Euro(di)vision
This year's Eurovision was meant to be Ireland's big return: in a decade of safe bets and abysmal results, its 2024 contestant, Bambie Thug, is in the top ten of winner predictions. But for now, the Irish singer is proving to be the first source of Irish division over Israel's war on Gaza. A debate about whether Ireland should boycott the contest due to Israel's participation has been gaining momentum in the past month.
Last week, more than 400 Irish artists again appealed to Bambie Thug to withdraw, unsuccessfully. While this is not unique to Ireland, the discussion is still of symbolic importance. For the first time since 7 October, the Irish public is divided over the position to adopt towards Israel.
So far, Ireland has been one of the most unwavering supporters of the Palestinian cause, to the extent that it occasionally stands out from other European countries. Last April, the government announced the Irish sovereign investment fund would be divesting from six Israeli companies over their activities in occupied Palestinian territories due to domestic political pressure.