Comedian defends send-up of President

Comedian Oliver Callan yesterday defended his lampooning of Michael D Higgins in the wake of criticism by Mark Patrick Hederman, abbot of Glenstal Abbey and a friend of the President.

While Abbot Hederman described Callan and fellow comedian Mario Rosenstock as comic geniuses, he declared: “There is a thin line between what is really funny and what is bullying. There is a difference between making a point that is useful and making a point that is toxic.”

However, in response, Callan said it would be wrong to suggest President Higgins — or anyone else — was above reproach or above being parodied.