THE signs are ominous. We are joint favourites with the British entry, Eimear Quinn is the darling of the Norwegian press and in Oslo they're talking about what wonderful hosts the Irish are. The Eurovision Song Contest could well be on its way back to Ireland, for the fourth time in five years.
RTE could face another £3 million bill if The Voice manages to win most votes tonight. Britain's Gina G with Just a Little Bit has been favourite for the past few weeks but in recent days the Irish entry has gained ground. Ireland is now being quoted as joint favourite with England at 3/1.
Writer and composer Brendan Graham was unconcerned yesterday about the upset that might be caused by an Irish win. "I wouldn't feel a bit guilty. My problem is to win and not what problems the winning will bring with it", he said, speaking from the Oslo Spektrum where the event will be hosted tonight. "I'm assured by all and sundry that it would be welcomed with open arms."
Last night, RTE was putting a brave face on the prospect. The assistant director of television programming, Mr David Blake Knox, said the station would be delighted if Eimear Quinn won and it would be regarded as a very significant achievement.
"In the event of a win we would examine all the possibilities. We wouldn't just look at the cost to RTE but the wider picture of the impact on the country", he explained.
Eimear Quinn (23) spent yesterday involved in rehearsals at the venue which will seat 6,000 people. The silver stage has been described as "spectacular", looking as if it was taken straight out of Star Wars. Over eight tonnes of aluminium were used.