Sir, – In his review of the Eurovision Song Contest, Ed Power’s discussion of the decision by five countries to boycott the event in protest at Israel’s participation, mentioned booing of the Israeli singers during the semi-final, and even speculated on whether Israel would appear in the competition in 2027 (“Eurovision 2026 review: Father Ted, controversy and Ireland’s absence as Bulgaria wins,” May 18th). Curiously, Power omitted to mention how Israel actually fared in the song contest itself.Israel was the runner-up in the contest for the second consecutive year, coming third out of 35 countries in the public vote in which more than 17 million votes were cast, and eighth in the vote of professional juries selected by other participating countries. The Israeli entry received points from 33 of the 34 other countries taking part, a feat only equalled by the ultimate winners Bulgaria.What does this broad support for the Israeli participation say for the decision of to the five countries, including Ireland, who refused to take part? It surely suggests that they were badly out of in tune with public opinion on the subject across Europe. In 2027, the European Broadcasting Union should seek to draw a line under the tantrum thrown by these five countries by permanently expelling any country who seems to boycott for a second time. This would call the bluff of RTÉ, whose desire for performative virtue-signalling is hardly likely to outweigh the prospect of a permanent end to the to the lucrative advertising revenue which the Eurovision generates every year. – Yours, etc,BARRY WALSH,Clontarf, Dublin 3.