Speaker sorry over 'balls' jibe

The speaker of South Australia's state parliament has apologised for comments which had threatened to cause an uproar even by the colourful standards of Australian political debate.

Peter Lewis accused legislators of having "more balls than brains" because of continued interruptions during question time.

A number of women objected to the phrase.

An opposition frontbencher, Joan Hall, raised an objection.

"That clearly does not apply to a number of members of this chamber," she said.

PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGE "A dead carcass, swinging in the breeze" - Paul Keating on John Howard "I find a fence a very uncomfortable place to squat my bottom" - Bob Hawke "Howard is an arse-licker" - Mark Latham on John Howard "No more crudity" - Mark Latham

When she objected a second time, Mr Lewis "named" her for insolence - a practice which normally leads to suspension.

But legislators from both sides combined to overrule him.

Mr Lewis apologised for his comments and said he was "exasperated" by the behaviour in the chamber, but he also said he was suffering "an illness and discomfort."

"Nonetheless, I was trying to get all honourable members to see the silliness of their behaviour," he said.