of politics. In politics honesty is of the utmost importance and the way to move forward.”

Opposition leader Joseph Muscat hesitated visibly when asked the very same question, perhaps trying to be ironic in saying that “at some point in politics the truth has to be told.”

Dr Gonzi also expressed confidence in being the ultimate decision-maker once the relevant advice has been assimilated, whereas Dr Muscat said that one has to be comfortable in the art of delegation.

Both leaders were asked the same questions separately by programme presenter Lou Bondi before the producers then linked them together for tonight's edition.

Making their pitches for the coming election, Dr Muscat proved himself to be handy with both a roadmap and alliteration, expressing confident conviction that his plan is “clear, concrete and costed.”

Dr Gonzi said that it has been “a huge privilege serving as prime minister,” and if he is once again given the confidence of the people it will be a “special privilege to serve again.”

Both leaders were invited to express their biggest regrets and achievements during their recent political lives. Dr Gonzi mentioned the swift condemnation of the Gadaffi regime during the initial outbreak of the Libyans revolution as being a definite high.

The much criticised honoraria granted to ministers during the outbreak of the financial and economic crisis is Dr Gonzi’s biggest regret.

“The granting of honoraria was badly implemented. I am sorry about the way I took the decision and the way I went about it,” Dr Gonzi admitted.

Dr Muscat cryptically answered that the biggest regrets stem from decisions that one feels are right, but hurt people close to you, undoubtedly referring to the unceremonious axing of former PL deputy leader Anglu Farrugia.  Dr Muscat said that the decisions that gave him the most satisfaction are the little ones that help peoples’ lives.

Dr Muscat pledged to bring citizens closer to government through bi-annual public meetings with ministers. People will also be able to track MPs’ attendance records in parliament.

Dr Gonzi promised to continue to work on the “bigger picture,” but with increased sensitivity to citizens needs, treating them as “people not numbers.”

Perhaps unsurprisingly, both Dr Gonzi’s and Dr Muscat’s views on the economy has been handled over the past five years differ greatly. Asked by host Lou Bondi to respond to allegations that the government was cut off from political and economic realities, Dr Gonzi dismissed this accusation outright.

“It was impossible for me to be cut off from these realities. Malta faced economic challenges that brought other countries to their knees,” Dr Gonzi replied.

When asked for his take on this question, Dr Muscat tersely invited Dr Gonzi to “look at the Standard and Poor’s report and speak to people in their kitchens.”

Turning to who is best placed to deal with the EU, both leaders claimed to have the necessary experience to lead Malta in EU negotiations.

“I have lived through the realities of Europe for the past nine years, and I never had to resort to using a veto during negotiations,” Dr Gonzi said.

“I have experience in working within the European institutions, I also have the energy and can start with a clean slate,” Dr Muscat replied.