The Labour Party said this afternoon that the prime minister put the party before parliament when he decided to seek confirmation of his leadership in a secret PN ballot.

He was also extending uncertainty and the political crisis and deepening instability, the party said in a statement. 

It said that what was happening confirmed that Dr Gonzi was trying to cling to power and he had sought confirmation of his position from the clique which was running the country and his party. 

What the prime minister needed to realise was that what he needed was a majority in parliament, rather than in the party, the PL said. 

Dr Gonzi this morning said he was shouldering responsibility after the outcome of Thursday's no confidence vote. He said he was calling on the PN to hold a leadership contest, in which he would be a candidate.