Mixed reactions following a statement from RTE declaring that Ireland will withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates.
The statement said: "It is RTÉ’s position that Ireland will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if the participation of Israel goes ahead, and the final decision regarding Ireland’s participation will be made once the EBU’s decision is made.
"RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza. RTÉ is also deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza, and the denial of access to international journalists to the territory, and the plight of the remaining hostages.”
Hundreds of comments have been left on social media directed at RTE following the news, some heavily against the decision and some who agree with RTE's decision.
One person said: "Why does RTE get to decide this and not the Taoiseach or the Irish ppl? Could we possibly make Ireland look more antisemitic? I can't believe some hack in D4 is making this decision. Look how Ireland voted in the last contest: the ppl do not share his bias".
Rory Cowan, Mrs Brown's Boys star, commented, "I refuse to participate in the presidential election as a direct response to our national broadcaster's anti-Israel stance. “Humph”, I say, to show my decision is a clear display of my strong disagreement with RTE, and I’m making my voice heard. So “humph” again".
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Another person against the decision said: "Idiots it's a Talent contest it's not political and the war between Palestine and Israel is none of RTE's or Ireland's business. They are not at war with us. Low IQ mentality as usual, RTE should serve the interests of the Irish public not the RTE General Director."
"You are a disgrace to the country. Never paying my TV license again," another person said.
On the other hand, people in the comments expressed that they agree with the decision.
One person said, "Correct decision, should have been made two years ago though".
"Fantastic. Everything they take part in across the arts and sports should be boycotted by every other nation," someone said.
"The whole thing should be scrapped the voting is completely political but Ireland haven't had a decent song in it for years anyway. It was good back when it was about music now it's a freak show," another comment said," another person said.
Someone else happy with the decision said: "It's a baby step, but good news. Sporting fixtures next, please."
