Does Ireland Need To Look Hard At Eurovision Arrangements?

"If we are not prepared to take it more seriously as an opportunity for the country," the TD says, "perhaps we need to have the discussion about whether it is worth competing at all."
The politician is now calling for a fundamental review of Ireland’s approach to the Eurovision Song Contest, following the country’s latest failure to reach the final this year.
“Whether you love it or hate it, and there are plenty of people in both camps, the fact is that the Eurovision Song Contest Final has the biggest non-sporting television audience on earth," points out the TD.
“Brendan Murray gave a solid performance in this year’s semi-final and we should be proud of his effort, but it is increasingly clear that we are simply not at the appropriate level in terms of song selection and staging if we want to actually start competing to win."
Deputy Smyth also points out: “RTÉ sources cite a lack of resources as the reason that more cannot be done, and that needs to be properly explored. If the country decides that this competition is worth trying to win, and with an international television audience of 200 million, I believe it is, then we need to develop a strategy to do so.
“It is an enormous branding opportunity and with the quality of the tourist and business venue product in Ireland, we should be approaching this event and funding it on that basis.
“I would like to see some honest discussion about what has gone wrong in recent years, and an equally honest discussion about what is needed in terms of resources and personnel to start competing again."