"Marriott have foisted American counter culture on Dublin's oldest grand hotel with statue removal"

Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel has removed four statues which have stood outside the hotel for the past 153 years ‘in light of recent world events and the statues' association with slavery.’

The statues depict two Nubian princesses from 4000 years ago along with what some believe are their slave girls although there is question over whether what some think are manacles are in fact ankle bracelets.

Pippa Woolnough, of the Immigrant Council, praised the move.

"Often statue removal is reactive and I think the Shelbourne is being proactive and thoughtful in considering what the statues represent."

But Frank McDonald, Former Environment editor with the Irish Times, believes that the American owners and operators of hotel have foisted "American counter culture on Dublin's oldest grand hotel" in what he describes as "a high handed exercise in so-called political correctness".

He says this was done with no public debate and more importantly no planning permission and he and he wants them replaced.

Broadcast: 29 JUL 2020 | Newstalk