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A FORMER ally of Alex Salmond has called for his “vision” of a new Scots town called Independence to be reignited.

Chris McEleny, who was a close aide to the late ex-First Minister, claimed the pair had drawn up plans for the town to be based somewhere between Edinburgh and the North East.

PA

Chris McEleny, a former aide to the late ex-First Minister, claimed the pair had plans for the town to be located near Edinburgh[/caption]

AFP

He claimed Alex Salmond also had a vision for the town and could think of no better name than Independence[/caption]

And he said that “now is the right time” to make the idea a reality, with Mr Salmond having died from a heart attack in October last year.

Mr McEleny said: “Alex Salmond and I had a vision for a new Scottish town and we could think of no better name than Independence.

“Scotland has an abundance of renewable energy potential. At the moment the Westminster plan is to cable most of that energy south with no benefit to Scotland.

“What we should be doing is using that energy to attract the industries of today and tomorrow to Scotland by using the incentive of cheaper energy anywhere else in Europe.

“Such an influx of highly skilled jobs would require the industries, the labour force and the infrastructure to all be mutually beneficial to each other – that is why a new town would make sense.

“A new Scottish town has not been designated since not long after the Second World War, now is the right time to begin a discussion to make a town called Independence a reality.”

Earlier this month, we told how Mr McEleny was suspended by the Alba Party over claims of “gross misconduct” – which he has denied.

A party source said Mr McEleny was stood down on January 1 for “disobeying direct instructions” from leadership and for “obstructing party office bearers from carrying out their duties”.

The idea for a new town was panned by political rivals who suggested Scots would give the proposal “short shrift”.

Scottish Tory MSP Stephen Kerr said: “This ludicrous suggestion is on a par with Ash Regan’s infamous independence thermometer.

“Scots have made it clear they are sick and tired of nationalists pushing independence at every turn and will give this back of a fag packet idea short shrift.

“This desperate stunt shows how out of touch Alba are with what Scots are really concerned about right now, who would have no desire to move to this fantasy town.”

A TOP chef who appeared on BBC has been forced to shut his beloved pizza restaurant after admitting financial struggles.

The Manchester-based restaurateur said it was “impossible for us to make money anymore” with COVID-19 restrictions.

Twitter / @bbc5live

Michael Clay talked to the BBC about how his industry has been affected by the pandemic[/caption]

Instagram / @dokesprestwich

Michael’s restaurant, Dokes, announced it will be closing[/caption]

Instagram / @dokesprestwich

The closure was revealed in an emotional post on Instagram today[/caption]

Dokes pizzeria in Prestwich is sadly shutting up shop after three years of serving Italian classics as well as a highly-rated roast dinner.

Chef and owner Michael Clay shared his disappointment on BBC Radio 5 Live where he revealed the venue, which opened in 2022, faced over 100,000 cancelations due to the pandemic.

Michael, who owns the Enecot in Ancoats, which also runs Dokes, had urged customers to warn them in advance to combat no-shows and offered outdoor seating to those who wanted it.

He said the knock-on impact of these cancellations was “massive,” and affected everything from the staff rota to food waste.

Dokes was regarded as one of the top independents in the area and it’s loyal customer base was gutted to see it go.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Dokes announced the closure to Prestwich residents.

The post read: “After nearly 3 years of trying our hardest, unfortunately we’re going to have to call it a day.

“Having originally taken on the premises in between the two lockdowns (remember them?!), we’ve been extremely proud of what we have achieved under sometimes unbelievably difficult circumstances.

“Our staff have been the cornerstone of this and we would like to thank them for all of their hard work.

“The feedback we have received over the past couple of years on their food, service and hospitality has been absolutely incredible and we are extremely grateful for the hard work they have put in and the commitment they have shown.”

Dokes opened up as a small pizza restaurant but then soared in popularity after it revealed a popular roast dinner dish on the menu.

The post continued: “We feel like we have created a product that you have absolutely loved and a space that you have enjoyed coming to and we now really feel like a part of the Prestwich community – and for that we can’t thank you enough!

