Mater Dei Hospital said this afternoon that Dom Mintoff, who was admitted to hospital late this morning, is in critical condition.

"He has been diagnosed to suffer from a severe chest infection and heart failure. His condition has been described as critical by the medical team responsible for his care," the hospital said.

The former Prime Minister and Labour leader, 95, was admitted to hospital several times last year as he became increasingly frail. He now spends much of his time in a wheelchair.