Derry MP Colum Eastwood welcomes RTÉ's boycott of Eurovision
SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood has welcomed RTE’s decision not to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest for the second year in a row.
RTÉ said it could not take part while Israeli broadcaster KAN was involved in the competition.
Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said: “I welcome this principled stance from national broadcaster RTÉ amidst the ongoing genocide in Gaza, with a horrific loss of life and human rights abuses continuing on a daily basis. The Eurovision Song Contest has a special place in the hearts of the Irish people, with many successes over the years, including from Derry, but to take part would trivialise the suffering in Palestine in the face of Israeli aggression.
“The Netherlands has already followed Ireland in their boycott, as it did last year. Boycotting a singing contest might seem like a small gesture, but it is important that the actions of the Israeli regime are not normalised while the genocide continues. Every act of solidarity, no matter how minor, is deeply appreciated by the Palestinian people.
“I pay tribute to those who made clear to RTÉ the strength of public feeling about taking part. Ireland has led the way when it comes to standing with Gaza and this has also been seen with the recent ‘Stop the Game’ protests ahead of the Republic’s football matches with Israel. I understand the difficulties involved in taking such a stance, but it’s disappointing that the FAI seem determined to go ahead with these fixtures in stark contrast to public opinion.”