Cunliffe apologises

3 News reports:

Labour finance spokesman David Cunliffe has apologised for a personal attack on Corrections Minister Judith Collins, after he told broadcaster Paul Henry if Ms Collins was the last woman on earth the human race would become extinct.

In an interview on Radio LIVE yesterday, broadcaster Paul Henry joked with Mr Cunliffe about “who - in the house - he would make children with”.

“Well I have thought that if Judith Collins was the last woman on earth the species would probably become extinct,” retorted Mr Cunliffe.

On TV3’s The Nation this morning, Mr Cunliffe apologised when questioned by policitcal editor Duncan Garner.

“Yes, an unfortunate comment, and I sincerely regret it and I have rung her to apologise. I shouldn’t have been in that conversation and it was the wrong thing to say.”

“What made you say it,” asked Garner.

“I honestly don’t know, it was a regretful comment and I’ve apologised to her.”

Good; that is at least an honourable response from David Cunliffe today. No more needs to be said on this issue, and accordingly comments to this thread will be turned off.