RTÉ refuses to comment on Ireland's prospects for participation in Eurovision 2019

Since Israel's victory at the Eurovision Song Contest 2018, there have been calls in Ireland for the nation to boycott the 2019 competition held in Israel. Last week, a campaign was launched by the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC). Nevertheless, before the launch of the campaign, Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney rejected calls for boycott. As a result, we contacted RTÉ to request an update on their prospects for participation.

Refused to comment

ESCXTRA.com contacted RTÉ and we appreciate the prompt response received. RTÉ's statement on the Eurovision Song Contest of 2019 was as follows:

RTÉ will not comment at this time on Eurovision next year

The government says no to the boycott

RTÉ refuses to take a position at this stage. interesting given recent comments by the Irish Deputy Prime Minister who "ruled out" any possibility of boycotting an Eurovision Song Contest organized by the Israelis in 2019. As the Irish Times explained, Coveney does not did not believe that an Irish boycott of Eurovision "would advance the cause of the Palestinians". The Deputy Prime Minister explains that his current goal is to try "to end the violence [between Israel and Palestine]"

Success of Eurovision in Lisbon

In May, Ireland got a 16th place in the grand finale of the Eurovision Song Contest 2018. As a result, Ryan O 'Shaughnessy has given Ireland his best result in the contest since 2011. In Dusseldorf, Jedward finished eighth with Lipstick . Interestingly, before the first semifinal live in Lisbon, Together was not considered a potential qualifier. Nevertheless, the extremely effective performance created by the Irish delegation has allowed Ireland to climb into the top three. While Ryan's final result did not match the eventual hype, Ireland was surely pleased with its success in Portugal and its first qualification since 2013.

X Factor UK's Competitors Sean and Conor Price recently revealed that they would consider representing Ireland at a future Eurovision song contest. Maybe they will be on RTÉ's wish list … they're participating in Israel next year.

What do you think of RTÉ's decision to refuse a comment at this point? Are they right to remain silent as boycott campaigns continue despite the government's insistence that Ireland not boycott? Let us know in the comments below!