Petition calling for Eurovision boycott delivered to RTÉ studio in Cork

RTÉ’s southern regional studio in Cork received a petition calling for RTÉ to boycott this year’s Eurovision Song Contest due to the participation of Israel, The Journal reports.

Cork singer Bambie Thug is supposed to represent Ireland with their song ‘Doomsday Blue’. Despite being urged to drop out of the competition, they have decided to go ahead and participate, although they voiced support for removing Israel from the 2024 contest.

The petition, which has received over 5,000 signatures and urges RTÉ not to televise this year’s event, was delivered by Olivia O’Sullivan, a representative for Cobh Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

I sang my version of this year's Israeli @Eurovision entry this morning outside @rte Cork. I joined @AnneMcShane20 & Cobh Palestine Solidarity Campaign who handed in a petition with over 5,600 signatures calling on RTÉ to boycott this year's Eurovision. #BoycottEurovision2024 pic.twitter.com/76YwdQul9q

— Martin Leahy (@TheNewReview2) April 19, 2024

In an interview for The Journal, she said: “Broadcasting the Israeli entry only normalises its actions, and the Israeli government will take advantage and claim that its actions have been validated.

“The majority of Irish people identify with Palestinians,” she added, “and deeply oppose what Israel is doing. Our national broadcaster should listen to our protests. RTE should make a clear stand.”

In an earlier statement posted on Instagram, Bambie Thug had explained their decision to go ahead with the competition, saying: "We firmly believe in the unifying power of music... We feel that it is our duty to create and uphold this space, with a strong hope that it will inspire greater compassion and empathy."

Protests are already planned in Malmö, Sweden, to coincide with the Eurovision Song Contest from May 7 to May 11.