SHEmazing!
follow us
more
 

‘I don’t think it’s the place’ RTÉ presenter on Sydney Rose’s speech

by

Whether you watched the Rose of Tralee or not, chances are you have, by this stage, heard that Sydney Rose, Brianna Parkins, used her time on stage to call for a repeal of the 8th Amendment.

And while thousands upon thousands praised Brianna for her contribution to the ongoing discussion on womens' reproductive rights in Ireland, RTÉ presenter, Mary Kennedy, was, according to The Independent, a little less forthcoming in her praise.

While acknowledging that Brianna had a right to voice her opinion, the popular presenter, who also happens to be chair of the Rose of Tralee judging panel, argues that the Kerry-based contest may not have been the right time to do so.

"This was a point that she (Brianna) wanted to make but I don't think it's the place to do it," Mary said following Brianna's remarks on Monday night.

And while many Twitter users applauded Briana for using her time so productively, Mary argued: "I don't think the Rose of Tralee is necessarily a political platform."

Echoing Mary's stance on the issue, Pro-Life Campaign spokesperson Cora Sherlock  argued that the long-running pageant was not the place to raise discussion.

"You can't dip your toe into the abortion debate. This is the Rose of Tralee, not Prime Time," she said.

The Chicago Rose was crowned the winner of this year's Rose of Tralee last night, but for many Brianna will always wear the crown.

Trending