 There were allegations that RTE made every effort to ensure that the  song they chose to represent Ireland would be one that had no  possibility of winning. Indeed the song that was chosen (Dreamin  performed by Eddie Friel), was mired in controversy as it was  accused of plagiarism. In spite of sounding to similar to another  song, RTE allowed it to go through with many claiming that RTE were  delighted with the negative publicity and therefore few of the  juries would vote for it.