Irish trade union SIPTU pressures national broadcaster RTÉ to sustain boycotts against Israel ahead of Eurovision 2027 preparations

The list of participating countries for Eurovision 2027 is still very far from finalized, and many nations are expected to either confirm or deny their participation in the coming months. One of these countries is Ireland, which notably did not participate in Eurovision 2026 due to Israel’s participation in the contest. Although Irish officials have not yet declared their intentions regarding next year, voices in the country continue to grow louder, calling for a sustained boycott against Israel.

Calls to Boycott Israel Intensely Grow

The organization SIPTU, the largest trade union in Ireland, sent a letter to the Irish national broadcaster, RTÉ, demanding that the organization continue its boycotts against Israel and refuse to broadcast soccer matches scheduled with Israel for this coming autumn.

“We commend the decision of RTÉ, alongside other European public broadcasters, to refuse to broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest earlier this year,” they stated, adding: “We request that RTÉ demonstrate the same moral courage on this occasion and refuse to broadcast the matches scheduled for September and October,” as written in the letter sent to the national broadcaster.

Conversely, the national broadcaster stated that despite the sentiment, it is impossible to boycott the scheduled matches.

“Not broadcasting these matches would lead to a breach of contract, jeopardize the existing broadcasting rights of RTÉ, and negatively impact the ability of RTÉ to acquire broadcasting rights for sports events in the future,” a spokesperson on behalf of the station stated. He further added: “Unlike the recent situation with the Eurovision Song Contest – where, as a participating member, RTÉ had full freedom of action in its decision not to participate or broadcast – broadcasting these matches is an obligation under RTÉ’s rights contract.”

Thus, while the organization did not directly address plans regarding Eurovision 2027, it is clear that pressure to continue boycotting Israel will only increase as the contest approaches.

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.