Holly blasts ‘backwards nature' of beauty contests

Irish model told she was being ‘difficult’ when expressing views

- AILBHE DALY and TREVOR QUINN

FORMER Miss Ireland Holly Carpenter blasted the beauty pageant yesterday and recalled how she was told she was being “difficult” when she expressed her views.

The 29-year-old represented Ireland at the 2011 Miss World after winning the national crown and she slammed the “completely backward” nature of both competitions.

The stunner spoke out after Miss Dublin contestant Blue Scannell quit over “bizarre” requirements for those taking part to have never been married or have had children.

Holly, who spoke on the radio after current Miss Ireland Chelsea Farrell also hit out at the contest yesterday, said: “I agree with everything the girls are saying here.

“A few things would make me uncomfortable and when I would express my views I was told I was being difficult.

“That’s a classic way to shut a woman down and make it out that they’re being over-emotional.”