MPs shocked by Joyce’s paternity comments

COALITION MPs are questioning Barnaby Joyce’s state of mind after the former deputy prime minister said he had doubts over whether he was the father of his partner’s unborn baby.

One Coalition MP said that he thought Mr Joyce was “a first-class c---” for his comments stating he was unsure whether he was the father of his partner Vikki Campion’s child, because he was travelling in Europe at the apparent time of conception.

The New England MP yesterday stood by the comments, saying journalists were inquiring about the baby’s paternity and they “had no choice but to tell the story”.

He was quoted over the weekend casting doubt on whether he was the father of new partner Vikki Campion’s baby, saying it was a “grey area”.

Mr Joyce approached the journalist to offer his comments and was accompanied by Ms Campion during the interview.

“Clearly Barnaby has been under a lot of stress over the last few weeks and one wonders about his decision-making processes,” one MP said.

“This just shows that his judgment was always in question.”