Smokey,

If there was satire in his comment it was very much about an Irish stereotype.

The most obvious Irish stereotype referred to is that of a shady north Dublin Gurrier as drawls in a hackneyed north dublin accent "leave your teeth and glasses at the door"

TT isn't a north side Dub.

A typical North Dub stereotype is that of the 10 year old kid who says to the man parking his car "give us ten pounds and I'll look after your car" - meaning if you don't give me ten pounds I'll let the air out of your tyres while you're gone.

It's a stereotype that Many Irish recognize.

As such an Irish audience would indeed be safer as they would get the joke.

However, to expect anyone unfamiliar with tht sterotype to get it was unrealistic, and more importantly, his comments were fuelled by a feeling of anger against his american critics, which does indeed tip the balance into a more cynical context.

One thing is for sure - he made a big mistake!!