Following RTÉ’s (Irish national broadcaster) withdrawal from the 026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna last December, Marty Whelan has spoken out.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, Marty Whelan, RTÉ’s Eurovision Song Contest Commentator, had the following to say in regards to the boycott:

“I’m sad we’re not going. I agree with the decision by RTÉ and I can say that hand on heart because the madness has to stop. But I’ll miss it terribly. I’ve done it for 25 years and it’s an amazing thing to be part of.

Knowing I won’t be going, it’s a real void and knowing I won’t be part of the preparation and all that, it’s a pity, but hopefully it will return and with a fair wind, I’ll be there too.

I had no qualms at all with the decision, it was the right call. It just won’t be the same without Ireland. We are joint seven-time winners, after all. I really did think more countries would come with us as well, but there’s only five. I was hoping there would be more.”

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Author: Richard Taylor

Source: Éirevision