Given the success the pop band Industry have achieved in Ireland and in Europe last year, many were predicting that they would be strong candidates to enter Eurosong with a view to representing Ireland in Oslo in May.

Having spoken with their management, I can reveal that Industry will not be taking part in Eurosong or any other National Selection this year due to heavy touring and recording commitments.

Here at ESCIreland we live in hope that Donal, Lee, Morgan and Michelle might reconsider in 2012. We think their modern Swedish inspired brand of pop would be a perfect way for Ireland to return to glory on the Eurovision stage!

While there might be fabulous national song contests happening across Europe from Malta to Iceland and Finland RTÉ is sticking with the tried and tested if not very successful Eurosong format highlighted by Frank today.

One of the artists submitting potential entries to the Irish state broadcaster is Lamph. Their sound is varied and certainly unlike anything we’ve sent to Eurovision before. They have made some of the songs they intend to submit to Eurosong available on YouTube.

It might be a bit premature to start planning Dublin 2011 just yet!