Two Irish comedians have dismissed any suggestion that men are 'categorically' funnier than women.
It comes after comments from veteran British talk show host Michael Parkinson in which he claimed men are 'much better than women in their sense of humour'.
In an interview with Australian magazine Stellar, Mr Parkinson (85) said: "Most men I know [...] they’re very sensitive and also very funny. That’s the thing I like most about men.
"It’s a very contentious statement, but they’re much better than women in their sense of humour. There you are, that will get me - if I were on [any social media channels], I would be in trouble right now."
Lisa Garvey is an Irish comedian, and she spoke to The Hard Shoulder about the veteran broadcaster's remarks.
She observed: "I have a little bit of an eye-roll when I hear it, but I also know he is plugging a book at the moment.
"In fairness to Michael Parkinson, when he was at the height of his chat show, there probably were a lot more male comedians than female comedians.
"But I just don't think anyone - Sir Michael or not - can say men categorically are funnier than females, or the other way around. If you're funny, you're funny."
She said there still are cases where panel shows might just have a 'token woman', but things are getting a 'little better' in terms of representation in comedy.
Steve Cummins - comedian and co-founder of ZoomParty.ie - expressed his disappointment with Mr Parkinson's comments.
He said: "I can certainly name five or six Irish female comedians working at the minute that are considerably funnier than me... Emma Doran's amazing, Julie Jay's amazing, Joanne McNally is just ripping it up here and abroad.
"I was gutted to hear Michael Parkinson say those words. I have huge respect for the man: he's been amazing for so many years.
"Lisa's right - I hope he's just doing it as a lukewarm [thing] to sell a book. If he actually believes it's, that ridiculous."
