1970: "All Kinds of Everything" — Dana
As violence escalated in the Northern Ireland conflict, the Republic of Ireland sent Catholic singer Dana to the ESC. She had grown up in Derry—in a region claimed by both the Irish and British sides.
All Kinds of Everything, performed by: Dana, music/lyrics: Derry Lindsay, Jackie Smith, Eurovision Song Contest, 1970
At a time when many people were dying in the conflict, the lyrics emphasised innocence and cuteness. The song sings of small animals such as butterflies and bees. Even “a snowflake or two” make it into the lyrics.
Dana won the Eurovision Song Contest. Later she entered politics and campaigned against abortion rights and same-sex marriage.