Taoiseach Simon Harris reckons "the whole country will be rooting" for Bambie Thug during Saturday night's Eurovision Song Contest.
Bambie booked a place in the grand final following a vote for their performance of Doomsday Blue in the first semi-final, becoming the first Irish finalist since 2018.
Asked what his message to Bambie Thug would be, Simon Harris said: "For the first time since 2018, Ireland is in the final of Eurovision - that is down to Bambie Thug.
"They have been absolutely incredible. They have done the country absolutely proud.
"I am so proud of them - as Taoiseach (premier) of this country - on the world stage, in front of a global audience doing Ireland proud."
Speaking on Friday, he added: "So I wish Bambie Thug every good luck tomorrow night. I know the whole country will be rooting for them."
Speaking to reporters in Cork, Mr Harris said: "I know particularly Cork will be rooting for them.
"We have a real chance and if we win the Eurovision, I’m quite sure Cork will have a very strong claim that if Cork won it, than maybe Cork should host it."
On a related matter, the Taoiseach said he intended to bring discussion on funding for a proposed event centre in Cork to a "conclusion" within a number of weeks.
"Cork needs its event centre and I’ve had conversations with coalition colleagues and others on this," he added.
Source: Press Association
