Ireland's Eurovision song entry is guaranteed to be a turkey

A puppet called Dustin the Turkey was chosen last night to represent Ireland in the 2008 Eurovision song contest, singing the song 'Irelande Douze Pointe'.

The glove-puppet, a character on an Irish children's TV programme, won the heats despite having the backing of Dublin-born Bob Geldof, who declared that Dustin was one 'of the greatest talents this country has ever produced' and that he should represent Ireland's 'glorious musical heritage' on the world stage. 'The mere fact that he is a turkey should give Ireland the edge,' said Geldof.

He was voted for by the public after a two-and-a-half hour competition broadcast by the Irish television station RTE

Dustin will now take the hopes of the Irish nation to the final stages of the competition, which will be held in Belgrade, Serbia, in May. If he wins the title it will be Ireland's eighth victory