The Bracken Court Hotel in Balbriggan says the organisers of the contest did not inform them of the true nature of the event. In a statement, the hotel says organisers "did not identify the true nature of the event they were planning to stageat the luxury hotel, and that an event of this nature is not in keeping with the family ethos of the business".
It is understood that the organisers deliberately 'went to great lengths to keep the venue secret', and had 'taken the precaution of booking two reserve venues' for their event. The pageant is expected to go ahead at an unnannounced alternative location.
Senator and children's rights activist Jillian Van Turnhout welcomed the move by Bracken Court, and is holding out hope that the alternate venues will also be cancelling the event:
The beauty pageant has attracted particular controversy as a result of a 'swimsuit round' that's expected to be part of the contest, which will feature children from the age of ten. Such events have been accused of being exploitative and even pornographic.
Annette Hill, the head of the Universal Royal Beauty Pageant based in Texas and organiser of the Dublin event, says anyone who thinks the competition sexualises children should stay away. She spoke to Chris on Newstalk Breakfast earlier in the year:
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France earlier this week made a significant move towards banning children's beauty contests, with the Senate accepting a proposal to ban beauty pageants for children under the age 16. The bill will now move on to the National Assembly before it can become law.
Do you think Ireland should also ban children's beauty pageants? Is France making the right move? What are your views on the Dublin contest due to be held this weekend? Vote in our poll and leave your comments below.
