Taoiseach Brian Cowen today apologised for swearing in the Dáil yesterday, describing the word used as inappropriate.
Speaking to reporters after his appearance at the National Forum on Europe in Dublin Castle Mr Cowen said: "I don't want to make a mountain out of a molehill. But the fact of the matter is that a private comment was made to a colleague.
"It wasn't appropriate. It isn't appropriate whether it's inside the Dáil or outside the Dáil. And I apologise for it. I put my hand up. It's the mannerly and manly thing to do."
Mr Cowen said the comments were not addressed to the House nor did they appear on the record of the House.
They were made in an aside to Tánaiste Mary Coughlan that was picked up by a Dáil microphone following a terse Leaders Questions.