Miss Ireland Sets Nationality Argument Straight

Miss Ireland is hitting back at online taunts about her nationality.

Rebecca Maguire, from West Belfast, told the Irish Daily Mirror she is upset at internet comments about her nationality and wants to put the record straight.

In the past two weeks, about 33,000 have watched the pharmacy student's official Miss Ireland video on the Miss World Youtube account.

Most comments underneath Maguire's video are complimentary but a few start arguing about the girl's nationality, some claiming Maguire is Irish and others saying she is from a British area.

Comments included, “Belfast ain't Ireland” and “You're not even Irish, you're Northern Irish stupid p****!”

Speaking from Inner Mongolia, where the 20-year-old is preparing for the Miss World final on August 18th, Rebecca said; “I'm Irish. I consider myself Irish and I am very proud to be representing Ireland here at the Miss World final. In Northern Ireland we have the option of having an Irish passport or a British passport and I chose to have an Irish passport.”

Rebecca divides her time at home between the cities of Belfast and Dublin. She won the title of Miss Wright Venue, after the Swords-based nightclub, just before she won the Miss Ireland title.

Rebecca said she was upset by the comments made and wants to have her say.

“I receive lots of support from people all over Ireland, so I will focus on that.”

Rebecca said she is great friends with Tiffany Brien, Miss Northern Ireland.

She said; “I'm delighted she's here. Having another girl from Belfast here makes it easier.”