Deputy Premier Michael Dunkley has apologised for using bad language after the microphones in the House of Assembly picked up a private conversation he had with another MP.

The Public Safety Minister was recorded swearing during the first three minutes of last Friday afternoon’s parliamentary session — and his comments can be heard online on the Bermuda Parliament website.

Mr Dunkley complains about the tardiness of other members of the House and laments the fact that former independent election candidate Jonathan Starling, former United Bermuda Party leader Kim Swan and Mr Swan’s wife were being interviewed outside Parliament by local TV news.

“Start late every time ... every f***ing time ... huh?” Mr Dunkley can be heard saying.

“[Jonathan] Starling, Kim Swan and Cindy Swan, were talking to ZBM on camera [for] about ten minutes and I thought to myself: ‘What a waste of f***ing film’.”

He made his remarks to another MP, who can be heard laughing. The other member’s identity is not known.

Mr Dunkley took to Facebook yesterday to apologise. He wrote: “Good evening. I am just seeing this post and I apologise for the use of the intemperate language in what was a private exchange.”