FORMER SDLP leader Colum Eastwood is considering throwing his hat in the ring for the Aras after being approached by people who want him as a candidate.

It comes as Sinn Fein sources played down the chances of Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill becoming the party’s candidate for the Irish Presidential race.

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PA:Press Association

An election to find a successor to President Michael D Higgins must be held before November 11 but no candidates have officially put themselves forward yet.

Opposition parties have held discussions about coming together to back one candidate with names like Senator Frances Black or Independent TD Catherine Connolly in the mix.

Sinn Fein have taken part in these discussions but are also still considering running their own candidate to try win the Presidency.

An opinion poll last year found that the party’s First Minister in the North Michelle O’Neill had an approval rating of 55 per cent – making her the most popular leader in the country at the time above Micheal Martin, Leo Varadkar and even Mary Lou McDonald.

The Sinn Fein Vice President did not rule herself out of running for the Aras when asked about the possibility at a press conference following the North South Ministerial Council in Armagh.

Asked about Sinn Fein’s plan for the election, she said: “We haven’t concluded our own deliberations in terms of the presidential race itself.

“I think I have plenty to do being First Minister. But I think the fact remains that I could stand for election, be elected Uachtarain na hEireann but I can’t vote in that election.

“That is where there is a deficit and what we need to see is Presidential voting rights extended to the North so that Irish citizens in the North can vote for their Uachtarain.”

Pressed on whether she was considering putting her name forward, Michelle O’Neill said: “I am working our way through our deliberations as we speak.”

However, Sinn Fein sources told the Irish Sun that there is no chance that the First Minister will be the party’s candidate for the election due to her position in the North.

ARAS RACE RUMOURS

One senior party figure said: “She’s too busy being a fantastic First Minister” while another said: “No. That’s not being discussed.”

Another Northern Ireland politician who does want to put his name in the race for the Aras is former Social Democratic and Labour Party leader Colum Eastwood.

The popular Northern politician told the BBC that he has been approached by people who want him to run in the election and he is seriously considering throwing his hat in the ring.

Some reports had claimed that Eastwood was going to be Fianna Fail’s candidate of choice for the Aras race but Micheal Martin quickly shot down these rumours.

He said: “There’s been no contact with me and no engagement that I am aware of with the Fianna Fail party and that hasn’t been on the agenda at all in terms of Colum.

“I was surprised when I heard that this morning that he was considering it but of course it is open to everybody to put themselves forward.

“Colum is a very effective parliamentarian and has been a political leader in Northern Ireland for quite some time.”

COPS raced to the scene of a fatal shooting outside of a busy Costco.

The horrifying attack took place in broad daylight and took the life of a 40-year-old man.

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A man has been shot dead outside of Costco[/caption]

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The victim’s family has been informed[/caption]

The shooting took place at 5pm on Thursday evening.

Detective Chief Inspector Dan Whitten said: “This was a tragic incident and my thoughts are with the man’s family at this difficult time.

“Our team of specially trained officers are supporting them as are our investigation progresses.

“Our enquiries are ongoing and we would urge any witnesses to come forward and share information with us.”

“Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information that could help the investigation, please contact the police on 101 quoting CAD 6530/19JUN.

“To remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.”

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

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EDDIE HOWE is in “constant contact” with Tino Livramento as he looks to stave off Manchester City’s interest in his star.

And the Newcastle ace, 22, dropped the biggest hint yet that he will still be wearing Black and White next season due to the pair’s “amazing” relationship.

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Eddie Howe has been in ‘constant contact’ with Tino Livramento throughout the summer[/caption]

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The England U21s star is preparing o face Spain amid speculation Man City want him[/caption]

Pep Guardiola is a huge admirer of the versatile full-back and had been linked with an attempted £30m swoop.

But the City boss looks set to be left disappointed as Livramento prepares to try and break more Spanish hearts tomorrow in Slovakia with England U21s at the Euros.

Asked directly if he will still be a Newcastle player come August, he revealed: “The manager, I’m in constant contact with him.

“He has just said to keep focusing on what you’re doing now and you’re doing so well.

“So having that relationship with someone that is obviously such a big figure in what I’ve done so far, I think is an amazing thing for me.

“I’m very much focused on what I’m doing here now. I don’t know anything about that [speculation].

