[LIVE] Follow the leaders' debate here

Welcome to our live-blog from the Intercontinental Hotel for the debate of the political party leaders Lawrence Gonzi, Joseph Muscat, and Michael Briguglio, hosted by The Times.

10:15 The debate is now closed, with both leaders delivering their respective concluding addresses.

Asked regarding the PN's electoral prospects in the face of a clear advantage for Labour in the polls, Gonzi insisted that the game is still afoot because the polls are showing a clear percentage that is still undecided.

"I believe that the electorate will be weighing the options until the last moment. We will keep driving home the PN's message on work, education, and health until the last moment."

Muscat similarly said that a lot can happen in the last few days, insisting that Labour would not relent on driving home is message of national unity.

The Labour leader reiterated his message that whatever the result of the election, the country needs to be united to meet the coming challenges head on.

He also reiterated his pledge that a Labour government would not "not to be a government for half the country", and that is ready to work with the opposition on issues of national importance.

Gonzi closed the debate by saying that the country will be facing a number of  challenges over the coming five years, and insisting that the country must make decisions that will guarantee more job creation, and economic success in tourism, manufacturing, financial services, and other similar sectors.

"This is the solid future that the Nationalist Party is offering."

10:08 Gonzi denies that the campaign unfolding so far is somehow aggressive or negative. "I don' think we had campaign where we are at each others' throats. I think we have a general election campaign. It is not a disaster. It is a democratic exercise."

Asked about the detachment being felt between the electorate and the political class, Gonzi insists that more needs to be done to make the electorate aware of what political dialogue entails, and make them more aware of the issues at stake.

On the other hand, Muscat said that the democratic deficit being created is clear and stems from fact that politics was the domain of politicians alone for a long time. "To blame others is to bring about new lack of credibility."

He said that Labour's campaign is all about the people and not about the party, or about government, adding that the proposal where the parliamentary honoraria is tied to parliamentary attendance "is only one small step towards making the political class more responsible towards the country."

He also hit out at the PN administration over the 500 euro honoraria, insisting that such decisions further broaden the gulf between the people and the political class.

9:54 Herman Grech tables a series of yes/no questions to both leaders.

Among the most notable answers is Gonzi's assertion that he would not resign if the PN loses the election, and both leaders' reply to the question asking about the biggest mistake their parties committed during the campaign.

Muscat replied by saying sometimes Labour fell into the tit for tat game, but said that Labour remains committed to remain positive in final weeks.

Gonzi said that the same reply can be made for the Nationalist Party. "Sometimes it is almost automatic. One reacts to an attack that is considered below the below, and it is considered an equal and opposite reaction."

He however insisted that Malta is not witnessing a "campaign where we are at each others' throats. I think we have a general election campaign. It is not a disaster. It is a democratic exercise."

9:51 Regarding the divorce referendum and the PN's strong emphasis on the importance of the family, which Times journalist Chris Peregin said vanished from the PN's electoral programme, Gonzi insisted that this emphasis is present through the PN's commitment on job creation.

Pressed on the issue and addressing marital breakdown, Gonzi said that one does not address such an issue in an electoral programme, saying that what would help is creating an environment that allows a better quality of life through education, employment, and health services.

9:49 On the topic of hunting, Muscat said that while local hunters need to be treated humanely and that they should be able to enjoy all the rights that EU membership entails. At the same time, he insisted that Labour would not reopen the EU package in this regard, and that illegal hunting would never be acceptable.

Regarding immigration, Muscat said that four years ago, Gonzi said that Malta's problems were solved through the voluntary assistance pact. "But this has not happened," Muscat said, insisting that Malta must not be afraid to stand firm on fighting for adequate solidarity in this regard.

9:48 Regarding the publicised loan from big developer Zaren Vassallo amounting to quarter of a million euros, Gonzi reiterated that this is a loan that must be repaid, and that it creates no sort of obligation between the PN and the contractor.

