Pageant hopefuls hit back at critics

Irish mothers planning to enter their children into an American-style beauty pageant have hit back at critics, saying their daughters are looking forward “to being a princess for a day”.

The pageant, organised by Annette Hill of US company Universal Royalty, will be held at a top-secret location in Leinster later this month. The firm has been involved in the reality television shows Toddlers and Tiaras and Tiara Girls.

Charlene Meegan, who is entering her daughter Tori, 9, in the pageant said: “I don’t understand what is wrong. Every girl dreams of being a princess for a day and there are not many days in your life that happens. Maybe for your Holy Communion and for your wedding, so why not let her enjoy this?”