RTÉ chief says Ireland’s Eurovision return would be difficult without major change

Ireland is unlikely to return to the Eurovision Song Contest unless conditions change significantly or Israel no longer competes, RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst has said. His remarks suggest the broadcaster’s boycott could continue, but do not amount to a formal decision on future participation.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Behind the Story podcast, Bakhurst said it would not be “easy to go back” without “a very significant change on the ground” or Israel’s absence from the contest. He said RTÉ had decided early to stay out because of the continuing situation in Gaza, the West Bank and elsewhere in the region, as well as the views of the Irish public.

RTÉ was among five broadcasters that withdrew from the 2026 contest in protest at Israel’s participation. The broadcaster has also said it will not take part in 2027. Bakhurst said he did not think the European Broadcasting Union could exclude Israel, citing opposition to such a move from major members including the UK, Germany, France and Austria.

He said RTÉ still had a strong relationship with the EBU and that the two had not fallen out over the broadcaster’s decision.