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

Aug 24, 2016

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.

Eh, I missed the #SydneyRose and half my Twitter feed is very much feeling the love. What did I miss? #RoseofTralee

— Ciara Plunkett (@PlunkettCiara) August 22, 2016

"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."

No matter who is crowned Rose, the Sidney rose has won our hearts. What a bloody hero. #RoseofTralee #repealthe8th #SydneyRose

— Emma Langford (@ekstar5000) August 22, 2016

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.