ORGANISERS OF THE controversial ‘child beauty’ pageant held in Ireland in September are planning a return visit.
The event provoked widespread criticism earlier this year. Children’s Minister Frances Fitzgerald and CEO of children’s charity Barnardos Fergus Finlay were amongst those who condemned the format, with the latter saying such contests were “exploitative” and damaging.
Several hotels, including the Bracken Court in Balbriggan, backed out of involvement in the pageant as the controversy grew. It was eventually held in Corrigan’s Kitchen in Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan.
Many contestants who had initially signed-up to take part pulled out on the day, with just 20 children participating. Parents had been critical of organisers’ lack of communication following publicity surrounding the change of venue.
The Texas-based ‘Universal Royalty’ announced plans for a return visit via its Twitter account. Eden Wood, the now-retired ‘child beauty queen’ who gained fame on the Toddlers and Tiaras reality show, is expected to be involved once again.
The second Irish pageant could take place at a venue in Cork before Christmas, the company’s boss Annette Hill is quoted as saying in several Irish newspapers this morning.
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