Abusive Twitter exchange prompts NDP MP Pat Martin to swear off tweeting

OTTAWA – Firebrand New Democrat MP Pat Martin is apologizing for another abusive Twitter outburst — and, it seems, swearing off the microblogging service for good.

Martin is making headlines for an abusive series of tweets prompted, apparently, by the Conservative government’s failure to invite him to an announcement in his Winnipeg Centre riding.

The tweets include some particularly scathing and personal insults aimed at Public Safety Minister Vic Toews and the Conservative party.

Martin says he’s sorry for his “regrettable” and “inappropriate language,” and appears to be giving up Twitter when he says, “It seems some people shouldn’t tweet, so with this, I sign off.”

It’s not the first time Martin has used his access to the social-networking service to raise eyebrows.

In November 2011, Martin went on a similar tirade when the government used procedural tools to shut down debate on a budget bill.