ALEX Cole-Hamilton has been asked to offer "a full, unequivocal apology" after he admitted swearing at a female Scottish Government minister during a Holyrood committee meeting.

The LibDem MSP was caught on camera mouthing an expletive at Maree Todd, minister for children and young people, during an online oral hearing last week.

He initially appeared to try to ignore using offensive language towards Todd, but later tweeted to admit that he “lost his temper”, blaming his behaviour on Todd.

Strathkelvin and Bearsden MSP Rona Mackay branded Cole-Hamilton’s apology as “half-baked”, saying his flippant tone undermines cross-party efforts to encourage more women into politics and must be condemned by Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie.

“Politicians of all parties have a moral obligation to lead by example and must be held to the highest standards. Alex Cole-Hamilton must now offer an unequivocal apology for his disgraceful outburst rather than blaming the woman on the receiving end of his bile," said Mackay.

READ MORE: Alex Cole-Hamilton apologises after being caught swearing at minister in meeting

“Political leaders have a responsibility to call out this kind of contemptible behaviour too, even if it happens within their own party. It’s time for Willie Rennie to take responsibility and ensure this kind of behaviour is not allowed to go on unchecked."

She added: “Mr Cole-Hamilton should reflect on what message vile behaviour like this sends to women considering a career in politics. Female politicians are already subject to enough appalling intimidation without being the target of venomous, foul-mouthed abuse from male colleagues during important parliamentary business.

“My message to Mr Cole-Hamilton is clear - stop hiding behind a half-baked apology and set the record straight now.”

Cole-Hamilton, the MSP for Edinburgh Western and the deputy convener of the Equalities and Human Rights Committee, can be seen in a clip appearing to mouth “f*** you”.

He said sorry after Todd responded to a tweet about The National's article on the issue, saying: "Those who spotted this at the time at committee thought it was directed at me. Having seen the footage I’m inclined to agree. The swearing is appalling but the face contorted with anger also requires some explanation. Be grateful to hear it @agcolehamilton @scotlibdems"

Cole-Hamilton responded: "Hands up, I lost my temper here. I was frustrated by your government backsliding on children’s rights once again (as long-grassing UNCRC incorporation would have been).

"Nevertheless I muttered something under my breath that I shouldn’t have and I apologise."

Members of the committee were meeting to consider the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill at stage 2. The legislation will incorporate the UNCRC into Scottish law, legally protecting children’s rights.

During the meeting MSPs discussed what would be an appropriate time between royal assent and commencement of the bill.

Cole-Hamilton pushed for a shorter commencement period of six months, while SNP members backed a commencement period of one year.

The LibDem MSP said children have waited long enough for this legislation. He told the committee: “The minister [Maree Todd] states that we need to give authorities, public authorities time to get their systems in place and to get a line of sight on what this means for them, but they’ve had that time, they’ve had that time and then some.

“Because public authorities have seen the direction of travel on children’s rights and they’ve been required to act compatibly with the UNCRC since 2011.”

A spokesman for the Lib Dems said today the party had nothing further to add.