The co-creator of Father Ted has hit out at Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTÉ, after it confirmed it would air an episode of his programme at the same time as Eurovision, which the channel has refused show in protest against Israel’s involvement.
Ireland, along with Spain, Slovenia, Iceland and the Netherlands have boycotted the song contest due to the inclusion of the Jewish state.
In December, RTÉ issued a statement saying that participating in the competition, which it has done since 1971, would be "unconscionable”, citing the “appalling loss of life in Gaza”.
Eurovision coverage usually airs on RTÉ 1 but it has now been replaced by a film on Saturday night. However, on RTÉ 2, the Father Ted episode “A Song For Europe” is scheduled for broadcast.
Reacting to the announcement, Linehan said: “To compound this disgrace, RTÉ has chosen to fill the Eurovision slot on Saturday night with my show - the Father Ted Eurovision episode, ‘A Song for Europe’ - as an act of pointed, gleeful counter-programming.
"I did not give my permission for Father Ted to be used as a prop in an antisemitic political gesture. I object to it in the strongest possible terms."
He added that the channel had “chosen to boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest solely because Israel is participating”.
The comedy writer, who is also known for other shows such as the IT Crowd, has also launched an online petition which calls the airing of Father Ted “a tool of antisemitic harassment” and calls for the RTÉ Director-General Kevin Bakhurst to resign.
RTÉ told the JC that it often airs the episode of Father Ted on RTÉ 2 at the same time as Eurovision each year.
To get more news, click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.