Congratulations and condemnation as RTÉ withdraws from Eurovision

By Bairbre Holmes, Press Association

Campaign groups have welcomed the decision to RTÉ withdraw from 2026 Eurovision Song Contestwhile others condemned the decision.

The organization said it would not broadcast next year’s competition if Israel took part, a decision which prevents Ireland from participating itself under Eurovision rules.

She confirmed her decision late Thursday after the European Broadcasting Union said Israel would be allowed to participate.

The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) published a message online saying: “Well done to RTE”.

Its president, Zoe Lawlor, said the group had been calling on the broadcaster to boycott the event for two years.

She said: “We strongly welcome RTE’s decision to stand firm in its decision and reaffirm that it will neither participate in nor broadcast Eurovision 2026. »

However, in a post on social network X, former minister Alan Shatter criticized the decision, calling it an “international embarrassment”.

He claimed it would “deprive Irish artists of the opportunity to compete to boost their careers and the Irish public of the pleasure of doing so and voting for their favorite song”.

The Dublin Broadcasting branch of the National Union of Journalists also welcomed the decision.

In a statement on »