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05 Dec 2025
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05 Dec 2025
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Eurovision Live in Ireland
Kilkenny Senator Malcolm Noonan has welcomed the decision by RTE to withdraw from and refuse to broadcast next year's Eurovision Song Contest.
It was confirmed yesterday that Ireland will not participate in next year's Eurovision Song Contest, and it will not be broadcast by RTÉ, after the European Broadcasting Union confirmed that Israel will be allowed to take part.
Senator Noonan said the state broadcaster had made the right decision over Israel's continued involvement in the competition.
"It's strong statement and I hope that we continue to see Israel isolated in other international events as they continue to murder children during a 'ceasefire'," he posted.
READ NEXT: Kilkenny senator speaks at UN conference on Human Rights and Democracy
A statement from RTÉ said: "Following today's EBU Winter General Assembly in Geneva at which Israel's participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest was confirmed, RTÉ's position remains unchanged. RTÉ will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, nor will RTÉ broadcast the competition.
"RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there, which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk. RTÉ remains deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza during the conflict and the continued denial of access to international journalists to the territory."
The Netherlands, Spain, and Slovenia have also confirmed they will boycott the 2026 contest.
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