A Belfast councillor who was swore at by Chris Heaton-Harris has said he was upset by the secretary of state's tone rather than his choice of words.
SDLP representative Séamas de Faoite had challenged the Tory MP over budget cuts during an event at Stormont on Wednesday evening.
Mr Heaton-Harris used a swear word to characterise Mr de Faoite's suggestion that the cuts were an attempt to pressure the DUP into restoring the institutions.
The exchange at an LGBT event was captured on video.
Mr Heaton-Harris's choice of language has been criticised by Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie and Alliance Party deputy leader Stephen Farry.
Read more: Belfast councillor Séamas de Faoite calls for Stephen Nolan's salary to be cut
Speaking on Thursday, Mr de Faiote said he took issue with the secretary of state's tone rather than the language employed.
"I don't think it's about the particular word that you use," he said.
"I think it's a very uncaring tone. I think it suggests that the secretary of state doesn't understand the impact that these cuts are going to make to communities in Belfast and right across the north."
Read more: Northern Ireland parties critical of ‘devastating' flat budget allocation
The BBC reported that a source close to Mr Heaton-Harris responded: "Factually incorrect points were made to the secretary of state and these were directly rebutted.
"The budget allocations set [for] 2023-24 have prioritised protecting public services that people most rely on," the source was quoted as saying.
"Due to the political stalemate and long-term neglect of the budget in Northern Ireland it's vital that work is done to balance the books – the best people to do that are the politicians voted for by the people of Northern Ireland."
