Sir, – It may not be compulsory for the Rose of Tralee to have a perfect “bikini body”, a glowing tan and blinding smile, or the ability to walk flawlessly in six-inch heels, but what are some of the mandatory features of the Rose? Her ring finger must be band-free (signalling that she is still available for “picking”). She must not be younger than 18, or older than 27 (indicating she is “ripe for the picking”, but not yet close to “wilting”, as it were).
The Rose of Tralee is the quintessential “lady”. She must be successful and educated, but not too outspoken or controversial; she must dress attractively but modestly; she must be entertaining in the way that a school talent show contestant is, or perhaps a children’s presenter. So no overly complicated humour, dirty jokes, sarcasm, irony, or actual wit allowed. She must have a party piece. Most importantly, she must smile and laugh convincingly at bland jokes.
Hillary Clinton would never have made it into the Rose of Tralee. Those strong opinions would have been rejected, and I find it hard to imagine her placating the host with girlish giggles. The same goes for that “bossy” Angela Merkel.
It’s true that most people these days regard the Rose of Tralee spectacle with tongue in cheek, but it still sends archaic messages out to young girls who are not old enough to get the “lovely girls” references. It’s time we let it go. – Yours, etc,
GRACE CURLEY,
Galway.