"I am happy that RTÉ has decided to take a stand on this particular issue. And they did consider it several months ago and they decided to stick to their guns. We are registering our protest with Eurovision if Israel is taking part. I am happy that they have done this. And I have been on this issue quite a bit for the last number of years."
"Who knows where we will be this time next year perhaps regarding injustices being carried out, perhaps action will have been taken," McGettigan said. "A year is a long time. I don't think we are gone forever. I hope not. I love Eurovision as much as anyone and have been watching it since the 1960s when it was in black and white. I am a fan and I think it is a lovely celebration of cultures around Europe and Australia. But it is a small sacrifice to make when you consider 70,000 deaths."
RTÉ announced a boycott of the 2026 Eurovision contest because Israel is participating and said it will review its stance on participation next year. Former Eurovision winner Paul McGettigan praised RTÉ's decision, saying he and others have campaigned and signed a petition calling for Israel's expulsion, and describing the boycott as a small sacrifice given the scale of deaths. Former presenter and MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú welcomed the decision with a heavy heart. A former member of Israel's delegation suggested Ireland should take a year off and return stronger. Iceland is expected to decide next week and the BBC has defended its support.
Read at Irish Independent
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