“Being away with the U21s is my main priority. I like to stay in the moment and just focus on what I can do to help the team now.”

One man Livramento knows will be key to Toon’s success next season is their 27-goal Swedish superstar Alexander Isak – another player being continually linked with a move to Liverpool.

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The defender said: “Alex is an unbelievable player. We definitely saw that a lot this season.

“Training against him is obviously a privilege, being at a club like Newcastle and seeing the quality that we have as a team. Being involved in that is only going to make me a better player.

“You see the level that he brings on a Sunday or Saturday as fans, but I see that sort of every single day as a player. It’s a real privilege to be in around players like him.”

Livramento’s displays for Newcastle earned him a first senior England cap in November.

He went on to play a huge role at Wembley as the Magpies beat Liverpool to end a 70-year major drought in the Carabao Cup final before they went on to clinch Champions League qualification.

Given those big moments at senior level, discussing how much a shootout with Spain for a place in the U21 Euros ranks with them, he said: “It’s massive. I’ve played in a lot of big games already in my career so I just see it as another challenge, another privilege to be in a situation where the stakes are high and the pressure is on.

“I just see every game as a different challenge and tomorrow’s no different. I think when it’s a high pressure game, you know, you just stick to what you’re good at and then just let the situation take care of itself. We’ve got a great squad.”

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The defender hailed the talents of Alexander Isak[/caption]

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Lee Carsley insists England aren’t ‘underdogs’ against Spain[/caption]

Meanwhile, England manager Lee Carsley, who guided the Young Lions to victory over Spain in the 2023 final, has every confidence that his current crop can produce a repeat in Trnava – even if the bookies don’t.

On Spain being made the favourites, he said: “I don’t feel like an underdog.

“There’s a massive expectancy, against Spain, that we can perform and that’s all we need to do. “If we can perform, play to our ability, then we’ve got a great chance of winning the game.

“Spain are a top team and anyone that was with us in the last Euros, you have to beat all of the top teams and they are a team that I’ve got a lot of respect for.

“There’s definitely a lot more to come from us if we’re going to progress.”

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TIM Lovejoy is to be replaced by a former Geordie Shore star after taking a break from Sunday Brunch.

The TV host has hosted the programme alongside Simon Rimmer since 2012 but it has been revealed that he will be stepping down from hosting this week’s edition of the programme.

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Instagram

Vicky Pattison has confirmed that she is stepping in to replace him temporarily[/caption]

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The TV regular has been a guest on the show many times (pictured with Ella Henderson)[/caption]

It means that a rather unlikely face has been brought in to co-host alongside Simon and she is one of Britain’s most prominent reality stars.

Vicky Pattison has confirmed that she will be stepping into Tim’s shoes as he takes some leave from the show and will step up to the plate to be Simon’s co-host.

The star confirmed the news on Instagram as she begged her millions of followers to “wish me luck” as she shared a collection of images from her times on the show as a guest in previous years.

Vicky said: “I HAVE SOME EXCITING NEWS!!!!

“As a long time friend of @sundaybrunchc4 it is an absolute HONOUR to be wearing a slightly different hat this week!

“I will be joining my good pal @rimmersimon as his co-host while the lovely @timlovejoy_official has a very well deserved break!!!

“I am buzzing like an old fridge to chat to all of our gorgeous guests, eat some delicious food and hopefully give anyone watching and nursing a hangover a bit of light comedy reprieve.

“See you bright and early Sunday my loves… and wish me luck.”

The TV personality was soon inundated with a whole host of supportive comments from fans who shared their excitement at her major new role.

One wrote: “Looking forward to this.”

As another added: “Check you out Mrs! You’re going to smash it!”

It is Vicky’s first venture back into daytime TV since her nine-month hosting stint on Loose Women in 2016.

A synopsis for Vicky’s debut episode as host, reads: “Simon Rimmer and guest presenter Vicky Pattison host the food and chat show. Rosie Jones tells us about her new Channel 4 sitcom, Pushers.

“Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale gives us the lowdown on the band’s new album.

“Fleur East chats about the Hits Radio Breakfast Show.”

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Vicky will make her first hosting appearance this Sunday[/caption]

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She has appeared as a guest many times over the years[/caption]

Rex Features

Betway Premiership side Kaizer Chiefs have made an early return to Naturena. Amakhosi will travel to the Netherlands for preseason training.

