The Director-General of the Irish broadcaster RTÉ has spoken about the conditions for a potential comeback to the Eurovision Song Contest.
Conditions for a potential return
Kevin Bakhurst, Director-General of RTÉ, was recently interviewed on RTÉ’s ‘Behind the Story’ podcast. He was asked about the criteria for the broadcaster to participate in Eurovision next year and what would need to change, to which he replied the following:
I said it was unconscionable to take part last year. I think it would have been very, very difficult to take part next year and that’s why we took the decision early, given the onoging conditions in Gaza and the West Bank and other parts of the region and given where the Irish audience is.
I don’t think it’s going to be easy to go back until there’s a very significant change on the ground or until Israel’s not in the Eurovision.
A second year of non-participation
RTÉ confirmed in September that they will not be returning to the Eurovision Song Contest. The broadcaster has chosen to not participate in the upcoming 2027 edition, due to be held in Bulgaria. In a statement revealed by the Éirevision podcast, the broadcaster said:
RTÉ’s position regarding participation in the Eurovision Song Contest remains unchanged. RTÉ will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, nor will RTÉ broadcast the competition. RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation cannot be justified given the appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk. RTÉ also remains deeply concerned by the continued denial of independent access to international journalists to the territory”.
As it is unlikely another broadcaster will takeover the reins for participation in the upcoming Contest, this will mark the first time Ireland have missed two consecutive editions of the Eurovision Song Contest since the country’s debut in 1965.
The EBU has responded to RTÉ, with Director of the Eurovision Song Contest Martin Green sharing the organisation’s regrets.
Ireland’s Eurovision journey
In 1965, Ireland made their debut in the Eurovision Song Contest with Butch Moore and the song “Walking the Streets in the Rain”. The entry managed to place 6th. Since their debut, Ireland has participated 57 times (making the Grand Final 46 times). The nation has won the competition seven times, which is currently tied with Sweden for the record of most wins.
Ireland’s latest Eurovision participation in 2025 saw them being represented by Norwegian singer EMMY with her song “Laika Party”. At the close of voting, Ireland would fail to qualify from the second semi-final. “Laika Part” was awarded 28 points, ultimately placing thirteenth.
What do you think of the conditions set out by RTÉ’s Director-General? As always, let us know what you think. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, Bluesky, and ZOOP for more information about Eurovision 2027!
News Source: RTÉ
Image Credit: RTÉ
Rory Gannon