In a statement, Irish public broadcaster RTÉ confirms that it will not participate in Eurovision next year, and that it will not broadcast the Contest either.
RTÉ’s statement – “Ireland’s participation cannot be justified”
RTÉ issued the following statement on their participation:
RTÉ is today confirming that its position regarding participation in the Eurovision Song Contest remains unchanged. RTÉ will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, nor will RTÉ broadcast the competition.
RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation cannot be justified given the appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk. RTÉ also remains deeply concerned by the continued denial of independent access to international journalists to the territory.
RTÉ’s statement on ESC 2027 participation, 17th September 2026
The statement strongly ressembles the one published in December 2025, following the EBU’s General Assembly, in which RTÉ first withdrew from the 2026 Contest, using the two same arguments, which can be summarised as such:
- the humanitarian argument, pointing out the death of many civilians in Gaza due to Israel’s military actions in the region
- the press freedom argument, pointing out “the continued denial of independent access to international journalists” to Gaza, an argument stemming from the public service missions of EBU members
Both arguments were used by other withdrawing broadcasters, such as AVROTROS in the Netherlands, or RTV SLO in Slovenia, alongside accusations of disproportionate influence on the public vote by the Israeli government.
Back in May, RTÉ’s Director General Kevin Bakhurst had also confirmed that there was no reason for the broadcaster to revert their boycott.
This will mark Ireland’s second non-participation in a row, the first time ever for the country.
How do you feel about RTÉ’s decision? When do you think will the country return to the Contest? Do you expect other broadcasters to maintain their boycott, or return? Tell us more in the comments below or on socials!
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