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RTÉ's Father Ted Choice Fuels Israel Eurovision Debate
12 May
Summary
- RTÉ will broadcast a Father Ted episode satirizing Eurovision instead of the contest.
- The decision follows a boycott by RTÉ against Israel's participation.
- Show co-creator accuses broadcaster of antisemitic harassment.
National broadcaster RTÉ has opted to boycott this year's Eurovision Song Contest in protest against Israel's inclusion. As an alternative, RTÉ will screen the 1996 Father Ted episode titled 'A Song for Europe.' This episode famously depicts Father Ted and Father Dougal's disastrous attempt to represent Ireland with their song 'My Lovely Horse,' which ultimately scores null points.
One of the sitcom's creators, Graham Linehan, criticized RTÉ's choice, describing it as a deliberate act of 'pointed, gleeful counter-programming' and a 'tool of antisemitic harassment.' He called for the broadcaster's director-general to step down. Conversely, some Irish news outlets have praised the move, calling it 'genius trolling.'
Several other European countries, including Spain, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Iceland, have also declined to send participants to the competition. Slovenia's broadcaster plans to air documentaries on Palestine, while Spain will show a music program. These boycotts stem from concerns over voting campaigns and the public's strong support for the Israeli singer last year.
The Father Ted episode's plot mirrors a myth about Ireland intentionally submitting a weak entry in 1994 to avoid hosting costs, though the song paradoxically won. Ireland has a strong Eurovision history, with a record seven wins, a feat only matched by Sweden.
