Share this article Senator Michael McDowell says he doesn't believe "anybody in their right mind could take offence" to statues which have been reinstated outside the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin. The four statues have stood outside the famous hotel for more than 150 years, before they were removed in August. The hotel had originally said the statues were removed 'in light of recent world events' and their association with slavery. However, Dublin City Council said it was not aware of permission being granted to remove the statues. Art historian Kyle Leyden, meanwhile, said the statues do not depict slaves, but rather Egyptian and African women.