‘It is not the time to sit on the fence’ – CMAT praised for Ivor Novello Award speech

CMAT won Best Album at this year's Ivor Novello Awards

In her acceptance speech, CMAT urged her fellow artists to speak up.

"This record Euro-Country is about the very complicated relationship I have with my country, which as, I don’t know if you know… is Ireland. I happen to be a legal immigrant in this country, only because Ireland was lucky enough to get colonised 800 years ago by England"

The Stay For Something singer continued, saying that she has a "very specific idea of what songwriting is supposed to be for"

"I think it is to reflect the times through your own personal views so that people can have something to connect to and to learn from years later"

“Now I would compel my fellow artists in the room – it is not the time to sit on the fence, fascism is on the rise"

"That c* Bertie Ahern recently decided to be racist on camera, he revealed his true colours. F**k Reform, F**k Nigel Farage. I have no time, sympathy, or empathy for anybody that decides to make life more difficult for people who are just trying to live, and that’s what this record is about."

She finished her speech by thanking the academy for her award.

The Ivors Academy described the Irish singer's album as one that “blends confessional songwriting with sharp humour, vivid storytelling, and social commentary while exploring themes of identity, relationships, and modern anxieties through a personal lens”.

Euro-Country was praised for its honesty and originality, and was especially highlighted due to "its ability to balance personal songwriting alongside political and cultural themes".