Moments after he made the comment Fiona Scott was laughing. But hours later Mr Abbott was backing down from what he'd said.
Australian Opposition leader now Tony Abbott says his sex appeal gaffe was a "daggy dad moment''.
On his first trip to the key marginal Sydney seat of Lindsay on Tuesday, the opposition leader was asked how Liberal candidate Fiona Scott compared with predecessor Jackie Kelly.
"They're young, they're feisty and,
I think I can probably say, have a bit of sex appeal,'' he told reporters.
Critics say the comments highlight Mr Abbott's views on women.
Back-peddling later that day, Mr Abbott said he been "a bit exuberant" when championing the qualities of his "good mate" Ms Scott.
