Eurovision 2026 controversy continues across Europe: Niamh Kavanagh, Ireland’s 1993 winner, responds to her country’s decision to boycott the contest due to Israel’s participation.

Niamh Kavanagh, Ireland’s 1993 Eurovision winner with the song “In Your Eyes” and the country’s 2010 representative with “It’s For You“, which placed 23rd, has openly addressed her country’s decision to boycott Eurovision 2026 amid the ongoing controversy following the EBU’s confirmation of Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, set to take place in Vienna, Austria on May 12th, 14th and 16th, 2026.

“I Respect RTÉ’s Decision”

In an interview with the Irish national broadcaster RTÉ, Kavanagh shared her thoughts about Ireland’s withdrawal. The singer expressed respect for RTÉ’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming competition in Vienna due to Israel’s participation. She also reflected on the growing challenges faced by artists and delegations who must often address political questions unrelated to music or their performance at Eurovision. She said:

“I respect RTÉ’s decision to withdraw before an artist is involved. When you get there, you’re technically representing yourself, the Irish national broadcaster, the delegation, and the country itself. And the reality is that you’re responsible for what happens within that space”.

Kavanagh took the opportunity to offer advice to future Eurovision participants:

“I think anything your heart invests in is worth it. Don’t try to be Eurovision; don’t try to be anything other than yourself within that space”.

Israel’s Participation Sparks Widespread Backlash

Earlier in December, the final EBU General Assembly was held in Geneva, Switzerland, where members overwhelmingly approved new regulations, including Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026. The decision prompted a strong backlash across Europe and led to withdrawals by Ireland, Iceland, The Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain. The dramatic withdrawals and harsh criticism sparked significant public tension, turning Eurovision — long seen as a celebration of unity through music — into a deeply divisive topic.

Former Winners Speak Out

Prominent Irish Eurovision champions who once represented their country have voiced their opinions about the withdrawal. Johnny Logan, the only artist to have won the Eurovision Song Contest three times (twice as a performer, in 1980 and 1987, and once as a songwriter in 1992), stated after the assembly that he supports RTÉ’s decision to withdraw. The singer fiercely criticized the EBU, claiming that when certain moral boundaries are crossed, Eurovision must become political. He even compared Israel’s actions in Gaza to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, citing Russia’s disqualification from Eurovision as a precedent he believes should apply to Israel as well.

Charlie McGettigan, Ireland’s 1994 Eurovision winner, echoed Logan’s criticism of the EBU and announced he would return his trophy as a form of protest against Israel’s participation.

In contrast, Dana Rosemary Scallon, Ireland’s first Eurovision winner who triumphed in 1970 with “All Kinds of Everything“, stated that she believes Eurovision should remain apolitical and “hopes music can remain a space where people come together.” She also subtly criticized the countries that withdrew over Israel’s participation.

Now, with Kavanagh adding her voice, it appears the issue continues to resonate strongly among the European public and past contestants. The debate seems far from over, and discussions are expected to persist until the beloved competition takes place in May.

Ireland in Eurovision 2025

“Laika Party” is the name of the song performed by singer EMMY, who represented Ireland in the second semi-final of Eurovision 2025 held in Basel, Switzerland. Ireland failed to qualify for the Grand Final, finishing 13th out of 16 with just 28 points.

Over the past five years, Ireland has reached the Grand Final only once.

Eurovision 2025: This was Ireland’s 58th participation in the contest. The country joined Eurovision in 1965 and is tied with Sweden for the most wins, with seven victories. Ireland’s most recent win came in 1996 with the song “The Voice”, performed by singer Eimear Quinn.