Charm offensive by Eurovision singers to lobby for Maltese vote

As Ira Losco jetsets her way across Europe to drum up votes for the Eurovision Song Contest, Malta is for the first time preparing to receive four other contestants who have chosen to come here to promote their song.

Some countries taking part in the Eurovision, being held in Tallinn, Estonia, on May 25, have decided to follow the example set by Malta last year to promote their singer around Europe, organising committee chairman Charlò Bonnici said.

"Last year`s experience with Fabrizio Faniello held us in good stead. Most countries must have liked this idea because this is the first time that so many contestants are travelling to competing countries to lobby for support.

"We are all promoting our song in a legitimate way and the European Broadcasting Union fully supports this and encourages it," Mr Bonnici said.

UK contestant Jessica Garlick is coming to Malta on Friday accompanied by a BBC crew, while Germany`s contestant Corinna May will fly over for two days at the end of this month.

Mr Bonnici said that Spain`s singer Rosa, and Macedonia`s Karolina, were also flying to Malta for a few days, but no date had yet been scheduled.

The foreign singers may also travel to other countries apart from Malta.

Meanwhile, Mr Bonnici said Ira was expected to travel to nine countries before the big day: the UK, Cyprus, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, Rumania, Slovenia, Spain and Finland.

Mr Bonnici said the trips were not being funded out of taxpayers` money, but were made possible with the help of sponsors.

Ira`s tour has been fully supported by her e-mobile fan club, which has an impressive 3,200 registered fans.

Her fans were asked whether they felt the tour was worth the money, time and effort, and an overwhelming 89.4 per cent agreed it was worth it.

These trips seem to be reaping results and in a poll held over the weekend in Estonia, Ira`s song was among the favourites.

As the contestants travel across Europe, the organisers in Estonia are busy preparing for the influx of visitors, as well as a record number of journalists.

A total of 820 journalists from 33 countries have registered to cover the contest being held at the new Saku Suurhall stadium.

Further information about Ira is available from her e-mobile fan base, and those who are interested can send a blank SMS to 79654321 for automatic registration. This service has been developed by the e-mobile company, iDeasTank.