LOVE Island’s Helena and Harry leave the villa in shock tonight as they SPLIT after an explosive game – before Harry tries to pull a THIRD girl in the villa.

Tensions reach boiling point after the Look Who’s Talking game, which exposes brutal opinions and hidden feelings among the Islanders.

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Love Island’s Helena and Harry leave the villa in shock tonight as they SPLIT after an explosive game[/caption]

Still reeling from what she heard, Helena tells the girls: “I’m so done, all he’s done is embarrass me.”

Meanwhile, Harry defends his actions, claiming: “We both said we were open to exploring new connections.”

But Helena isn’t convinced, telling him: “Not for taking someone to the Hideaway, necking them three times and then saying ‘I should have picked you.’

“It’s the same sht, every f**ing time… I hope it does go somewhere, hope it was worth it for you.”

The split sends shockwaves through the villa – especially as Harry is seen attempting to pursue a third connection just hours later.

Elsewhere, Meg warns Dejon not to follow in Harry’s footsteps after the evening’s drama, saying: “If you go in Harry’s footsteps you know we’ll be over, I’m not gonna be Helena, you’re not getting away with it.”

In the garden, Toni and Yasmin also reflect on the boys’ behaviour, with Yasmin saying: “They’ll go back to them… I’m so over it… I’m so sick of always being the one to take the heat…”

Tensions are also high between Shakira and Ben as the couple attempt to talk through what was said during the game.

Shakira says: “I never wanted that comment to come out in a situation like this,” before walking away from the conversation.

Ben later says: “You don’t even care, I’m getting nothing out of you…”

Viewers previously begged Helena to stop being a “doormat” and dump Harry for good.

Last night, Harry’s womanising ways were exposed in a brutal game as he finally admitted to snogging Yasmin in the Hideaway.

Earlier that day, the pair enjoyed a cosy chat in the private area and kissed THREE times.

But despite their snog, neither Harry nor Yasmin admitted to it when they returned from the Hideaway.

That was until their actions were exposed in a brutal firepit game on Thursday night. 

Helena was left in shock as Yasmin revealed they’d kissed not once, but three times. 

And while Harry smirked, the stunning air hostess was backed by co-star Megan.

“You’re a liar,” Megan shouted across the firepit to Harry, adding: “You owe it to Helena to be f****** honest, you p****.

“She’s sat there watching you go into the Hideaway, you kissed her three times and then come out and go ‘Oh no, I didn’t do anything.’”

Meg finished by telling Harry: “Grow a pair of b******* mate, honestly, grow the f*** up.” 

After her sweary rant at the scandalous star, Helena got up and stormed off from the group as Remell said: “I think we should wrap it up here.” 

While Helena could be seen storming off as Harry showed no sign of remorse.

Fans soon rushed to X, formerly Twitter, with one writing: “Helena is like a doormat Love Island.”

A second posted: “Helena is a weak babe, she needs to bump Harry.”

“Helena needs to move on and have some self respect,” a third said.

Another added: “Helena is such a door mat and Harry knows that, he’s a massive player but she’s clinging on to him.”

• Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.

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FAMILIES of those killed in the Creeslough tragedy have welcomed a decision by An Bord Pleanala to overturn planning permission for a new filling station on the site of the explosion.

Donegal County Council had previously granted permission to Vivo Shell Limited to redevelop a service station and shop at the site of the disaster in February.

Joe DUnne

The decision was appealed by a number of 10 family members of those killed in the October, 2022 blast.

Today, An Bord Pleanala revealed that they are turning down the application.

The planning authority said the proposed plan was “out of character” with its surroundings in the village.

A memorial garden and light-based sculpture with ten metal poles commemorating those who perished in the tragedy was also planned for the site.

However, many of the families who lost loved ones in the tragedy said this was an insult to their memory considering they died in the metal and rubble of the blast.

The families affected by the tragedy welcomed the decision.

They said in a statement: “The families affected by the Creeslough tragedy welcome the decision to quash the application for a new building on the site where this devastating event occurred.

“Proposing development on this site while a criminal investigation is still ongoing was deeply inappropriate.

“The families believe the ground should be treated with dignity and respect, given the scale of loss and trauma suffered.