9:47 Both leaders also fielded lighter questions regarding the contentious blue/red face political PN billboard as well as the Labour Party's 'courage to vote' video which similarly attracted considerable attention.

9:41 Muscat said that Gonzi knew of the case for some time and despite being the minister responsible for police, he opted to keep it quiet and to bring it up during the campaign for political mileage.

Asked why Labour is calling for Austin Gatt's resignation while resisting similar calls for Abela's resignation, Muscat insisted that one is an issue of administrative responsibility while the other is an issue of political responsibility for something that happened in his ministry.

Gonzi was also grilled regarding the ongoing Enemalta scandal, which have now seen the involvement of Ministers Tonio Fenech and Austin Gatt.

Gonzi said that when the issue arose, he immediately and publicly said that he was willing to issue a pardon to those ready to deliver information and be willing to testify in court. He said that this was so that the police would be able to investigate.

Pressed on the ethical considerations of both Gatt and Fenech being implicated in meetings with oil trader George Fenech, Gonzi said that if has a suspicion that the minister was influenced, then he would have to resign.

"I never had this, and to this day, I do not. And from what has been published of the testimonies that have emerged no suggestions of influence on a minister."

9:33 Grech turns the debate to the recent scandals and "mud". Asked who threw the first stone, Gonzi said that in politics there is nobody who throws the first stone. he adds that in every debate, both he and Muscat meet and part on a note of mutual respect.

Gonzi said that the campaign did not degenerate but insisted that a number of issues arose that must be addressed, pointing to corruption and drugs. "To hide them under the carpet is to try and kid ourselves."

Asked about the PN's take on the Abela issue, Gonzi said that the issue is how people in authority and responsibility behave when faced with this sort of thing. he insisted that he always reported any instances or reports of wrong-doing to the proper authorities.

"If this means mud slinging, then we are not agreeing," Gonzi said, insisting that it is not acceptable for Labour to hide instances of wrongdoing to protect its reputation.

Asked whether Labour is being correct, Muscat said that Labour will not shy away from talking about issues that needs to be addressed. He however said that what has happened over the past weeks, the line between criticism and political assassination was crossed several times "for political aims."

Asked whether he did the same, Muscat said that "I always stayed cautious."

Faced with his accusation that a minister was involved in getting someone out of the police lockup, Muscat said that the claim was backed up by a source.

"There was contact between me and the Police Commissioner, I told him that here is a whistleblower ready to talk about this if given protection. This is the difference. I am not waving around a case for political aims. I passed on the case. He does not feel comfortable given that there is no Whistleblower Act."

9:31 The debate is back on the air with a series of clips of Gonzi and Muscat behind the scenes. The audience smiles and murmurs appreciatively, enjoying a more human look at both political leaders and the hectic lives they lead in the run up to the 9 March election.

9:28 Serious-faced Gonzi and Muscat share a quiet word on stage, as all eyes are on them. Realising that the entire press core camerapeople have run up for a quick snap, they smile and disperse back to their respective podiums.

9:22 The debate breaks off for its first short intermission. We'll be soon back with just Musact and Gonzi, as Briguglio will not form part in the second-half debate panel. The debate audience so far as been as quiet as a mice, only applauding when the debate kicked off and the leaders were being presented.

9:16 Grech tables issues such as immigration. Why are they not tackling them?

Briguglio says that AD is being brave in tackling them, insisting that this proves that AD is necessary in parliament. He used his last appeal to voters to "write history" and break new ground by

Muscat was asked whether PL is tackling immigration from a 'security' angle. Why?

Muscat said that PL spoke at length about the human and political side, insisting that there are issues that go beyond local immigration "We will be human with the victims of immigration, but we will be strong in the forums where decisions are taken."

Muscat also slammed illegal hunting as categorically "unacceptable", also pointing to the need for an effective and reliable public transport system.

