Turkey ár lá as Dustin eyes the beak time
The rebel leader of the Fianna Fowl party is expected to beat Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern to European domination, when he takes to the Eurovision stage in May to perform Irelande Douze Pointe.
The song — a parody of the kitsch song contest — was chosen by thousands of voters in a television vote on Saturday night. It was one of six songs contesting the final of Eurosong 2008, which was presented live on RTÉ from University Concert Hall, Limerick.
Speaking yesterday from celebrations in Limerick, the victorious Dustin said: “For the first time in my life I’m speechless. I tried texting Obama for a catchy soundbite but my mobile phone credit has run out.”
He thanked Bob Geldof, who praised the song last week, and composer Frank McNamara, who said the song selection was a “two- fingers” to the country’s talented musicians.
Yesterday Dustin told Frank: “I couldn’t have done it without ya.”
He added: “I’d like to dedicate this win to Ireland’s only true pop idol, Joe Dolan. Onwards to Serbia. Let’s bring it home — Turkey ár lá!”
Dustin’s song urges voters to “give douze points to Ireland” for its lowlands and its highlands, for Terry Wogan’s wig and Bono’s leather pants.
It says: “We brought you Guinness and Westlife, 800 years of war and strife, but we all apologise for Riverdance.”
Bookmakers William Hill have installed Dustin as 10-1 favourite to win. Their Irish spokesman Tony Kenny said: “A singing turkey will possibly be one of the most bizarre things that a Eurovision audience will ever see. He’ll go to Belgrade on a wing and a prayer and, fingers crossed, he’ll ruffle a few feathers when he gets there.”
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