Rosanna tops dream dinner date menu

SHE probably wouldn’t run up much of a food bill but that’s not the reason why the slim and trim former Miss World Rosanna Davison was placed top of the menu in a selection of dream dinner dates.

The svelte model daughter of singer Chris de Burgh was the clear winner in a field of dates picked from the world of sport, literature, politics and fashion.

And it wasn’t just men who expressed a desire to dine with Rosanna who, in December 2003, beat 106 other contestants to take the Miss World title, many women fancied the prospect as well.

The dream date research was conducted on behalf of Bewleys Hotels by Red C research who polled 1,006 Irish adults in June.

Given a choice of four well-known Irish ladies, each a leading light in her respective field of literature, politics, sport or celebrity fashion, the survey reveals that 28% of both men and women would choose Rosanna as their ideal dinner date.

Proving that brains and beauty are a winning combination, it will come as no surprise that the figure is even higher among the male population, with almost half in the 18-44 age bracket giving the Irish beauty their vote. Rosanna commented: “I’m very flattered by the results of the poll. I have to admit, I’m a huge fan of dining out and there’s no better way to get to know somebody than over a nice meal with a glass of wine.”

Topping the poll in joint second place with 17% of the nation’s vote are Irish Booker prize winner Anne Enright, and Irish hurdles champion Derval O’Rourke.

The survey found that sporting prowess has particular appeal among housewives, with nearly a quarter of those surveyed citing Derval as their preferred option for company over dinner.

Meanwhile, the prospect of wining and dining with literary legend Anne Enright rated highest among female respondents, 23%, and those in the 55-64 age group.

Fine Gael’s Lucinda Creighton also ranks highly as a dinner date contender. According to the survey, 12% of people favour dining with the FG European affairs spokesperson.

Tracey Moran, Bewleys Hotels, said: “Good food and great company are key to enjoying an evening out, and it’s refreshing to see a balanced mix of interests — from high fashion to political debate — are important to Irish men and women when selecting their ideal dinner dates.”