Ireland's national broadcaster RTÉ has confirmed it will air the Eurovision-themed episode of Father Ted instead of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest final, as part of a boycott over Israel's participation. The decision follows Ireland's withdrawal from the competition last December, alongside the Netherlands, Iceland, Spain, and Slovenia, after Israel was allowed to compete despite its military operations in Gaza.
The Father Ted episode, titled 'A Song for Europe', features characters Ted and Dougal performing the song 'My Lovely Horse' at the contest. RTÉ will show the episode during the Eurovision final slot on Saturday, while the Netherlands and Iceland will broadcast the final, and Slovenia and Spain will also refuse to air it.
Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan has condemned the move, calling it 'antisemitic' and launching a petition demanding the resignation of RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst. The petition, which has garnered over 1,000 signatures, accuses RTÉ of using the show as 'a tool of antisemitic harassment' and calls for an apology and an independent review of antisemitism within the broadcaster.
RTÉ defended its decision in December, stating that Ireland's participation was 'unconscionable' given the loss of life in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis. The broadcaster also expressed concern over the targeted killing of journalists in the conflict.
Linehan, a prominent anti-trans activist, recently had a conviction for damaging a transgender campaigner's mobile phone overturned. He was involved in a confrontation with Sophia Brooks outside the Battle of Ideas conference in London in October 2024.