Asked to account for the fact that the public transport system was a "fiasco", Gonzi sidestepped  by saying that the new fleet of buses is cleaner, more reliable, and is also safer for commuters. He however admitted that that the new system did not meet expectations, and said that more needs to be done to address this.

He however hit out at Muscat for "superficial statements" pointing to that the previous system was hazardous, ineffective, and criticised by all. He however went on to say that the reform was let down by consultative preparation, saying that "those who gave us the advice did not realise that the change was not going to be enough."

"I wish to remind Gonzi that bendy buses still stop at Sliema, so things haven't really changed all that much" Muscat quipped, while Gonzi remarked that "I am sorry that we are falling to the lows of ridiculing these issues."

9:14 Gonzi was asked about a working group report regarding pensions which was hidden until "discovered by the media". Gonzi insisted that this is not the case, insisting that a couple of years ago "we made an extraordinary reform" pointing to an increase of pension age to 65 while also an increase in the pension contribution rate.

He also noted several other PN proposals aimed at expanding pensions received by people who have private pensions, or who work after retirement. He also dismissed the arguments tabled by the other leaders as "superficial."

9:10 Fielding a question from Herman Grech, Briguglio emphasises the importance of the introduction of the second pension pillar, questioning why Gonzi's administration has not introduced it as yet.

Muscat dismissed Briguglio's point that the PL is being "populist" on pensions, saying that the pension should increase to 60% of the national average wage. He said that the introduction of the second pillar means an income in National Insurance tax, which he said that nobody can afford. Muscat said that this should be done instead by increasing economic participation through encouraging more parents and more women to enter the workforce.

Muscat also said the arguments regarding pensions that he has heard during the debate so far "are of four or five years ago" insisting that the focus should be "on active ageing." 

9:07 Mark Micallef asks Gonzi why government dragged its feet on oil. He says that the wait was necessary so that the energy structures are addressed one by one. He said that its first priority was to close the Marsa plant, conceding however that it is still open.

In the meantime, Gonzi said, Malta will need the interconnector pipe-line to be able to implement "any other project". Gonzi said that Malta was able to secure funding for the Sicily interconnector, and would be able to obtain EU funding for a gas pipeline also. He also said that the PL proposals contain nothing accounting for EU funding for the gas pipeline.

Grilled regarding the pipeline's 7-year timeframe, Gonzi refuted this, insisting instead that it would be done within 4 or 5 years, hinging only on the financing necessary to complete the project.

9:05 Mark Micallef asks Muscat about the energy proposal two-year timeframe, Muscat reiterates that the timeframe will be respected, and pointing out that Labour is the only party which has so far tabled a critiqueable and assessable energy policy proposal, which was also costed and detailed.

On the other hand, he said, the PN has only a hazy and non-specific proposal regarding a night tariff, which he insisted is "more of the same."

Grilled on the issue, Muscat said that Labour is "not backtracking on this" but deviated into an attack against Gonzi regarding the PN's over-ambitious claims on economic growth projections, and regarding how unemployment has been slowly creeping up.

9:02 Mark Micallef asks that many people agrees with AD but have a problem regarding the party's more liberal values like drug decriminalisation. Asked if the party was biting off more than it can chew, Briguglio said that AD has a history of tackling issues that the other parties shied away from.

He noted that several governments around the world have a favourable and open stance towards homosexual couples and unions, also standing firm on his stand regarding treating drug users as victims.

He added that even in opposition, AD would be able to be effective and be able to bring topics to the table that the other parties would have no option but to discuss, such as the Armier boathouses and hunting. "Even in opposition, we would have a huge effect."

8:59 Asked about the PN's proposals such as free tables and increased stipends, Gonzi said that the PN's proposals are credible because they are made by a party which was able to steer the country through difficult times.

Gonzi admitted that some economic developments can be expected, but evaded a question regarding what the PN was proposing to cater for such an eventuality by reiterating his government's track record in investment, income tax reduction, and employment.

