News Service from House Harris

Qld: MP apologises for threat to sue elderly woman

BRISBANE, Dec 5 AAP - A Queensland MP who threatened to sue an elderly lady who had criticised him has apologised for acting in the heat of the moment.

Phil Gray, the state Labor MP for Gaven, wrote a letter to the Gold Coast woman after she allegedly criticised him and said she wouldn't vote for him at a public meeting last month.

Mr Gray told her that if she did not stop smearing his character he would take the matter to court.

But an angry Premier Anna Bligh on Thursday pulled the member aside and ordered him to apologise, telling him his behaviour was completely unacceptable.

Mr Gray sent a letter of apology on Friday and said he realised he would have to let future criticisms roll off his back.

"I do regret it as the (original) letter was written in haste," he said.

"I think I've probably developed an elephant-like skin now and you can throw whatever you like at me and I won't flinch."

But he had his family to consider as well, who were hurt by the incident, he said.

Mr Gray said politicians were often at a disadvantage in defending themselves and their families.

"Politicians seem to have less civil and legal rights in this country than others," he said.

"... it's not that we're precious little care bears with a very thin skin, but I think there are limits which at times are crossed by the press or by other people."