Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat said yesterday the Labour Party stood to gain from the drawn out “tragic comedy” being played by a government holding on to power at all costs.

Speaking on One Radio via phone, Dr Muscat said there was consensus, even in the media, that an early election should be called.

“This is what common sense dictates,” he said, but the Prime Minister wanted to stay on, in part, to see through several important “contracts” that would help him electorally.

According to Dr Muscat, while Lawrence Gonzi believes such strategy will work for him, the people were now seeing the PN’s “true colours”.

“Time has proven us right. The longer it lasts, the better for us,” he added.

At the same time, Dr Muscat stressed that the prevailing situation was damaging the country and the Prime Minister should act to dispel uncertainty and take the necessary decisions.

“The ball is in his court,” Dr Muscat said.

He said Dr Gonzi was now completely discarding the benchmark he set himself some months ago when he asked his MPs to fall in line with “clear and unconditioned” votes in favour of the government.

Dr Muscat also referred to the PN’s billboard bases set up in recent days, despite claims by the party that this did not indicate an election. “Experience tells us that when the Prime Minister says he will do something, he does the opposite,” Dr Muscat said.

The PL, he continued, was “seriously prepared” for an election campaign, regardless of how short or long it would be.

During his call, Dr Muscat flagged the health sector situation where he said lack of funds was delaying important purchases . He said health care was a necessity, not a luxury, so the country could not allow such things to be held back.

Dr Muscat said his party was preparing a realistic manifesto for economic growth.

The PN said Dr Muscat was obsessed with becoming Malta’s youngest Prime Minister.