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'.

He was voted for by the public after a two-and-a-half hour competition broadcast by the Irish television station RTE. Although it was a telephone and text message vote, there was some booing from the live studio audience when the result was announced.

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.

Turkey has a good track record at the Eurovision so Dustin is in with a superb chance. Bizarre, unusual acts usually go on to win the Eurovision and let’s face it - it doesn’t get any more bizarre than Dustin!

Paddypower are offering 5/1 that Dustin wins.