Britons were voting on Thursday in a parliamentary election that is expected to bring Keir Starmer's Labour Party to power, sweeping away Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservatives after 14 often turbulent years. But change will only happen if you vote Labour." Having called the election months earlier than expected, Sunak has in recent weeks abandoned his call for a fifth consecutive Conservative victory, switching instead to warning of the dangers of an unchallenged Labour Party in parliament. Labour leader Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria arrive to cast their votes in the 2024 General Election. Labour Party leader Keir Starmer serving drinks during a visit to Hucknall Town FC in Nottinghamshire, while on the General Election campaign trail.

The Alliance Party’s Sorcha Eastwood also had a historic result as she triumphed in the unionist stronghold of Lagan Valley – the seat formerly held by DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson. One bright spot in a disappointing night for the DUP was when leader Gavin Robinson held off the challenge of Alliance Party leader Naomi Long in East Belfast. In North Down, Alliance deputy leader Stephen Farry lost his seat to independent unionist Alex Easton. Sinn Féin retained its seats in Mid Ulster, North Belfast, Newry and Armagh, South Down, West Belfast and West Tyrone while the DUP held Upper Bann and East Antrim. The Ulster Unionist Party is returning to Westminster after former Stormont health minister Robin Swann took a seat from the DUP in South Antrim.

Andy and Jamie Murray beaten in emotional Centre Court doubles clashBy Eleanor Crooks, PA Tennis CorrespondentAndy Murray was given a hero’s reception as he began his final Wimbledon alongside his brother Jamie but the Centre Court crowd could not inspire them to victory. But the two-time former singles champion and seven-time grand slam doubles champion Jamie were beaten 7-6 (6) 6-4 by Australian duo Rinky Hijikata and John Peers. Andy Murray celebrates winning a point in trademark fashion. Nearly 20 years later, Murray’s final rodeo on the most important stage of all has arrived. Kim, second left, and Judy Murray, right, were there to support along with Andy Murray’s oldest two daughters Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP.

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Tickets €27Gig: DJ ShadowCyprus Avenue, Cork, Friday, July 5DJ Shadow has more than 30 years of work to draw on, from the acclaimed, uber-influential Endtroducing from 1996 to last year’s Action Adventure. Barry O'Kane (Duncairn), Caroline O'Leary (Levis'), Emma Dwyer (Cork County Council), and Joe O'Leary (Levis'). Tickets and event details at http://theduncairn.com/levistakeoverFrancis Ford Coppola sees 'The Conversation' turn 50. While it’s sure to divide critics and viewers, The Conversation is a reminder of the director at the peak of his powers. Streaming: SunnyApple TV+, From July 10A 10-part sci-fi dramedy on Apple TV+, featuring one of the cast of Parks and Recreation in a starring role?

Slump: New factory orders in Germany fell 1.6% in MayGermany’s economy suffered a fresh blow after official figures showed factory orders fell for a fifth month in a row in May. The 1.6 per cent decline compared to the previous month came as a surprise to economists, who expected a rise of 0.5 per cent. New orders are down by 8.6 per cent on the same month last year. The latest official figures from Germany come after a separate purchasing managers’ index survey this week suggested that the gloom in the country’s factory sector extended into June. By contrast, figures from the UK showed manufacturers enjoying their strongest spell of growth for more than two years – though this slowed slightly last month.

Seán McCárthaighTaxi fares look set to increase by approximately nine per cent later this year after the National Transport Authority recommended a proposed hike in fares to reflect the cost of operating a taxi. The NTA has launched a public consultation on the proposed fare increase following its regular two-yearly review of charges in the industry. It has recommended a maximum fare increase of nine per cent given the potential impact that price rises could have on consumer demand for taxis. Its latest recommendation follows an average increase in taxi fares of 12 per cent approved following the previous review in September 2022. A portion of the increase was used to compensate taxi drivers for the requirement to provide cashless payment facilities in their vehicle.

