Everyone is talking about the Sydney Rose's support for Repeal The Eighth

Tue, 23 Aug, 2016 - 10:07

Ciara Flaherty

It was

Brianna Parkins received applause from the audience when she stated her support for a referendum repealing the eight amendment during her interview with Daithí Ó Sé.

Brianna, a journalist for ABC News, spoke about her work with domestic violence charities in Australia and the lack of funding for shelters. She then went on to say that there also was more work to do on women's rights in Ireland:

“I think it’s time to give women a say over their reproductive rights. I would love to see a referendum on the eighth amendment come up soon. That would be my dream."

Which isn't the usual Rose of Tralee chat but the moment garnered widespread praise online.

From RTE+1 just now @parkinsbrea - hear the applause at the end #repealthe8th pic.twitter.com/0kEH90B0BT
— Suzy Byrne (@suzybie) August 22, 2016

BOOM! The Lovely Girls competition gets real! https://t.co/t0MehYxQqF
— Graham Linehan (@Glinner) August 23, 2016

#sydneyrose is now trending in Ireland https://t.co/lnn4sECpiy
— Trendsmap Ireland (@TrendsIreland) August 22, 2016

If the Sydney rose doesn't win I'm gonna write a letter #RoseofTralee pic.twitter.com/oPH4gQ05I3
— Laura Thompson (@LazaThompo) August 22, 2016

Ha! The Sydney Rose has covered all the hot topics repeal the 8th , the poem ban AND lovely bottoms! #RoseofTralee
— Clare keeping her mask on 😷 Barrett (@CBumble) August 22, 2016

The organisers are currently sending the Sydney Rose back in her time machine, to the future where she so clearly belongs. #RoseofTralee
— John Banville (@John_Banville) August 22, 2016

Cork Rose Denise Collins confirmed to 96FM this morning that the Roses were asked about their views on the 8th Amendment in their private interviews.

And Brianna thanked everyone for their support, saying the response had been overwhelming.