Eurovision: I was misquoted, Spanish entrant insists - BBC News
Spain's Eurovision entrant has denied reports she was asked not to win by her country's public television channel.
Pastora Soler told the BBC she had been misquoted by a "very bad" journalist.
Her comments followed a widely circulated story that quoted her as saying Spain would struggle to host the event if she were to win this weekend.
Speaking on Friday, she insisted that "Spanish public television want to win and me too".
"We want to win this Eurovision," Soler told the BBC World Service. "If we win, Spain be very happy with us."
It is written in the contest rules that the public broadcaster of the nation that wins must host the following year.
"Spain have a lot of place to have the competition," the singer went on. "It's not a problem for us."
Her remarks followed an earlier interview she gave to ABC Punto Radio in which she said Spain's TVE channel would find it "really difficult" to stage the contest.
"If we were to win, it will be impossible because of the costs," she said, in an interview translated from her native tongue.
During the interview she joked that the broadcaster had asked her not to win, but immediately added that "of course" they had not actually done so.
FavouritePastora Soler will sing her ballad Quedate Conmigo (Stay With Me) at Saturday's final, to be held in the Azerbaijan capital of Baku.
Spain last won the competition in 1969, when it shared a four-way tie with the UK, the Netherlands and France.
Thursday saw 10 more countries named finalists in the second semi-final held ahead of Saturday's main event.
Swedish entrant Loreen, considered by some to be the favourite this year, was among the successful acts to go through.
Lithuania, Malta, Norway and Turkey were among the other nations to join the 26 finalists.
The evening saw eight countries eliminated from the competition, among them Bulgaria, Croatia, Portugal and the Netherlands.
Monstrous’ turbine plan sparks fury (From The Bolton News) - The Bolton News
‘Monstrous’ turbine plan sparks fury
9:05am Friday 25th May 2012 in News
A FARMER went head-to-head with neighbours and councillors over plans to put up a 164ft tall wind turbine.
Andy Paton wants to put up the turbine at Birches Farm in Turton — which would be in Bolton, but Bury Council has a say on the plans because Bury residents would be able to see it.
After a fierce debate in Bury Town Hall, Bury Council decided not to oppose the plan and leave the decision with Bolton Council.
There are already two 59ft-tall turbines on Mr Paton’s land and a third would provide enough power for 300 homes, he said.
The National Grid would then pay Mr Paton for providing the energy — but not everyone is happy.
Joanne Wilcock, chairman of the Affetside Society, told the planning committee meeting that more information was needed.
She said: “There is no noise survey information.
“We can’t make a judgement without such vital information.
“Over 100 Affetside residents oppose this idea and we need more time to consider the evidence.”
Bury Council’s development manager Dave Marno said: “Bolton Council will have gathered a great deal of evidence about this application and will make an informed decision at the right time.
“It is the council’s position that we do not object and we let Bolton make the decision.”
Cllr Iain Gartside, who represents Tottington, said: “The council officers must remember they are only one third of this town’s representation.
“There is also the residents and elected members. To convey a message that we have no objection would not be a correct state of affairs.”
Cllr Yvonne Wright, who is on the committee, said: “A third turbine would look monstrous.
“I find the council officers’ assumption that we should not object to be very offensive.”
Mr Paton defended his application, saying it would be “madness” to rely on expensive imported energy.
He said: “The turbine would save us money, help us employ workers and help the environment.
“I care passionately about my land. It is my shop floor. This is a business decision with many benefits.”
Mr Paton applied to Bolton Council for planning permission in December but has now withdrawn the application due to a technical issue.
He intends to resubmit the application soon and the council would then begin a consultation period before making a decision later this year.
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