Dana, the winner of Eurovision Song Contest 1970 for Ireland, and panellist on Super Saturday's Irish national final, Eurosong 2008, spoke exclusively to esctoday.com about Dustin being selected to represent Ireland in Serbia this coming May. Also, we ask her what should Ireland do for future contests.
Hello Dana; Dustin has won the Irish National final 2008, how do you feel/react about that, being a previous winner.
"I really felt it made a mockery of the competition . We're the only country ever to be representedby a turkey in a shopping trolley!"
You said that it was a "foul decision." Do you feel ashamed at all now, over the result?
"I can't blame Dustin for taking the opportunity of a career move like this, after all it is the biggest televised programme in the world, but I do blame the selection committee and the national broadcaster for allowing this whole package to go through. If they felt the song was so good, we have lots of good artists who could sing it. The girl who takes the lead in the chorus has a great voice".
How do you think Europe will react tothe Irishact?
"The lyrics are full of "in jokes", I doubt many will fully understand the humour. At worst, we could have a copy-cat senario next year and find we have a Eurovision where there are more puppets than humans!!!"
What advice could you give to Dustin?
"Pull out of Eurovision."
Who do you think the real 'turkeys' are?
"The selection committee. On saying that I have a dear friend (very talented) on the commitee, however I have to say what I think."
What should Ireland do next year?
"I think if we treat the Eurovision as a joke, we should pull out. Otherwise it's disrespectful to the many countries who take this seriously and to whom winning the competition means a great deal".
Would you be prepared to sit on the short list selection panel in 2009 ifIreland enters again?
"Possibly".
Who would you like to sit on the short list selection panel if there is one next year? RTÉ representatives? Tv producers? eurovision fans? esctoday.com?
"Probably a mixture of those representatives but also including song writers, musicians, record producers and members of the public… I think the eurovision fansshould certainly be allowed to contribute, with a view to incorporating their ideas".
Have you anything you would like to add at all?
"(A) I think that we are losing a sense of national pride . (B) This competition is a unique international stepping stone for singers and writers. There are precious fewopportunities about today. (C) If the programme needs improving then dosomething to improve it, not drag it down further".
Would you like to say anything to our esctoday.com readers?
"I believe you care about this unique event. Make your voice heard. It's a great, fun celebration and that alone is worth protecting. So what if some of the songs are "typical Eurovision"; they're happy and fun, but then there is always the unique 'class' song and artist that bursts through and makes this all worthwhile. xxx"
Special thanks to Dana for taking time out for this exclusive interview with esctoday.com
