BALLYFERMOT'S MARY Byrne sailed into the next round of ITV's X Factorlast night amid claims that Tesco was giving her an unfair advantage in the competition.
The supermarket chain has allegedly sent e-mails reminding its 300,000 employees of the checkout worker’s appearances in the live finals of the show.
However, a spokesman for Tesco said that although the company was supporting its employee, it was not trying to influence how people voted. "She has reached the X Factorfinals on her talent alone," he said.
On Saturday, the 50-year-old Dubliner emerged as one of the show’s main contenders after her rendition of Dusty Springfield’s You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me. Supporters packed into local pubs such as Tom Youngs, where staff wore T-shirts emblazoned with “Mary’s got the X Factor”.
One group of 16 fans travelled by minibus from Dún Laoghaire just to support the singer, while X Factorfanatic Caroline Davis gestured at her two Spanish students, Adrian and Christina, as evidence of Byrne's strong following.
Danny Clarke, who lives a few doors from Byrne, said the singer’s success on the show had boosted morale in the area. “This community has been estranged for a long time and Mary is making it socialise again,” he said. “I’ve never seen a gathering here like this.”
Flags and posters reading “Byrne Baby Byrne!” surrounded the stage where she regularly sings karaoke.
“She’s our Susan Boyle,” said Terry Bradley, who has heard her sing for 25 years.
“I was a bit worried about her dancing last week, but the judges saw past that,” said Kevin Reid, a local musician. “This time she was even better and, please God, she’ll make the final,” he added.