David Cunliffe gave a speech on Friday about Labour’s policy on domestic violence issues, in which he promised increased funding for women’s refuges and other support services.

But all most people heard is that he was sorry to be a man.

Well I’m sorry too. Here’s what I’m sorry about:

I’m sorry it took me so long before I got around to cancelling my New Zealand Herald subscription.

I’m sorry that, for all David Cunliffe’s good intentions and genuine desire to make a difference, it was entirely predictable that the media would fixate on one line in his speech.

I’m sorry that someone in Labour didn’t remember the whole “manban” thing and think: “gee, the media are really against us right now. Let’s not give them any more ammunition. Let’s just cross that bit of the speech out.”

I’m sorry that our media is still dominated by men. I’m sorry that so many of them are cretins.

I’m sorry people didn’t read what David Cunliffe actually said. Let me help:

“Can I begin by saying I’m sorry,” he said.

“I don’t often say it. I’m sorry for being a man right now, because family and sexual violence is perpetrated overwhelmingly by men against women and children.

“So the first message to the men out there is: wake up, stand up and man up and stop this bullshit!”

I’m sorry that far too many of our politicians are sexist dinosaurs.

I’m sorry that it’s election year. God, it’s going to be a long few months.