Originally the favourite to win , Dustin was chosen by the Irish viewers at Eurosong to represent Ireland in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest , becoming the first puppet to do so . Though it was not announced on the Eurosong show how many votes Dustin won , an RTÉ radio show later revealed that the second place had an average of 15 points , while Dustin had 23 , so the public really did want to send a puppet to Eurovision . Despite it being a public vote , there was a mixed reaction from the live studio audience when the result was announced , including many audible boos . A panellist on the programme , former Eurovision winner Dana , stated that Ireland would be better withdrawing from the competition than sending Dustin . Despite her lack of support , past Irish Eurovision entries Dickie Rock and Maxi stated their beliefs that Dustin could win
2008 Eurovision Song Contest
Eurovision Song Contest 2008
Dustin the Turkey