LABOR MP Steve Gibbons has caused a stir by calling Tony Abbott a ''gutless douchebag'' and Julie Bishop a ''narcissistic bimbo'' on Twitter.
It is Mr Gibbons' use of the word ''bimbo'' that will cause the biggest headaches for Labor given Prime Minister Julia Gillard's aggressive campaign against the Opposition Leader's alleged misogyny.
Mr Gibbons later offered a qualified apology on Twitter, saying, ''Apologies to those offended by the use of the word Bimbo [sic]. I'll replace that word with 'Fool' [sic].'' He also deleted the offending tweets.
Mr Gibbons has a history of provocative statements. He called Kevin Rudd a ''psychopath with a giant ego'', during the former Prime Minister's leadership challenge earlier this year.
Senior government minister Jenny Macklin told Sky News that Mr Gibbons' comments were "inappropriate".
More to come