It has been quite a busy time for both the opposition and our caretaker PN government since the election date was announced. Both parties had their usual Sunday meetings on that first weekend, in Gżira and Senglea respectively. However, one must have been aware of the difference between the two gatherings.

One point really struck me. Both Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and the PN general secretary Joe Saliba insisted, until less than 24 hours before the general election date was officially called, that they did not know when the election was due to take place. So I ask: Did the PM, at the time, decide about the date overnight?

If yes, then everyone has clearly witnessed one of many rational decisions that the government has taken over the past years. If no, then during the public get-together at Senglea, once again they tried to pull the leg of those who actually believe the PN's strategy.

It would have been better by far to have a joint agreement and an assurance not to increase VAT to 20 per cent, 22 per cent or 25 per cent if the PN ever regains any votes. We must remember that it was the PN that increased the VAT to 18 per cent and Dr Gonzi is still firm in claiming that the PN never imposed any taxes.