Asked regarding the PN's 'record' of having the highest utility rates in Malta's history, Gonzi replied by saying "I'd rather say we were responsible for records in employment."

8:56 Fielding a question regarding the cost and viability of the PL's proposals, Muscat insisted that the PL's proposals were costed and that its price is clear. He insisted that the EC's own projection for economic growth for the coming two years, which he said are "diametrically" opposed to those of the Nationalist Party, dismissing the PN's excuse that this is because the EC projections do not take into account the budget as "ridiculous."

The PN's pledges will either not be implemented, lead to economic disaster, or an increase in taxes, Muscat said.

Asked regarding the differences between the PN and PL's proposals, he said that the PL proposals are based on EC and IMF economic growth projections, and that there will be a person responsible to oversee their implementation. he insisted that the PL is being more responsible in this regard.

8:55 Asked regarding the criticism that AD lacks the knowhow to lead the country, Briguglio insisted that he has experience working both within government structures and local councils, also pointing out that candidates such as Arnold Cassola has political experience in structures abroad.

He insisted also that AD is more than simply a pressure group, pointing out that AD's manifesto contains a number of proposals that the other parties lifted. "We are the only constructive party in this election."

8:52 Briguglio hit out at the leading political parties for "promising everything to everyone" insisting that AD would hold back from acting like "an election-time Father Christmas". he said that AD is proposing an increase in minimum wage, an emphasis on assisting disabled people, greater environmental protection and not favouritism towards big developers. "We are truly the party that has clear policies."

8:46 The first question is 'why should people vote for your party.

Muscat said that the Labour Party represents a way of doing politics that does not look at faces, that is a clean break with the past, that does not look at blue or red faces, and to change the way we do things in the country. "A new government cannot be a government for half the country, but that looks towards doing things together, and generates employment for future generations."

Asked the same question, Briguglio insists that the electorate knows where it stands with them, and that it was on the right side of history in the EU referendum and the Divorce referendum. he said that AD represents a bridge between the two parties which he insisted "have suffocated the country" adding that AD in government would be the "voice of reason."

Gonzi insisted that the coming five years require a focus on generating more employment, and listed a number of sectors which the PN is pledging to create more jobs in such as aviation and life sciences. "The PN represents the future of job creation for the country."

8:45 The debate officially kicks off as Grech opens the 'The Big Debate' in a somewhat over-dramatic presentation of the political leaders, who each receive a round of applause. The debate is being broadcast live on NET TV, One TV, and TVM. A montage of clips depicting the most-notable statements by various political leaders and party exponents starts rolling, as well as scenes from the various mass meetings held so far.

The montage of chronologically ordered clips shows the progress of the electoral campaign so far.

8:43 The political leaders have taken their positions at the podiums, and everything looks set to rock and roll. The audience is silently watchful, and the murmuring has died down. The proverbial tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife.

8:36  Times' Head of Media Herman Grech announces that the debate will be starting in around ten minutes.

He also explains the rules of the debate: the debate will fall under the broadcasting authority regulations, and will last around an hour and ten minutes in all. During the first half of the debate, leaders from all three leading political parties will be present, while for the second part of the debate, only Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Labour leader Joseph Muscat will be fielding questions. There will be a break of only 7 minutes between each section.

"There can be no booing or any shouting, or we'll be in trouble," warns Grech, pointing to the BA rules on political debates.

8:28 The hall at the Intercontinental is now almost full. The audience members, murmuring softly to one another or making small talk in the aisles, is a far cry from hordes of enthusiastic and flag-waving students who gathered to watch the political leaders' showdowns during earlier debates held at the University and at Mcast.

8:24 The debate hall is filling up quickly as those who have pre-booked a seat take their places. 

8:21 Both Labour Leader and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi are in the building. Gonzi has made a personal appearance in the debate hall just minutes before the debate is set to kick off.