Irish Parties Back Eurovision Boycott, Target Israel Matches

Leading Irish political parties are publicly endorsing the national broadcaster RTÉ's decision to boycott Eurovision 2027, and calling to extend that stance to other international events featuring Israel, according to a report published Tuesday on the Euromix website.

The debate in Ireland has already moved beyond the song contest. Political figures are demanding the cancellation of football matches between Ireland and Israel, transforming the Eurovision boycott into part of a broader discussion about Israeli participation in cultural and sporting events in the country.

"The Right Decision" – Opposition Party Applauds

Sinn Féin, a major opposition party, welcomed RTÉ's decision, framing it as a principled response to the situation in Gaza. Joanna Byrne, the party's spokesperson for culture, media and sport, said it was the right decision and that the situation in Gaza cannot be treated as something that should be considered "normal."

The position aligns with Sinn Féin's broader stance on Palestinian issues. Already in June 2026, party leader Mary Lou McDonald opposed holding the football match between Ireland and Israel, as part of the wider political debate surrounding Ireland-Israel relations.

Member of Parliament Sinéad Gibney supported RTÉ's decision to withdraw from Eurovision 2027, and at the same time, criticized the broadcaster for its intention to air Ireland's football matches against Israel.

She argued this represents a contradiction: if Israeli participation in Eurovision makes Irish participation unacceptable, why should the same principle not apply to other international events in which Israel participates?

Israel national team against Moldova | Photo: Flash90 (Photo: Flash90)

Calls to Cancel Football Matches

In June 2026, Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats and the Labour Party supported proposals calling to cancel the football match between Ireland and Israel. Mary Lou McDonald, Ivana Bacik and Sinéad Gibney publicly declared that the match should not take place.

Ultimately, after heavy pressure, UEFA agreed to the Irish Football Association's request and the match was moved to a neutral venue without spectators. The Irish Football Association stated at the time that it was "aware of the suffering and destruction being caused to civilians in Gaza."

Now, with broad political support for boycotting Eurovision, will this pattern will continue and expand to additional international events?

RTÉ has officially announced that its position remains unchanged, and the country will neither participate in nor broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, drawing a direct connection between the decision and the war and humanitarian situation in Gaza.