Louth TD commends RTE decision to boycott Eurovision

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Culture, Communications and Sport, Louth TD Joanna Byrne, has welcomed the decision by RTÉ to boycott next year's Eurovision Song Contest.

Deputy Byrne was commenting after confirmation that Ireland will not participate in next year's Eurovision Song Contest, nor will it be broadcast by RTÉ, after the European Broadcasting Union confirmed today that Israel will be allowed to take part.

Speaking on Thursday, Deputy Byrne said: “I am appalled that the EBU did not put the decision to allow Israel to participate to a vote. All of the Eurovision Nations should have had a say on whether they agreed with Israel's inclusion.

“This evening’s statement from RTÉ that called out Israel's actions in Gaza, including the targeting of civilians and journalists, is very welcome. I commend RTÉ for taking such a brave and principled stance.

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“Ireland does not stand alone in this regard as Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia have also agreed to boycott Eurovision 2026. I hope more nations’ broadcasters follow suit in the coming weeks.

“During this year's contest there were concerns raised when Israel topped the public vote. There was no way that could have happened, honestly and organically, when the people of Europe were watching Israeli forces’ blatant breaches of international law in Gaza.

“The EBU moved quickly - within days - to ban Russia from participating after their brutal invasion of Ukraine. Israel, as an aggressor nation just like Russia, should have been banned when they engaged in genocidal actions, just like Russia.

“Israel is an apartheid state who have engaged in ethnic cleansing and genocide. Their behaviour cannot be accepted or normalised. They should be treated the same as Apartheid South Africa was, and be banned and boycotted by all.”