David Cameron has apologised after using bad language during a live radio interview.
The Tory leader slipped out the word "t*at" as he explained why he did not use the Twitter social networking service.
He then risked making the situation worse by stating that the public was "p****d off" with politicians - although he quickly added: "Sorry, I can't say that in the morning."
The comments came as Mr Cameron was grilled by Absolute Radio presenter Christian O'Connell about quirky details of his life and character in what was billed as a "different kind of interview".
Asked whether he used Twitter, Mr Cameron said: “The trouble with Twitter, the instantness of it - too many twits might make a t*at.”
Laughter
The remark was greeted with laughter in the studio, with host Christian O'Connell saying: “That's fantastic.”
Shortly afterwards, the Tory leader was talking about how “focused” he was on the forthcoming general election, and the effects of the expenses scandal.
He said: “The public are rightly, I think, p****d off - sorry I can't say that in the morning - angry with politicians.”
Aides stressed that Mr Cameron had apologised immediately for the latter slip, and pointed out that “t*at” was not defined as a swear word under radio guidelines.
The word is a swear word under the guidelines operated by the M.E.N. website.
During the interview, the Tory leader indicated he would try to be a more “balanced” kind of prime minister - unlike Gordon Brown, who has been branded a workaholic.
Other details elicited about Mr Cameron included that he “loves” Sky Plus, and is a fan of singer Paolo Nutini.
Questioned on which character he identified most with from cult TV series The A-Team, he replied that it was the muscle-bound Mr T.
Tweet
Showing comments 1 to 19 and replies | View All
john davis, Broughton, Salford (29/07/2009 at 13:02)
salfordrat (29/07/2009 at 13:31)
Mr Angry, Bury (29/07/2009 at 13:36)
markyboy, manchester (29/07/2009 at 14:41)
if the MEN wants to print national news why did they notrun a story yesterday of injured & maimed soldiers in afghanistan and iraq having their compo claims reduced by the MoD?, double standards yet again from this paper.
Knowsleyman, Paphos (29/07/2009 at 15:35)
That language would go down well with other heads of state!!!!!!!!
Al Capone of Atherton, Atherton (29/07/2009 at 15:41)
salfordrat (29/07/2009 at 17:01)
Get a grip Marky. The reason they didn't run that story is because it is old news and everybody is sick of hearing about it. However, a leading politician swearing live on radio is worth a mention, from a media point of view at least. Do you really think if it had been Gordon Brown they wouldn't have mentioned it. There is a lot wrong with the MEN and the british media in general, but you can't really believe what you posted can you?
Is It Me? (29/07/2009 at 18:07)
Cameron,a man who swears-- big deal-- he must be very frustrated seeing what Labour is doing!
Angie33 , Manchester (29/07/2009 at 18:19)
studebaker hoch (29/07/2009 at 18:43)
And why is it okay for Cameron to seduce voters in pretending to be an 'ordinary' 'bloke' by swearing on air but not for comedians like Jonathan Ross?
Studebaler Hoch
EBYGUM, MANCHESTER (29/07/2009 at 18:47)
Andanotherthing, Mcr (29/07/2009 at 19:24)
Horatio Dogsbody, Flixton (30/07/2009 at 10:32)
Public figures and leaders are supposed to set a good example, bad language in public is not on. It might appeal to the less educated but that is no excuse, just as the widespread use in the streets is no excuse because useless parents are unwilling to train their offspring. Mr Cameron should know this, I understand that he used to be in the PR industry. In fact, has he done anything other than PR between education and politics?
Mr Angry, Bury (30/07/2009 at 11:05)
Is It Me? (30/07/2009 at 11:31)
Gary SK13 (30/07/2009 at 13:09)
You honestly think that the labour government is out to destroy the country, get a grip man.
Mr Angry, Bury (30/07/2009 at 13:34)
My criticism of New Labour is that they carried on with the Tory free market economic policies, if they had not done the fat cats might not have got us into the mess we are in
Dave F1 (31/07/2009 at 21:13)
Billy the Fish! (31/07/2009 at 23:17)
I have just finished reading 'militant' and I am remembering the good times where lazy commies destroyed British industry because they were stood round a brazier instead of doing some work!
Crusty old anachronisms should stay in the 60's where they belong with ideals................