“You came for the pizzas and stayed for the roasts and it’s been a lot of fun.”

“Try as we might though, it’s just not been possible for us to make the money required for the size of team needed to run as a pizza restaurant.

The venue claimed that it was simply not able to operate at the same that it could of before the pandemic.

Despite leaving customers devastated, Dokes said they have new plans in the works.

“We are a small restaurant and the margins that were there pre-Covid are not achievable anymore at this scale and only getting tighter month on month,” Dokes revealed.

“So it is with a heavy heart that we are closing the door on this chapter BUT…we aren’t going to be leaving you completely.

“We have plans for the place which we will be updating you about very soon so please watch this space for more details. We hope you’re going to love it.

“As Dokes, Sunday 9th March will be our final service so please come down over the next couple of weeks, grab a pizza or a roast and say hello. It would be lovely to see you all.

“Bookings are open and the cellar is stocked so lets fill the little place up and go out with a bang!”

Pizza-fans and Prestwich foodies responded to the post saying they were “absolutely gutted! and were “so sorry to hear this.”

The pandemic isn’t the only factor that has been affecting the hospitality industry of late.

The cost of living crisis, an increase in bills, and a rise in rent, has led to fewer Brits splashing the cash.

Without as much disposable income, fewer customers pour money into hospitality making it difficult to sustain.

It was revealed that six pubs were shut every week last year as they were hit by rising business costs.

UFC bigwig Dana White was pitched a “crazy” champion-versus-champion fight by his good friend Joe Rogan before making a huge announcement.

MMA’s premier promotion has only staged seven champ-vs-champ fights in its near 32-year-long history.

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Joe Rogan has publicly pitched a ‘crazy’ UFC fight to his good pal Dana White[/caption]

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Rogan wants to see dominant lightweight champion Islam Makhachev to be one-half of the bout[/caption]

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And he wants to see him throw down with former featherweight king Ilia Topuria[/caption]

The most recent saw dominant lightweight king Islam Makhachev brutally knock out his former featherweight counterpart Alexander Volkanovski in October 2023.

Makhachev has been linked with a move up in weight to challenge for welterweight gold.

But veteran UFC commentator Rogan wants to see the Dagestani defend his belt against current 145lbs champion Ilia Topuria next.

During a recent episode of his Joe Rogan Experience Podcast, he said: “As crazy as it sounds, I hope Ilia goes up to 155. I really do.

“Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes at 145, Ilia goes up to 155. I don’t care if he only defended the title one time or didn’t.

“Who cares? Let’s go. Let’s f****ing go.”

Many, including former welterweight title holder Matt Serra, want to see Topuria bank a few more title defences before moving up in weight.

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Ilia Topuria brutally knocked out Max Holloway last October to retain featherweight gold[/caption]

But Rogan dismissed the notion put forward by his good friend, saying: “Yeah, it’d be nice.

“But also who cares? Let’s go. Let’s f***ing go.”

“If you want to make that big fight in July, is it the Volkanovski rematch?

“I don’t know. I think people want to see Volkanovski win one.”

Georgian-born Spaniard Topuria became the king of the featherweights last February with a sensational second-round KO of Volkanovski at UFC 298.

He racked up his first title defence in equally as devastating fashion last October, knocking out former 145lbs king Max Holloway at UFC 308.

That stunning win proved to be Topuria’s last in the weight class as White announced this week he’ll be moving up to lightweight.

And fans are convinced he’ll be facing Makhachev, who became 155lbs champion in October 2022 with a second-round submission of then-titleholder Charles Oliveira, next.

Makhachev, the protege of the retired Khabib Nurmagomedov, hasn’t shown any sign of relinquishing the throne any time soon, racking up four straight title defences.

A POPULAR restaurant has been forced to close down after just two years – as the owner slams Rachel Reeves Budget.

Loyal diners were disappointed to hear the popular venue in, Christchurch, Dorset, was shutting permanently.

