With all 24 competing Eurovisie countries having their say RTE commentator Dominic McDonough had plenty to talk about
In the end ESF 23 turned out to be one of the closest competitions in
years, as last years winner Luxembourg did it again. But only by the
skin of their teeth.
Sylvers song Lay all your love on me bagged only 91 points in the final
voting, not all of them from neighbours. It was a last gasp win however
as up to six countries could have snatched the victory with the final
votes being cast. It was Luxembourg who received 6 points of the final
jury however (Hungary), giving them an absolutely decisive victory on
final night in Germany and the nation's fourth win in the contest.
Trailing second was Finland who will be very disappointed to have came
so close and be pipped at the post by only three points. Norway who
came third will also be disappointed as they became the favourite in
the betting earlier on.
The score board was so close in the end that only 10 points separated 1st and 5th place and many feel this has been good for the contest as a whole.
Full praise should go to Germany who gave us a fantastic contest and managed a 9th place in the final shake up.
Thoughts now turn to ESF 24 and who will be the next host. Many
countries withdrew from this edition so we hope that the close and
exciting voting will temp some of them back. Big names like Netherlands
and France are expected to return but others such as Ukraine, Turkey,
Denmark and India face an uncertain future.