Ireland's national broadcaster RTÉ has announced it will air the classic Father Ted Eurovision-themed episode 'A Song For Europe' in place of the Eurovision Song Contest this year, as part of a boycott over Israel's participation.
Five countries—Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland, Spain, and Slovenia—confirmed their exit from the 2025 contest in December, following the European Broadcasting Union's decision to allow Israel to compete. The 70th Eurovision final takes place in Vienna on Saturday.
RTÉ stated last December that Ireland's participation was 'unconscionable' given the 'appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there'. The broadcaster also expressed concern over the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza and the denial of access to international journalists.
However, the move has drawn criticism from Graham Linehan, co-creator of Father Ted, who has launched a petition calling for RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst's resignation, labelling the decision 'antisemitic'. Linehan said: 'RTÉ has chosen to boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest solely because Israel is participating. This is not a principled humanitarian stand. It is antisemitism.'
Linehan's petition, which has garnered over 1,000 signatures, also demands an apology from RTÉ and an independent review of antisemitism within the broadcaster's editorial decision-making. He added that he did not give permission for his show to be used as 'a prop in an antisemitic political gesture'.
Ireland, Slovenia and Spain are also refusing to broadcast the final, while the Netherlands and Iceland will air it. Linehan, a prominent anti-trans activist, had a conviction for damaging a transgender campaigner's phone overturned earlier this month.