La Mamma

La Mamma restaurant in Christchurch is sadly shutting down after just two years[/caption]

La Mamma

The team poured significant funds into renovating the venue[/caption]

La Mamma

Owner James claimed Rachel Reeves’ budget made a huge impact[/caption]

The beloved La Mamma was taken over by James Roberts in 2022 but blasted “everything has gone to pot” ever since Rachel Reeves’ budget.

He told the Echo: “In addition to the budget, the cost of ingredients has soared and we are dealing with a Grade II listed building that leaks like a sieve. 

“People’s spending habits have significantly changed so it’s been the perfect storm that has led to this. 

“They would rather buy a pizza from Sainsbury’s and sit on the sofa with a can of lager. 

“But all of this stems from Labour and Rachel Reeves’ budget. Everything has just gone to pot since then.” 

La Mamma was originally based at a different location, but James and his team moved it to take over a pub near by.

He said after pouring a “significant” amount of funds into the transformation, they still haven’t been able to recoup the money.

And, they faced another blow last year when the festive period didn’t come through with the cash influx they’d hoped for.

But James continued to back his pride and joy, hailing their menu that “people love”.

Unfortunately, the owner said despite doing all they could, there’s no “magic wand” to solve their financial problems.

James said he is working tirelessly to find a way to keep his business and staff employed in future ventures.

This comes as the hospitality industry is witnessing even top celebrity chefs struggle to keep operations running.

Just yesterday The Sun reported a private chef to royals and billionaires abruptly shut down a famed UK restaurant after just six months.

Fans were stunned by the announcement that the Unagi chain would be closing one of their popular venues.

Their location on the Salford Quays, in Manchester, informed customers of the move this week.

Elsewhere, the creator of a Michelin-backed restaurant has confirmed a devastating closure after 14 years.

Loyal diners were disappointed to hear one of their favourite family-run venues was shutting down forever.

And, just last week The Sun reported a BBC star and Gordon Ramsay protege was compelled to close another venue after “vowing to do it right” this time.

Similar scenes unfolded when one chef suddenly shut down two Michelin-hailed restaurants without warning as fans cried “I thought they’d go on forever”.

Meanwhile, The Sun has compiled a full list of celeb TV chefs that shut down Michelin-hailed restaurants last year – including a BBC MasterChef judge.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR have sensationally asked broadcasters not to refer to them as “Tottenham”.

For decades, broadcasters of the north Londoners’ matches have referred to the club as “Tottenham”.

Rex

Tottenham Hotspur have asked broadcasters not to call them ‘Tottenham’ on air[/caption]

REUTERS

The north London outfit want broadcasters to refer to them by their full name[/caption]

But in an email to TV rights holders around the world, Spurs have asked to be referred to by their full name.

Broadcasters received the email, details of which have been made public by The Athletic, on February 10.

The communication was titled: “Tottenham Hotspur Naming Update.”

An excerpt of it read: “Tottenham Hotspur have provided clarification regarding the club’s name.

“They have requested that the club are primarily known as Tottenham Hotspur, with Spurs being the preferred short version.

“The club have requested that they are not referred to as Tottenham.”

Not being referred to as “Tottenham” has actually been the club’s stance since 2011.

And they felt it necessary to remind broadcasters of it following a refresh of their brand guidelines after Christmas.

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Spurs ran out 1-0 winners over Manchester United last weekend[/caption]

Spurs seemingly don’t want to be referred to as “Tottenham”, the area of London in which they reside, in order to increase the global presence of the Tottenham Hotspur brand.

Broadcasters have started heeding the club’s request, with Sky Sports describing Ange Postecoglou as the “Tottenham Hotspur Head Coach” during their coverage of Spurs’ 1-0 win over Manchester United last weekend.

Additionally, when the team’s starting XI was displayed on the screen it said “Spurs” at the top.

Spurs will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to Portman Road to take on Ipswich Town.

FORMER RTE Fair City star Jenny Lee Dixon was left in tears after an “emotional” milestone.

