RTÉ Director General outlines conditions for Ireland's Eurovision return

RTÉ Director-General Kevin Bakhurst has stated that Ireland's return to the Eurovision Song Contest is unlikely without a “very significant change” in Gaza and the West Bank, or the exclusion of Israel from the competition.

Bakhurst noted that RTÉ's decision to boycott the 2026 and 2027 contests was driven by public opinion in Ireland and the humanitarian crisis in the region. He described participating under current conditions as “unconscionable.”

While addressing the possibility of Israel being removed from the contest, Bakhurst expressed doubt that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) could make such a decision. He cited major member nations, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Austria, as being publicly opposed to Israel's exclusion. Despite the boycott, Bakhurst emphasized that RTÉ maintains a positive and multifaceted relationship with the EBU.