Comic Oliver Callan to rethink presidential height jibes

The comedian came in for some criticism recently when the Abbott of Glenstal Abbey, Mark Patrick Hederman said his sketches of President Higgins had crossed the line of humour and amounted to "toxic bullying".

However, Callan says he is always mindful of who he makes fun of.

"I don't take on anyone who can't defend themselves or doesn't have the means of defend themselves," he said.

Height

"I do consider things and I'm doing a show on Friday and I've got President Michael D Higgins on my brain, thinking should I mention his height?

"It's now sticking in my craw a little bit after that discussion [with Abbott Hederman] but I have to swallow and get on with it and be the bigger man," he added.

He also said he won't change how he portrays Leo Varadkar following his announcement yesterday that he is gay.

"I'll still portray Leo Varadkar in the same way ... I won't be portraying his private life in comedy but he's the Minister for Health so he's fair game," Callan said on the Marian Finucane show.

hnews@herald.ie