Eurovision juror replaced 'due to breach of rules' following comments about Ireland's entry
Brendan Murray with backing vocalists Graham Kelly, Margot Daly, Julian Edwards, Alison Vard-Miller and Shane McDaid before setting off for Kiev. Photo: Andres Poveda
Ireland's Eurovision entrant Brendan Murray, Eurovision Photo: Andres Putting
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A Norwegian juror for the Eurovision Song Contest has been replaced allegedly due to "a breach in juror rules" following comments he made about Ireland's entry.
A statement from Eurovision this evening reads: "Per Sundnes, who was part of the Norwegian jury, has been placed with Erland Bakke due to a breach in juror rules."
Speaking on the official countdown show to the Eurovision ahead of the first semi final of the contest on Tuesday night, Mr Sundnes made comments that suggested he had negative preconceptions about Ireland's entry, allegedly saying that Ireland have "lost it completely" when it comes to the Eurovision.
When ranking all of the songs at this year's Eurovision during a segment, he gave Ireland's entry Dying to Try by Brendan Murray the lowest rank of one point - the only country to receive such a low rating.
Following Mr Sundnes' replacement, Irish Head of Delegation Michael Kealy said: "I'm glad that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) have reacted swiftly to this situation and that all jury members are impartial.
"It's only fair that each song in the Eurovision Song Contest is judged on its individual merits on the night."
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