RTE CHIEF'S ISRAEL EUROVISION TALKS CALL

RTE Director General Kevin Bakhurst has broken his silence over Israel's involvement in the Eurovision Song Contest - saying he has written to EBU officials.

- BY SANDRA MALLON Showbiz Editor

Next week, Ireland's Norwegian hopeful Emmy will take to the stage in the song contest's second semi-final with her song, Laika Party.

But behind the scenes, former Eurovision artists - including Brian Kennedy, Charlie McGettigan and Mickey Joe Harte - have publicly opposed Israel's inclusion at the Eurovision.