WARREN Entsch has apologised for the "lapse of judgment" that resulted in him being convicted of a low-range drink-driving offence.

The Federal Liberal MP (pictured) was stripped of his licence for a month and hit with a $200 fine after he registered a blood-alcohol reading of 0.062 per cent late last month.

Entsch admitted he drank three glasses of wine in an hour during the launch of the Palm Cove Reef Feast last month before he was pulled over by police about 8.45pm.

"Unfortunately, when choosing to drive myself and my staff member home, I did not take into account the fact that I had not eaten all day or had a drink of water and assumed that I would be under the limit," he said in a statement to The Cairns Post.

"This is not an excuse, but a lesson in assumption as I should have been more careful."

Entsch appeared in Cairns Magistrates Court on November 13.

He said in the statement he had initially been told he would speak at the launch at 6pm but it did not begin until almost 7pm and in that time he consumed the three glasses.

"I apologise unreservedly for my lapse of judgment."

He moved to reassure the community of his clean driving record for almost half a century and applauded police for showing no favouritism.

"I have accepted without dispute the consequences imposed by the court as my actions were totally inappropriate, and it is my responsibility now to make sure that it does not happen again," he said.

"I would like to express my appreciation to the officers who attended. The fact that they were prepared to do their job, showing no favour irrespective of my position, bodes well for the integrity of the police force in our region.

"Again, I would like to extend my profound apologies, after 45 years of driving with a clean record this is certainly a lesson well learned."

Mr Entsch yesterday tabled the following statement to The Cairns Post.

AT 8.45pm on Friday, October 26, after launching the Palm Cove Reef Feast food and wine festival, I was pulled over by Cairns police in my vehicle and breath tested. The result was a breath alcohol reading of 0.062 per cent and I was charged with driving whilst over the General Alcohol limit.

The situation arose as the request to launch the Reef Feast festival did not come until late on Friday afternoon and initially I was to speak at 6pm, immediately after which I intended to have a meal.

However the launch did not take place until closer to 7pm and in the time between my arrival and the launch I was offered ] and consumed . three standard glasses of wine.

Unfortunately, when choosing to drive myself and my staff member home, I did not take into account the fact that I had not eaten all day or had a drink of water and assumed that I would be under the limit. This is not an excuse, but a lesson in assumption as I should have been more careful. I apologise unreservedly for my lapse of judgment.

I have accepted without dispute the consequences imposed by the court as my actions were totally inappropriate, and it is my responsibility now to make sure that it does not happen again.

Further, I would like to express my appreciation to the officers who attended. The fact that they were prepared to do their job, showing no favour irrespective of my position, bodes well for the integrity of the police force in our region. I am also very appreciative of the professional and courteous way in which they dealt with this matter.

Again, I would like to extend my profound apologies, after 45 years of driving with a clean record this is certainly a lesson well learned.

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