Bega MP Andrew Constance says media coverage of internal squabbling within the Coalition contributed to his decision not to contest preselection for a federal seat.
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Speaking on a social media broadcast from the Eurobodalla Shire on the afternoon of May 6, Mr Constance said he had woken that morning and told his wife: "Bugger this for a joke."
He was referring to a Sydney media outlet's coverage of relations between himself and Deputy Premier and NSW National's leader John Barilaro in which the 'C' word was prominent.
Mr Constance apologised in the broadcast to the Bega electorate for his decision first yesterday to contest Eden-Monaro and then less than 24 hours later to back out.
"Huge apologies for what has happened," he told reporters.
He apologised to his staff.
"They are loyal community people who did not deserve that," he said.
"I apologise to the Liberals."
Mr Constance said Prime Minister Scott Morrison would have seen "far worse" in his years in politics, including as a former state director of the Liberal Party.
"I was giving the government the best chance to get a government member," he said of his impulse to run in the federal seat which is becoming vacant due to the resignation of Labor's Dr Mike Kelly.
READ MORE: Constance quits race over Barilaro smear
He expanded on his state of mind since the summer bushfires.
"I have periods of exhaustion. I do not think I have had a day off this year," he said.
Mr Constance took no umbrage at reports comparing him to NRL player Mal Meninga, who also made a short-lived bid to enter politics.
He described the comparison as a compliment.
Mr Constance said he still had plenty to offer the state and the electorate.
He called on Mr Barilaro to immediately help dairy farmers such as Tim Salway who lost their herds in the fires.
"My expectation of Mr Barilaro is to get that done quickly," he said.
"They now need to turbo charge so these guys can get back on their feet."
READ MORE: Warning over Australia's fresh milk supply
He outlined the case of a farmer whose property involved a trust fund but was having trouble getting stamp duty relief to move into Moruya.
"There is no way I will be turning my back on these people," he said.
He said COVID-19 had hindered the community's chance to heal.
Meanwhile NSW Labor has accused Mr Constance and Mr Barilaro of putting their careers ahead of their electorates and called on the Premier to sack them.
"The NSW Labor Opposition has called on Gladys Berejiklian to sack Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Transport Minister Andrew Constance after both Ministers abandoned their posts as senior members of the NSW Government in a time of unprecedented health and economic crisis to try and advance their own political careers," the party said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
"The Berejiklian Government is now in complete chaos after days of conflict between Mr Barilaro and Mr Constance over preselection for the seat of Eden Monaro."
