"Everything is political, and always was - the difference now is the volume RTÉ bowing out of Eurovision this year feels less like a bold political gesture and more like an act of basic self-preservation. Because, really, what sane Irish performer would have put themselves forward anyway?"
"The job description used to involve singing in tune and surviving a weekend surrounded by pan-European glitter. Now it requires declaring, loudly and on cue, whether you're pro-Palestinian or pro-Israeli. And whichever answer you give, you're guaranteed to have half the internet screaming betrayal by lunchtime."
RTÉ withdrew from Eurovision this year as a move driven more by self-preservation than political signaling. The contemporary contest environment exposes performers to intense political scrutiny and online backlash. Contestants are expected to state positions on the Israel–Palestine conflict, turning artistic participation into a platform for declaration. Any stated allegiance provokes immediate accusations and claims of betrayal from opposing online audiences. The heightened politicization and risk of reputational harm deter potential entrants and create safety and reputational concerns for both artists and broadcasters.
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