Eurovision winner Paul Harrington said it is ‘unfortunate’ that former Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon is getting all of the Eurovision attention - but backed him to lift the trophy.
Public Image Ltd, the post-punk band formed by John Lydon following the break-up of the Sex Pistols, were among six acts announced by RTE as hopefuls to represent Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest this May.
The news caused a media frenzy, as well known Irish band Wild Youth were also announced as contenders for the gig.
Read more: Dustin the Turkey has just 4 words to describe Sex Pistols star's Eurovision bid
And whilst former champion Harrington, who won the contest alongside Charlie McGettigan in 1994 feels he could lead Ireland to a win, he feels the buzz surrounding Lydon, known to fans as Johnny Rotten, is taking away from the other entries also announced this week.
He told Irish Daily Mirror: “While I think it is great to have such a cross section of artists like Wild Youth and JR in this year’s competition, I feel it is unfortunate for all involved that he will be absorbing all the publicity.”
The Rock 'n' Roll Kids hitmaker, who often sits on the panel during the selection process of which song to send, said he is looking forward to seeing all of the possible contenders when they take the stage during RTE’s Late Late Show special.
“I am looking forward to watching all 6 performances on The Late Late Show and who knows…the trophy could be lifted by yet another Johnny!”
PiL's entry is an emotional ballad titled Hawaii, described as a love letter to Nora, Lydon's wife of almost five decades, who is living with Alzheimer's disease.
The performer said the track is as close as he will ever come to bearing his soul.
"It is dedicated to everyone going through tough times on the journey of life, with the person they care for the most.
"It's also a message of hope that ultimately love conquers all."
Harrington commented: “I was never a fan of the punk era even though I grew up in it but in later years I did enjoy some of PiL.
“A respected artist, the song Hawaii will resonate with many no doubt.”
It comes as Dustin the Turkey, who represented Ireland at the 2008 Eurovision called the entry ‘bonkers’.
Meanwhile, song contest legend Linda Martin – who won in 1992 with ‘Why Me?’ said: “The bottom line is if he’s got a good enough song, well that’s the bottom line.”
London-born Lydon, who was born to Irish parents and holds an Irish passport, will be up against popular Dublin band Wild Youth as well as Donegal singer ADGY, Trinity College music student CONNOLLY, Indie pop singer Leila Jane, and Longford duo K Muni & ND.
The six songs were selected from hundreds of entries received by RTÉ following a callout for submissions last year.
The finalists will perform on a special Late Late Show on Friday, February 3rd, where the winner will be chosen by a combination of National Jury, International Jury, and Public vote.
Michael Kealy, RTÉ Eurovision Head of Delegation, said: "I am really impressed by the quality and standard of the six acts we have in our Eurosong final this year.
“The Eurovision Song Contest is a global phenomenon, and the competition is getting harder every year, but whichever of our six finalists gets to represent Ireland in Liverpool in May I've no doubt they will represent us brilliantly, winning new fans all over the world."
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