The Eziv EL3 combines an advanced security camera with an adjustable smart wall light to provide clear, colour night vision. Installation and setupUnlike battery-powered security cameras, the EL3 has constant power, so you’re less restricted by power settings designed to conserve battery power. Security featuresThe EL3 takes security to the next level with AI-powered human and vehicle detection, which means the camera can distinguish between people and vehicles, reducing false alarms. Wi-Fi 6 connectivityOne of the challenges with outdoor security cameras is maintaining a stable internet connection. This results in smoother video playback and more efficient storage, making it easier to manage recorded footage.

Jonny Davies, 31, told the PA news agency he will run approximately 90 kilometres (55.9 miles) per day, which he said will take between 12 and 14 hours a day, to raise money for charity. Mr Davies, from London, will be setting out from Edinburgh in September, before getting a ferry to Northern Ireland and running to Belfast, then on to Dublin before getting a boat to Wales to run to Cardiff and finally to London. He is most looking forward to running from Belfast to Dublin due to the “beautiful scenery” and is anticipating that traversing Wales will be challenging because of the hilly terrain. “I’m feeling great, I’m excited,” he said ahead of the challenge. The runner will be applying lessons learned from running the London Underground in 11 days to his new endeavour.

For candidates who face uncertain outcomes - and there are loads of them in this election - this is all deeply personal as well as political. The ridiculous idea that six weeks are required for a General Election campaign was yet to catch on and should be dispensed with. It was a polling day to remember. I lost three (Highlands) and won four (Ayrshire) contests but always found election campaigns great learning experiences. Yet I still regret the passing of that traditional election meeting which sharpened wits and sometimes put theatre into politics.

‘Justice has been done’ says Boxer after council changes rulesWhen Cllr Kevin “Boxer” Moran (Ind) attempted to take up the seat left vacant following the resignation of his son Jamie (Ind) from Westmeath County Council at the end of 2021, he was thwarted by a council decision which saw members vote 12-6 to co-opt Independent and former Sinn Féin member Paul Hogan to fill the vacancy. Furious, Cllr Moran slated the move at the time as a “power grab for an independent seat by a government-driven combination of Fianna Fáil/Greens”. Cllr Leonard said that as a small party, the Labour Party stood for “democracy, equality and justice”. Cllr Leonard pointed out that in Dáil Éireann, if such a vacancy arises, then a by-election has to take place. “We cannot be seen to do something which is not in the interest of natural justice or fairness,” he said.

Heartbreaking extra-time defeat for Westmeath sideDespite being a proud Wexford man, Frank Browne wanted nothing more than to send his native county packing from the All-Ireland Intermediate ladies’ football championship last Sunday but in the end his Westmeath charges came up just short. The Westmeath boss admitted the quick Wexford start was damaging but he was proud of how his side responded to make it a real battle to the final whistle. “Initially the bad start cost us, we were 2-3 to no score down and then a game of football broke out. Fair play to Wexford; results in the other games are very interesting now; that’s their pathway. "There’s absolutely nothing between the eight teams that were left in it, any team can beat any team on any given day.

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Paddy and Jimmy hard at work in Jimmy’s boatshed not long after Paddy returned home for the final time. Between 1939 and 1945, 4,700 allied merchant ships were sunk by the Axis Power navies of Germany, Italy and Japan. Respectful of those who had paid a far, far heavier price than he himself, he would take a sip of his pint and gently change the subject. The wounds left by the violation of his childhood home and safe haven must have cut Paddy a million times deeper; hurt him a million times more. Though forever after forced to limp because of the beating he took himself, Jimmy would live on for a further 21 years after Paddy’s death.

Vivienne ClarkeMinister for Finance Jack Chambers has announced that the budget will be held a week earlier than usual this year, fuelling speculation over an autumn general election. Mr Chambers, who was promoted into the ministerial role last month, said the budget will take place on October 1st. When asked if the early budget was to facilitate a general election, Mr Chambers said: “Absolutely not. The income tax of €16 billion, up seven per cent compared to 23 [per cent], corporation tax of €12 billion, up 15 percent. We know the volatility and unpredictability of corporation tax, and that's why the budget for 2025 will require ministers to prioritise.