The actress, best known for playing Kerri-Ann in the long-running soap, gave birth to twins Bella Sky and Capri Lucia in February 2023.

jennyleedixon/Instagram

jennyleedixon/Instagram

In 2019, Jenny and her long time love TD Tom Neville tied the knot in Corpus Christi Church in Drumcondra.

The happy couple celebrated their daughters’ second birthday this week.

The family-of-four posed for heart-melting pictures at home together on the special day.

Little Capri and Bella looked adorable in matching yellow bee print dresses.

Jenny shared the snaps on Instagram and revealed her high emotions with fans.

She wrote: “We now have two two-year-olds. When all the running around this week was done, (buying every doll & princess ever invented) I had a moment.

“Emotions are crazy. Last time I shed tears like this intensity was moments before going down to theatre to give birth, two years ago.

“A myriad of thoughts & feelings. Two years ago I shed tears on the brink of entering motherhood.

“This week I shed similar tears but for whatever reason it was, because they were turning two. I decided to just honour the emotion and feel it.”

Jenny gushed over her little “tiny princesses” and said how “funny” and “intelligent” they already are.

She added: “I could go on but I’ll stop. I love them.”

Before welcoming her twins, Jenny struggled to conceive for three years and she has been quite open about it.

‘DREAMS DO COME TRUE’

Speaking about her experience, Jenny said: “It was a journey I’ve spoken about getting to have Bella and Capri and so on their birthday I celebrate and give thanks, so much thanks.

“And passing on this good news story to anyone who needs it right now. Dreams do come true.”

Jenny’s friends and fans all rushed to the comment section with their birthday wishes.

Aoife wrote: “Happy birthday to your beautiful girls. They are lucky to have you.”

Alice said: “Gorgeous girls. Huge happy birthday.”

Helen remarked: “That was the fastest two years!! Happy birthday to the princesses.”

RTE

RACHAEL BLACKMORE has spoken of the “unshakeable sadness” surrounding racing following the death of fellow jockey Michael O’Sullivan.

O’Sullivan, 24, died on Sunday as a result of injuries sustained in a fall at Thurles on February 26.

Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile

His funeral took place on Wednesday and tributes have poured in from the racing world for the Cheltenham Festival-winning rider, who famously partnered Marine Nationale to win the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2023.

Blackmore, the only woman to ride the winner of the Grand National and also successful in the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase and Gold Cup, said the weighing room was now a “different place”.

She told Betfair: “There is an unshakeable sadness over racing at the moment. What we think will never happen… happened.

“The weigh room I know is different now. Michael will never be forgotten. All our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

O’Sullivan’s passing prompted tributes across the horse-racing world, with minute’s silences held at both Ludlow and Punchestown.

Long-time trainer Barry Connell made the point of paying tribute to his former confidante at the Irish racecourse on Thursday.

The pair had linked up for O’Sullivan’s most memorable triumph with Marine Nationale in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival.

At the outset of his interview with Racing TV, Connell acknowledged: “It has been a terribly difficult week for the family and everyone in the racing community.

“Michael was part of our operation for a long time, and it’s been heartbreaking, it’s been very difficult.”

He added: “I was lucky enough to spend a good bit of time with the family during the week.

“He packed so much into a career of two and half years that most riders wouldn’t be able to do in a lifetime.

“The two of us went along together.

“I only had the [training] license for a year and Michael had only just turned professional, and we went on a magical journey.

“We’ll be going back to Cheltenham this year, and it will be very emotional.

“Our hearts go out to the family, and we will never forget Michael.”

BEAUTIFUL WORDS

The Irish horse racing community en masse turned up in Glantire on Wednesday to pay their respects as the prodigiously talented rider was laid to rest.

Perhaps the most moving moment to come from a sombre day from start to finish was supplied by his girlfriend Charlotte.

She read out a poem she’d composed in his honour that summed up his lifelong love of racing.

It read: “Around the home bend, he came, so proud, a jockey, strong, with heart unbowed.

“The cheers of Cheltenham rose to the sky, as he galloped past, swift as a sigh.

