Fianna Fáil MEP hopeful Cynthia Ní Mhurchú would be 'delighted' to host Eurovision if Bambie Thug wins

Fianna Fail candidate in the upcoming European Parliament Elections Cynthia Ni Mhurchu at the Fianna Fail Ard Fheis, at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre. Picture date: Saturday April 13, 2024.

Former Eurovision host and Fianna Fáil MEP hopeful Cynthia Ní Mhurchú said she would be “delighted” to act as host if a Bambie Thug victory brings the competition to Dublin next year.

She made the comments as she defended Israel’s right to take part in the competition. Ms Ní Mhurchú is running for Fianna Fáil in the Ireland South Constituency in the European elections on June 7.

The Carlow native hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin in 1994 in Dublin following Niamh Kavanagh’s win in 1993. She co-hosted the competition with Gerry Ryan in the Point Theatre.

Following Bambie Thug’s progression to the final with a fantastic performance in the semi-final on Tuesday, speculation is ramping up that they could have a chance of taking home the trophy. Bookies have slashed the odds and they are now 9/1 to win the song contest, the fourth favourite behind Croatia, Switzerland and Ukraine.

Asked if Israel should be allowed to partake in next year’s competition if it is held in Dublin, Ms Ní Mhurchú said that she would not make predictions so far into the future. However, she did offer to host the competition if it is held on Irish shores.

She told the Irish Mirror: “I would have to review. The most important thing is for the poor Palestinian people and those children that are being massacred, that this situation, between the powers that be, is sorted as soon as possible. Projecting into the future, I won’t do that.

“But I will project one thing. If Bambie Thug wins… I really hope they do, their performance was stunning, unbelievable. I really think they are amazing. If they win, I would be delighted to co-host the Eurovision again.”

She added: “The thought of Eurovision in its current format and its current spectacle, I would relish being involved. I hope they don’t just roll me out for some small appearance!”

Ms Ní Mhurchú was speaking to the Irish Mirror ahead of Israel’s Eurovision contestant Eden Golan performing in the second Eurovision semi-final on Thursday evening. During a dress rehearsal on Wednesday, she was booed by the live audience. There is also heightened security in place for Ms Golan.

Asked if Israel should have been allowed to partake in Eurovision when the war in the Middle East continues, Ms Ní Mhurchú stated that “art and songwriting and performance and singing is above politics”.

“Bambie Thug should not be bullied into withdrawing from the competition,” she continued. “It is the biggest gig of their life. It was the biggest gig of my life. I realise how important it is for them as an independent artist.

“On Israel competing, I do not think that cultural boycotts work. I do think in terms of Israel competing, if the responsible authorities, such as the EBU [European Broadcasting Union] and the broadcasting association, if they have done their duty correctly and no political message is coming across, indirect or direct, then artists should be allowed to perform their art.

“Obviously, protestors can protest. But it must be done civilly. I do not believe the artist should be intimidated. I hear that she has to have protection going around all the time.”

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