The Irish entrant in the Eurovision Song Contest 2014, Kasey Smith, has shown her support of Austrian entrant Conchita Wurst, after news of petitions being raised in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus asking for Conchita to be removed from the competition.

Speaking about the petitions, which have received thousands of signatures, Kasey said: That is just ridiculous and they are not doing themselves any favours. Eurovision is the most open and welcoming contest in the world – full of weird, wonderful and amazing acts of expression and everyone should be allowed in. Whether you’re a man, woman or a man pretending to be a woman, it doesn’t matter. I totally disagree with what they are doing. It’s homophobia.

Ireland and Austria are both competing in the second semi final next Thursday 8 May. Ireland have won the competition more times than any other country (in 1970, 80, 87, 92, 92, 94 and 96), but failed to qualify for the final in 2008 and 2009 an have only come top ten once since then, with Jedward in 2011. Kasey Smith will be joining up with collaborative music act Can-Linn on the song Heartbeat and hope their mix of traditional Irish instruments and Kacey Smith’s modern vocals will lead Ireland to yet another win this year.

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