Fellow mayoral candidates were last week quick to condemn the 2011 posts seen as sexist and homophobic.

“I would like to offer an apology to the people of Port Stephens for the posts on my Facebook page,” Mr Maslen said.

“My comments were inappropriate and have offended people that I care about.

“I am sorry I made them.”

In one post Mr Maslen relayed a conversation he had with an overseas-born waitress, calling her by part of the female anatomy that rhymed with her real name.

In the other post Mr Maslen appeared to question the sexuality of a male telemarketer.

The comments raised questions about his suitability for civic leadership.

“To me it’s very disappointing that a man who is stepping up to lead the community,” Cr Sally Dover said.

Mr Maslen said he would work extra hard to regain people’s trust.

“I wish to assure the people of Port Stephens that they do not reflect my values or that of my party,” Mr Maslen said.

“I have now deleted my personal Facebook account in order to be able to concentrate on the important issues facing our local community.”