As the Progressive Labour Party membership controversy continues to boil over into the public arena, there has been more focus on the internal workings of the ruling party than on who is actually best to lead the country.

While aspects of the row over a process that decides who can become a member and who can vote on the next leader may be vexing, the ultimate outcome could have serious ramifications not only for the contestants but for the island as a whole.

As hundreds of new members signed up for PLP membership in the run up to the leadership contest between Jason Hayward and Curtis Dickinson, questions were raised over the fairness of the process on one side and legitimacy on the other.

Should membership be restricted, the scales could tip in favour of Mr Hayward, but should the rules stay the same, perhaps an influx of new voters could tip the scales towards Mr Dickinson.

However, the question of leadership ultimately lies with who has what it takes to take the country forward.

While the two men vying to run the party and the country may appear on the surface to be worlds apart, there are some striking similarities between them.

Both were raised in crowded, working-class households where a tight-knit community helped to propel them towards a life of leadership.

They each drew their greatest inspiration from their mothers and are both fathers of three children.

Mr Hayward and Mr Dickinson were both captains of Green House at The Berkeley Institute and each participated in sport.

And while the party seems to be torn apart at the seams, both contestants are calling for unity within the PLP.

The ultimate question remains: who is the most capable of doing the best for Bermuda?