Social media posts muddy appointment of administrator

The NT's next administrator is facing scrutiny after a series of social media posts emerged. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)

A newly appointed territory administrator whose now-deleted social media posts have raised questions over his fitness for the role says he never intended to cause offence.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has defended her nomination of former NT Cattlemen's Association president David Connolly as the next administrator after the social media posts surfaced.