Tony Blair has dismissed resignation calls but the latest opinion poll has pointed to growing unease at his leadership.

Speaking on Sunday, the prime minister said he was "absolutely" determined to carry on in office.

His robust response to the crisis caused by the suicide of Dr David Kelly was followed on Monday by an opinion poll which found the prime minister's reputation among voters has been damaged by the tragedy.

According to a YouGov poll for Monday's Telegraph, which was taken before the BBC admitted that Dr Kelly was its primary source, 39 per cent of voters think the prime minister should resign.

Some 59 per cent of voters said their opinion of Blair had gone down.

With the latest crisis described in the media as the most serious since Labour took office in 1997, he remains under serious pressure and intense scrutiny.

Despite the difficulties, Blair indicated he would press on with his programme for government.

"Because of the seriousness of what's happened, because somebody has died as a result of the events of the last few weeks, it's right that we have an inquiry," he told Sky News' Sunday With Adam Boulton programme.

He added that there would be lessons from the tragedy for both politicians and the media.

"And of course, someone in my position has got strong views about that, but now is not the moment to do that."

The prime minister also said he would take responsibility for the actions of his officials, such as Number 10 communications director Alastair Campbell.

Campbell's role is set to face scrutiny by the independent inquiry into Dr Kelly's death, which is to be headed by senior judge Lord Hutton.

"In the end the government is my responsibility and I can assure you the judge will be able to get to what facts, what people, what papers he wants," Blair said.

Asked if he had the appetite to go on, the prime minister replied: "Absolutely."

The admission by the BBC that Kelly was its main source for a story claiming the government had exaggerated the Iraq dossier has eased some of the pressure on Blair, who is in the middle of a tour of the Far East.

The corporation's admission has prompted anger on all sides, with calls for resignations at the top of the BBC as well as from the government.

In a statement issued on Sunday night, the BBC said it had "accurately interpreted and reported" Kelly's comments.

And Gilligan issued a statement adding that he "did not misquote or misrepresent" the scientist.