Irish Eurovision hopeful Bambie Thug addresses decision not to boycott event

Eurovision hopeful Bambie Thug has opened up on their decision not to boycott this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, over Israel's contentious participation.

The Cork native spoke to Patrick Kielty on the Late Late Show last night where they also performed an alternative version of their Doomsday Blues track upon which the nation's hopes of a record eighth Eurovision victory hang.

After discussing their recent activity on the road promoting the song in Europe, which has seen them slip into the top 10 favourites to win, host Patrick pressed Bambie on the "controversial" nature of this year's contest and on their decision to go ahead with their performance.

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They said: "I stand with anyone doing the boycott. I think if I wasn't in the competition, I would also be boycotting. There are a lot of moving parts.

"At the end of the day, without the group of us who is pro-Palestine, it is less competition for the other side (Israel) to win and it's less of solidarity there. Obviously it's incredibly heavy and I am extremely behind everybody."

Bambie expressed their disappointment at the organisers for allowing Israel to take part in the annual international festival of music, but hope to take home the crown for Ireland.

"We all meet up and had chats about it and we just couldn't stay silent on the matter. At the end of the day, it's the EBU who has to make the decision, and, unfortunately in my eyes, they're not making the right decision. So yeah, it's bitter-sweet, the whole thing."

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