Australian mayor welcomes ugly women

Australian mayor welcomes ugly women to town full of men

The mayor of an Australian town has provoked outrage for suggesting that women he calls 'beauty disadvantaged' should make it their home.

John Moloney, the mayor of Mount Isa in northern Queensland, said 'ugly ducklings' could find happiness if they settled in the Queensland town - because men outnumber women five to one.

In 2006, the town – which is described as 'unique and progressive' on its official website - had only 819 women aged between 20 and 24 out of a total population of 21,421, according to the most recent census.

In an interview with his local newspaper, Moloney said: 'Quite often you will see walking down the street a lass who is not so attractive with a wide smile on her face.

'Whether it is recollection of something previous or anticipation for the next evening, there is a degree of happiness.'

Not content with damning his own townswomen with faint praise, he continued: 'Some, in other places in Australia, need to proceed to Mount Isa where happiness awaits.

'Really, beauty is only skin deep. Isn't there a fairytale about an ugly duckling that evolves into a beautiful swan?

'I'm told men outnumber women here by five to one. If that's the case then perhaps it's an opportunity for some lonely women.'