“They say that the Eurovision is nonpolitical but the reality of it is when it is necessary it becomes political,” said Johnny Logan.
Johnny Logan told RTÉ’s This Week programme that he was “proud” of the broadcaster’s decision not to take part in next year’s Eurovision contest.
“I really feel that in this case, RTÉ definitely made the right decision,” said the three-time Eurovision winner.
“I don’t think that Israel should be allowed to hide under the umbrella of the Eurovision… make it look as though, everything’s okay, business as usual, because it’s not,” he added.
“I think most people in Ireland would agree with that.”
In September, RTÉ announced that Ireland wouldn’t take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel was allowed to participate.
“RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza,” read a statement from the broadcaster.
Last week they announced that they will not participate in or broadcast the competition, following the EBU Winter General Assembly in Geneva.
“They did it with Russia in the Eurovision… they say that the Eurovision is nonpolitical but the reality of it is when it is necessary it becomes political,” continued Logan, citing Russia being removed from the contest over its invasion of Ukraine.
“Eurovision has been really good to me, but I do feel very strongly about it.”
He said that the European Broadcasting Union should have made a decision regarding Israel’s participation, rather than leaving it up to individual countries.
“But being as it is,” he said. “I really think that what Ireland, what RTÉ, have done is exactly the right thing to do. I support them 100%.”
“And it’s not about the Israeli people, it’s about the people in charge of Israel, the governments that have been making these decisions,” added Logan.
The 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place in Vienna, Austria, from May 12–16, 2026.