“In the saddle, he knew no fear, chasing victory, his purpose clear.

“The crowd erupted with each swift stride, but it was his love that burned inside.

“With the reins in his hands and the wind at his back, he’d race through life, never looking back.

“A man of grit, of courage, and grace, whose smile could light up the darkest space.

“His spirit runs free, beyond the track, and in my heart, he’s forever mine.

“My love, my life, my endless love.”

VIRGIN Media star Muireann O’Connell filled in for Ryan Tubridy on his Q102 show this morning.

The Ireland AM host has lots of previous radio credits as she has helmed the former RTE star’s show in the past.

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Ryan Turbidy was off the airwaves this morning[/caption]

Instagram

Muireannn O’Connell filled in on his radio show[/caption]

Muireann also had her own show on Today FM that she was fired from in 2019.

Ryan’s show on Q102 airs weekday mornings from 10am to 1pm.

Taking to her Instagram at a more reasonable hour this morning, Muireann shared the news with fans.

Sitting under a giant photo of Ryan, Muireann said: “Ever feel like a benevolent god is watching you?”

The 41-year-old then jokingly glanced up at the photo of Tubridy and reassured him: “Hi Ryan, how’s it going? I’m just filling in for the day, I’m not going to break it.

“It’s going to be… it’s fine Ryan. Just fine.”

For her radio return, Muireann popped on a stunning black crew neck wool jumper.

She rounded off her look by pairing her jumper with some elegant gold pendant necklaces and wore her hair down.

The last time Muireann took over for Tubridy, she opened up about her “anxiety” upon her return to radio.

She said: “The anxiety is really starting to ratchet up because tomorrow for the first time in five years I’m going back on the radio.

“So Tubs is on holidays and the wonderful Martin King has been covering on Q102 all week but obviously Martin has to work tomorrow.

“And I don’t know what happened, I must of been having an outer body experience because I’ve said no to every other radio gig since everything went down and I said yes.”

The popular presenter explained how nervous she is saying: “But now I’m like, ‘What do I do?’. I can’t remember how to do the radio.

“Now the music on Q is absolutely amazing, I love it. But other than that, what do I talk about, these ridiculous sunglasses?

MUIR NERVES

“No one cares what sunglasses I’m wearing, I’m on the radio. I can’t remember how to press the buttons. I don’t know how to count back to do the news.

“I can’t remember how to do anything but I’m hoping it’s going to be okay. I am very sorry Q102 listeners but I’ll remember how to do it before 10 o’clock tomorrow, right? Sorry lads!”

Before this, Muireann’s last time on the radio was in 2019, when she was fired from Today FM.

When she was let-go, she made the announcement on Twitter saying: “Hello lovely people! I have been fired from Today FM. It’s all good.

“Like it’s embarrassing and I’m a bit sad but I love almost everyone in that station and wish them all the best in the future.”

A BRIT lost his rag when confronted by airport security, but he exploded into a full on tantrum when cocaine allegedly fell out of his pocket.

The suspected smuggler, Marc Patrick Wharton, was filmed flailing on the floor and shouting as he realised he could face life in a hellish Thai prison.

ViralPress

Marc Patrick Wharton, 42, had flown from Shanghai to Phuket in Thailand when officers pulled him aside and he threw a fit[/caption]

ViralPress

During his tantrum, cocaine allegedly fell from his pocket causing him to go into a full meltdown[/caption]

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Police have said that they have tested the powder and confirmed it is the Class A drug[/caption]

On February 18, the 42-year-old had flown from Shanghai, China, to the island of Phuket in Thailand when he was pulled aside by security officers.

He then launched into a fit of rage, which saw him rampage around the area and roll on the ground.

Wharton’s apparent attempt to distract officers failed when 4.11 grams of cocaine allegedly fell out of his pocket.

Despite the failure of his ploy, he continued flailing and rolling on the ground, allegedly spreading the white powder across the floor.

A video taken of the incident showed the Brit on his back weakly pummelling his chest with his hands while begging for help.

