Us Against The World

Us against the world – Westlife’s Shane Filan favourite to represent Ireland at Eurovision

FORMER Westlife star Shane Filan is the favourite to represent Ireland at next year’s Eurovision amid speculation he has agreed to take part in Eurosong.

Bookmakers Paddy Power have installed the Sligo man as the 9/2 favourite after rumours began to surface over the weekend that he was interested in flying the flag.

Manager Louis Walsh has been looking for a way to kick start the solo career of the singer, and believes the pop competition could be the perfect launch pad.

Walsh began his career with Eurovision success managing Johnny Logan and Linda Martin to victory – however his enthusiasm for the competition was reignited following Jedward’s continental success after their participation.

The Eurovision helped launch the careers of the Lucan duo throughout Europe – they regularly tour in Scandinavia as well as Austria and Germany.

The boys have also just returned from performing as guest act on the Romanian version of ‘The Voice’.

It is also thought the success of Swedish winner Loreen could be a factor – song ‘Euphoria’ has sold well over two million copies since she took the prize in Baku in May.

The song topped the charts in over a dozen countries and sold over 200,000 copies in the UK alone – a notoriously difficult market for Eurovision contestants to crack. It remained in the chart for over four months.

Other names in contention to go to Malmo are X Factor contestant Melanie McCabe, ‘You’re a Star’ winner Leanne Moore and Damien McGinty from ‘Glee’.

Those who fancy a flutter can also place bets on Enya at 200/1, Sinead O’Connor at 50/1 and even Podge & Rodge at 66/1.

- Brian O'Reilly

Source : Here^^