Eurovision winner Dana has criticised Ireland's choice of Dustin the Turkey for this year's song contest.

The puppet, who has starred on RTE's The Den since 1990, will sing 'Irelande Douze Pointe' after being selected by TV viewers last week.

Dana, who won the contest in 1970 with 'All Kinds of Everything', claimed Ireland should pull out of the contest because they are undermining the efforts of hardworking musicians.

She told the BBC: "I just think it's making a mockery of the contest and if we think it's such a big joke then let's get out of it.

"Certainly don't put a turkey in a trolley up against singers who are desperately trying to make a way in their career."

The singer added: "The problem is they love puppets in Europe. If, God forbid he wins, we'll probably have more puppets than people in next year's Eurovision."

RTE deputy commissioning editor Julian Vignoles defended the choice and claimed Dustin had as much chance of winning as an artist with a "well-crafted song".

He said: "The contest has changed over the years, it's moved with the times, televoting has brought it to a different level. Something that makes an impact on the stage is as likely to win as a well-crafted song."