“The initial decision to grant planning permission rubbed salt in the wounds of the families.”

Their solicitor, Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law, added: “We continue to call for a full public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The families remain committed to seeking truth, accountability and justice.”

Another of the family members who lost a loved one in the tragedy said: “This is terrific news.

“We simply do not want a new service station on the site in which our loved ones died.”

HOLIDAYS to Europe could get more expensive as the European Commission looks to ramp up fees for a new travel document that has not even been introduced yet.

The EU is gearing up to introduce the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) scheme next year, following the introduction of the Entry/Exit system.

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The EU is gearing up to introduce the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) scheme next year[/caption]

Essentially, ETIAS will be a requirement for any non-EU national from a visa-exempt countries which includes the UK, for short-term stays in the Schengen Area.

But the online fee to enter the ETIAS scheme could be more than initially planned.

Current plans for travellers heading from outside the bloc include them paying €7 (£5.98) as part of an online application.

However, now the European Union is looking to raise that price, despite the scheme not even having launched yet.

The reason for this is because they want to use the fee to help with repayments on a €350billion (£299 billion) debt, which was used to fund the post-Covid recovery, reports Politico.

Currently it is estimated that only €215million would enter the EU’s budget from the ETIAS fee after operational fees are deducted.

For Brits, this would be another blow as they already face longer queues since Brexit.

The publication added how ETIAS is one of the more popular tax choices ahead of budget plans which are due to be discussed next month.

The documents revealed by Politico state: “Given that the EU fee for ETIAS is one of the lowest among comparable systems in the world, it seems there is a possibility of a gradual increase of the fee, strengthening the long-term revenue potential.”

The fee is currently lower than the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) which is required from non-Brits to enter the UK and costs £16.

It is also less than the current Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Brits need to visit America which is $21 (£15.60).

Sun Travel has contacted the European Commission for comment.

At the moment the price for ETIAS remains at €7.

It will be free for those under the age of 18 and over the age of 70.

Once the system is live, some travellers may also be exempt.

However, the system is not live yet and currently is not taking applications and people have been warned of fake websites attempting to catch out travellers.

ETIAS will apply to short stays, which refers to holidays or business trips that have a duration of up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

Although, if you are travelling on a visa, you will not need an ETIAS.

Irish passport holders are also exempt from ETIAS.

Brits could also face travel chaos ahead of the new scheme.

There have also been warnings of a scam which is catching tourists out, ahead of the European visa rule change.

Plus, these are all the new travel rules Brits face in 2025 from biometric checks to visa-waivers.

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This is because the EU is looking to pay back it’s debt following the pandemic[/caption]

CHANNEL 5 have quietly axed one of their reality TV shows after just one series.

The programme was launched to much fanfare and was tipped to be the modern-day equivalent of iconic hit Wife Swap but it has been revealed that it won’t be back for a second series.

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Channel 5’s Wife on Strike has been axed after just one series[/caption]

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Wife on Strike featured plenty of fed-up wives quitting[/caption]

Wife On Strike was first launched in November 2023 but as the series continued, ratings for the show began to dip and it soon fell below one million viewers.

Bosses decided to pull the series after just two episodes and instead re-launched the remaining episodes last July as Mums On Strike with a slightly re-tooled edit and premise.

However, insiders have now confirmed to the Mail Online that the show has been shelved despite the revamp.

A source told the publication: “Wife On Strike was reminiscent of the Wife Swap days when millions of nosey viewers would tune in for their reality fix.

“But it just failed to catch on with the audience and was underperforming in the highly competitive prime time slot where original dramas could easily pull in double the numbers.

“While the rest of the series eventually aired under a new name, a decision was made to quietly rest the show with no further episodes planned.”

The Sun has reached out to Channel 5 for comment.

In the programme, it saw the wives of the household move out of the home and give up all household chores and jobs.

They left the family home leaving the rest of their family to pick up the pieces and undertake all the jobs normally left to them.

Wife On Strike bore striking similarities to popular Channel 4 show Wife Swap.

The programme which featured two totally different wives swapping households to see how others approached family life was first launched in 2003 to huge appeal.

It produced many iconic moments and continued to run until 2009 when the format was axed.

It aired a total of eleven series across its six years on air.

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The programme has been binned off by bosses[/caption]