THE Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, has come under fire after using his welcoming remarks for Barack Obama as an opportunity to take political potshots at the government.

Mr Abbott, who has broken convention during previous state visits, did so again yesterday when he took potshots at Labor over its policy regarding uranium sales to India and its carbon and mining taxes.

Ties that bind ... Tony Abbott with Mr Obama, as he examines ties given to him by the Liberal MP Ken Wyatt, right. Credit:Getty Images

''There's no event too big in which he doesn't show himself to be too small,'' the manager of government business, Anthony Albanese, said. ''He always goes a step too far.''

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kevin Rudd, said Mr Abbott's words were unbecoming of somebody aspiring to be prime minister.