With the punishment for cocaine possession in Thailand being 20 years to life, Wharton had a lot to scream about.

During the tantrum he ended up kicking his legs into the air and panicking that he was going to die.

Police eventually arrested him and took him into custody while seizing the split plastic bag and its contents.

Cops at the international airport have since said that they tested the powder that Wharton allegedly dropped and confirmed it was the Class A drug.

According to officials, the Brit had arrived at the airport on a Juneyao Air flight HO 1323 from Shanghai without alerting suspicion from Communist cops.

Police Major Akkarapon Akkraphon, immigration checkpoint inspector at the airport, said: “We charged the tourist with importing a Category II narcotic into the country and illegally possessing it.”

“He was handed over to the inquiry officer of the Sakhu Police Station for legal action.”

Under Thai law, cocaine is a category 2 narcotic that can be punished with a life sentence and a fine.

The fines can range from 2,000,000 to 5,000,000 Baht, which translates to between £47,151 and £117,878.

But tourists are often able to negotiate their jail sentences with the authorities who do not want to pay for the cost of keeping them there.

It comes months after another British tourist, Jamie Louis Swain from Enfield, north London, was arrested in Phuket last May.

The 29-year-old was detained after the immigration desk allegedly found cocaine tucked inside his passport.

Officers said that Jamie reacted with surprise, swearing and shaking, prompting authorities to conduct further inspections.

Jamie was taken into custody and sent to court but surfaced again in England a few months later as his mum claimed he had been set up by the police.

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The 42-year-old begged for help and said he was going to die[/caption]

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He faces a life sentence behind bars if found guilty[/caption]

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Possession of what is a class 2 narcotic under Thai law is punished with prison and a fine[/caption]

FORMER Kerry GAA manager Peter Keane is celebrating a different kind of win after selling Wednesday night’s winning Lotto ticket.

Keane’s SuperValu in Killorglin, owned by the GAA legend, sold the €2,274,988 jackpot winning slip.

Don MacMonagle - Mac Innes Photography

Don MacMonagle - Mac Innes Photography

Don MacMonagle - Mac Innes Photography

The lucky winner bought the winning ticket on the day of February 19, draw.

The punter opted for a quick-pick ticket in the Kerry store.

The winning numbers drawn for the over €2.2million prize were 2, 27, 28, 29, 38, 44 and the Bonus number was 20.

There was great excitement at the Killorglin shop along the Ring of Kerry as the football manager celebrated with staff.

He said it is the “biggest win” they’ve had during their 30 years in business.

Peter said: “This is like Kerry winning an All-Ireland for our SuperValu customers and our community here.

“We have been operating here on the Ring of Kerry for the past 30 years and this by far the biggest win we have had!

“I wish the very best of fortune and happiness to the winner.”

And Darragh O’Dwyer, National Lottery spokesperson, said: “The Green and Yellow County colours are certainly in full swing on the Ring of Kerry today as Keane’s SuperValu, Killorglin, Co. Kerry is announced as the store that sold the winning Lotto Jackpot ticket worth €2,274,988!

“We’re now urging all players who bought their Lotto tickets from Keane’s SuperValu on Wednesday, to carefully check their tickets – you could be sitting on a fortune of €2.2m and not even know it yet!”

The winner of the eye-watering sum should keep their ticket safe and sign the back of it.

Then they should make contact with the Lotto team to claim the whopping prize.

This can be done by calling the National Lottery Prize Claims Team on 1800 666 222 or emailing claims@lottery.ie.

The Lotto win is the latest in a long line of wins for the GAA legend.

BIG WINS

Shop owner Peter Keane is a former Gaelic football player himself and has previously managed the Kerry GAA senior football team.

He led Kerry’s minor team to three consecutive All-Ireland wins following his appointment to the role in 2016.

In 2018 he took over as manager of the senior team.

He led the squad to an All-Ireland final in 2019, however, they were beaten by Dublin in a replay.

He was ratified as manager of the Clare GAA senior football team in November 2024.

Don MacMonagle - Mac Innes Photography