CHILD BEAUTY pageant bosses have taken extra measures to stop paedophiles getting access to two upcoming competitions which will be staged in Ireland.
An American-style beauty contest, open to "newborns to 16-year-olds", will take place at a secret location in Cork on June 11.
A second controversial event, also organised by Cork businesswoman Stephanie Murphy, will be staged on July 30 at a Dublin venue, which will be only revealed to contestants and their parents.
Ms Murphy, a mother-of-two, said she was concerned that perverts might try to infiltrate the competition if the venues were made public.
She has also ordered all staff involved, including jewellery vendors, hairdressers, make-up artists and photographers, to get Garda clearance before they are admitted to the venues.
Ms Murphy, 26, who decided to stage the contests after witnessing first-hand the "success" of Ireland’s first child pageant last month, Miss Princess Ireland, said yesterday she has taken the steps to ensure none of the children taking part will be put at risk.
"I need to be certain that everyone who will be in the venue with the children are genuine. Unfortunately, there are paedophiles around and it’s important to take every precaution possible to eliminate that danger. So because of that I don’t want to reveal the venue to the wider public and we’re making sure all the staff who are coming to work during the pageants are Garda vetted."
US-themed pageants, in which toddlers wear make-up and fake tan, have been heavily criticised by parents’ groups and even psychologists here for encouraging the early sexualisation of girls and putting children at risk of mental health issues.
But Ms Murphy, who has a six-year-old daughter and three-year-old son, insists the controversy has been "blown out of all proportion".
She said the 40 places in her Cork pageant sold out in days, adding that she has also secured sponsorship from two local businesses, including a children’s clothing shop.
a d v e r t i s e m e n t
This appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Friday, June 03, 2011
