Are ugly women desperate? We seem to think so.

The mayor of the small Australian town of Mount Isa has been catching some flak for his comments inviting ugly women to the town, which has a male-leaning population.

For anyone who missed it, here's Mayor John Molony's comments:

"May I suggest if there are five blokes to every girl, we should find out where there are beauty-disadvantaged women and ask them to proceed to Mount Isa," Cr Molony 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.

"Often those who are beauty-disadvantaged are uphappy with their lot.

"Some, in other places in Australia, need to proceed to Mount Isa where happiness awaits."

I'm sure by now the mayor regrets what he said, if for no other reason than to keep himself out of the international spotlight while saying dumb things.

But the reality is that the mayor's comments illustrate what many people already believe: Ugly, er, beauty-disadvantaged, women are desperate. The same goes for men. The prevailing thought is that unattractive people should lower their standards and accept mediocrity because, let's face it, they just can't get anything better.

Of course, this is untrue, and in the end, personality usually determines whether two people will stay together. But when this does happen many see it as an anomaly, wondering how the ugly chick ended up with the hot guy. Or, if someone is more attractive than we are, we automatically think of that person as unattainable. I have been guilty of having such thoughts myself.

What do you think of the mayor's comments? What role does beauty have in dating? Have you ever felt you weren't given a fair shot because of your looks? Do you ever view other people as unattainable or below your level because of their looks?