• National and international issues dominate

The first question at Moordown Baptist Church was about foreign aid, and while the panel considered Britain's 0.7 per cent of GDP contribution in light of poverty closer to home, it set the trend for the night of queries concerned with national policy rather than local issues.

One major exception was the proposed Navitus Bay wind farm, albeit brought up in the context of increasing employment in the renewable energy sector. Green candidate Alasdair Keddie backed the project, as did David Stokes - representing Labour on behalf of his brother Peter, although he said his brother was less enthusiastic. Lib Dem John Nicholas was also enthusiastic.

Incumbent Tory MP Tobias Ellwood spoke in favour of renewable energy but felt Navitus was in the wrong place, while Ukip candidate David Hughes said wind farms were not economical.

• Not everyone is engaged in politics - locally and nationally

The turn-out in Moordown was not impressive with many empty seats.

The hustings at the baptist church has in the past been intended for its congregation and as such there were several questions from church members asking where the candidates stood on issues of conscience, including euthanasia, gay marriage and the right to display religious symbols.

However, as the only hustings for parliamentary candidates being held in the constituency, the church kindly decided to invite the public and include questions on more general issues.

Sadly many constituents stayed away. Among those that attended some were upset there was no question and answer session.

• Politicians can behave respectfully towards each other

All five candidates at last night's hustings reacted with good humour to the few heckles from both the audience and their fellows on the stage.

Each made their point relatively clearly and concisely and acted with grace when cut short by the chairman.

As one voter told the Daily Echo outside the church: "It wasn't like Prime Minister's Questions, they behaved like adults."

• The 'outside bets' can make the more compelling orators

While relying heavily on notes, Green candidate Alasdair Keddie gave a good account of his views and his party's policies and drew the most audible applause from the audience. Ukip speaker David Hughes drew perhaps the strongest reactions when he spoke of his strong "evangelical Christian" faith and his opposition to same-sex marriage.

Mr Stokes for Labour - he is actually the Bournemouth West candidate - was the first to stand to answer his question, a trend soon picked up by the others.

Liberal Democrat John Nicholas revealed a sharp sense of humour and an un-tucked shirt, while Tobias Ellwood - currently a minister - spoke calmly and cautiously.

• There is little agreement what will happen on May 7

The Green and Ukip candidates said they felt certain neither the Conservative nor the Labour parties would secure an overall majority in the General Election.

David Stokes however seemed equally sure that his party would garner sufficient seats to dominate parliament without requiring an alliance with other parties, such as the Scottish National Party.

Mr Ellwood was more cautious about trumpeting his party's chances, but warned against a Labour and the SNP coalition, saying it would prioritise Scotland's interests over the rest of the UK.

And a final question: should the hustings be open to all or just the candidates of the major parties? ​

There was a row at the end of the husting over the exclusion of independent candidate David Ross. You can read about that on Bournemouth University's Your Election site here