Despite a hail of criticism over his comments about Tasmanian MP Paula Wriedt on last week's AFL Footy Show, television personality Sam Newman went on the attack against his detractors.

On last week's show, Newman quipped, "It's worthy of coming on her", following a clip of Ms Wriedt commenting on a major sponsorship deal backing a Tasmanian bid for an AFL team.

The Nine Network star denied he intended to offend and apologised to Ms Wriedt by telephone the next day, but Newman was roundly rebuked for the comment.

The debate intensified on Monday when Ms Wriedt was rushed to the Royal Hobart Hospital after attempting suicide.

Her family has denied there was any link between her condition and Newman's remark, and on Wednesday she issued a statement admitting she had an affair with her government driver and was suffering depression.

At the beginning of show, Newman gave thanks for his old mate Eddie McGuire, the Collingwood Football Club president, and a drink-driving accident involving Magpies Heath Shaw and Alan Didak for deflecting media scrutiny away from him.

"I texted Ed on Monday. One word. Thank you. Took me off the front page. Took Peter Costello off the front page, too. I think he texted Ed or rang him, too," he said.

Soon after, Newman mocked federal Liberal MP Bronwyn Bishop and Victorian Premier John Brumby for their remarks about him.

"The premier would not even know what he was talking about, wouldn't have seen the show. At least I've got a job on my merits, and (I) will probably get sacked," he said to a rousing cheer.

He then acknowledged Ms Wriedt.

"We wish her well, whatever her trials and tribulations are, and we hope that we can get her on here one day and actually speak to her about the subject that got a bit hijacked, for one reason or another," he said.

"And if she is listening, or any of her friends are listening, we pass on our best wishes to her."

Ms Wriedt has since admitted suffering depression and having an affair with her government driver, who is now taking legal action against the Tasmanian government.

The action is reportedly a bid for an ex-gratia payment of $100,000.

* Readers seeking information on dealing with depression, anxiety and related drug and alcohol problems can visit www.beyondblue.org.au or call the beyondblue info line on 1300 22 4636 (local call).

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