Miss Universe Ireland winner Fionnghuala O’Reilly has revealed the controversial swimwear competition is her favourite part of the pageant.
Calls have been made to remove the element from other beauty contests.
But NASA data analyst Fionnghuala claims people should be proud women have the confidence to strut their stuff on stage instead of criticising them.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror, the Swords beauty, who splits her time between the US and Dublin, said: “To be honest, the swimsuit competition is actually my favourite part of the competition.
“I just feel so amazing on stage and I just get to show everyone how confident I am, how much work I’ve put in at the gym and it’s really just a fun moment where you get to be yourself and have fun.”
Biting back at anyone who feels the element should be removed from the competition, Fionnghuala added: “I would say they should support women.
“If you are confident enough and you want to go on stage and participate in a swimsuit competition then you should be proud of the women doing that.”
The 25-year-old studied systems engineering at the George Washington University before taking up her post at NASA last year.
She went on to wow the judges this week when she spoke about her ambition to use her platform as an engineer and a bi-racial woman to promote diversity and equality.
Reflecting after her win on Thursday, Fionnghuala revealed being a part of one of the most diverse years to date in the contest has been the highlight of her experience so far.
She said: “We’ve had an amazing class this year, it is the most diverse class Miss Universe Ireland has ever had.
“We had construction workers, oncologists, star rugby players and all sorts that had fantastic jobs and platforms to promote.
“I think they are looking for empowering women and that is just a really amazing thing.
“The Miss Universe Organization has done a phenomenal job with finding the best of the best and I think it is no longer just a beauty pageant.
“It is a competition and they are looking for ultimate women to go out there and show young girls who they could be.”
And just hours after she was crowned with her diamante encrusted tiara and handed €70,000 worth of prizes, she said she is already preparing for the ultimate Miss Universe 2019 competition in December.
Fionnghuala said: “I am so excited about everything there is to come.
“There is so much prep to do and I am just ready to get started.”
