Graham Linehan, co-creator of the beloved sitcom Father Ted, has condemned RTÉ's decision to broadcast his show instead of Eurovision this weekend.
The writer took to X to express his fury at the Irish broadcaster's programming choice after RTÉ announced it would air the classic Eurovision-themed episode A Song for Europe on Saturday evening rather than the contest's grand final.
RTÉ is among several European public broadcasters refusing to show this year's competition due to Israel's participation.
"I am disgusted that Father Ted is being used as a fig leaf to cover RTE's disgraceful antisemitism," Mr Linehan posted.
Graham Linehan's comments come ahead of this year's Eurovision on Saturday
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The Father Ted episode features the fictional priests Ted and Dougal entering a song competition with their comedic number My Lovely Horse, ultimately receiving no points.
The Irish state broadcaster announced it would not screen the 70th anniversary Eurovision show taking place in Vienna, citing the loss of life in Gaza as its reason for withdrawing from the competition for the first time in over six decades.
Ireland is joined by Spain and Slovenia in boycotting the event, with all three nations confirming on Monday they would neither compete nor broadcast the final on Saturday, May 16.
The Netherlands and Iceland have similarly declined to send acts this year, though both countries will still transmit the programme.
I am disgusted that Father Ted is being used as a fig leaf to cover RTE's disgraceful antisemitism. https://t.co/5KvGnLQLL4
— Graham Linehan (@Glinner) May 11, 2026
The boycott followed a European Broadcasting Union general assembly in Geneva, where members voted on new regulations designed to prevent countries from orchestrating voting campaigns for their entries.
These measures were introduced after concerns emerged regarding the volume of public votes Israel received at last year's contest.
Israeli performer Yuval Raphael secured the highest number of audience votes in May 2025, though jury scores ultimately placed him in second position overall.
RTÉ subsequently sought a detailed breakdown of voting figures from the EBU, while Spanish broadcaster RTVE demanded a comprehensive review of the entire voting system to prevent what it termed "external interference."
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Graham Linehan labelled the RTE move an example of 'disgraceful antisemitism'
| PAThe EBU has also issued a formal warning to Israel's national broadcaster Kan after it encouraged viewers to cast all ten of their available votes for the country's 2026 entrant, Noam Bettan.
While RTÉ2 screens Father Ted during the grand final, it will also offer alternative content during the semi-finals on Tuesday and Thursday, including a programme featuring 1993 Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh experiencing life as a reindeer herder in Norway.
Slovenia's RTV has opted to broadcast a documentary series entitled Voices of Palestine throughout the competition period, whilst Spain's RTVE will present its own musical programme called The House of Music.
Ireland shares the record for most Eurovision victories with Sweden, having triumphed seven times, most recently when Eimear Quinn won in 1996 with The Voice.
Noam Bettan, representing Israel in this year's Eurovision
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Relations between Dublin and Jerusalem have deteriorated significantly, with Israel closing its embassy in the Irish capital in December 2024 after Ireland backed South Africa's legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice.