Stormont Sources

In this episode of Stormont Sources:1️⃣ SDLP Conference & Strategy – Clare Hanna sets out her vision, targeting the Alliance Party, moving the unity debate from “conversation” to “action,” and focusing on health, housing, and institutional reform. Can the SDLP recover ground ahead of the next election?2️⃣ Irish Language Row at Belfast City Council – Sinn Féin push for bilingual branding on vehicles and uniforms, DUP call it “madness,” Alliance search for compromise, and unionists threaten legal action. Is the Irish language being “weaponised”?3️⃣ School Uniform Costs Bill – With families spending nearly £1,000 per child, DUP Minister Paul Givan promises affordability. But will the new bill actually cut costs, or just water down the issue?📌 Subscribe for more Stormont analysis on podcast apps and on YouTube. 📩 Join our mailing list: stormontsources.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The race to become the next President of Ireland is officially underway. Catherine Connolly, Heather Humphreys and Jim Gavin are confirmed as candidates, but already controversy is shaping the contest. In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan ask whether Sinn Féin’s decision to back Catherine Connolly — rather than fielding their own candidate — is a clever tactical move or a major political risk. We explore how Connolly’s past comments on Hamas may affect her credibility, what Heather Humphreys’ background and Orange Order links mean for her chances, and whether Jim Gavin can extend his appeal beyond Dublin. The panel also reflects on lessons from Sinn Féin’s failed 2018 presidential run, how transfer votes will be crucial, and whether this could turn out to be a low-key contest despite the high stakes.The conversation then turns to the DUP’s 2025 party conference, where leader Gavin Robinson unveiled his “Stormont or Starmer” message. We break down what Robinson is trying to achieve with this new framing, how it plays with grassroots unionists, and whether it can withstand the challenge posed by Jim Allister and the TUV. From unionist unity to the DUP’s stance on Israel and Gaza, and from big contradictions in Robinson’s pitch to the question of his long-term vision for unionism, we analyse what this conference tells us about the future direction of the DUP.If you want to understand the dynamics shaping both the Irish presidential election and the DUP’s strategy in Northern Ireland, this episode has you covered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US President Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK has sparked political controversy in Northern Ireland. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly is attending, but First Minister Michelle O’Neill has refused, citing Trump’s stance on Gaza.In this episode, we debate:Is Sinn Féin right to boycott Trump?Does Michelle O’Neill’s decision strengthen her base or risk losing influence?How Emma Little-Pengelly’s attendance could reshape DUP’s image.Comparisons with John Swinney meeting Trump over whisky tariffs.What this means for Northern Ireland’s global reputation and US investment.With sharp analysis from Michael McKernan, Timothy, and David, we unpack the political, diplomatic, and electoral stakes.👉 What do you think: Was O’Neill right to boycott? Send us your thoughts on email: hello@stormontsources.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stormont Sources is back with an Ask Us Anything special, answering your questions on the future of Northern Ireland politics.👉 Michael, Tim and David tackle:Should Northern Ireland’s mandatory power-sharing system be scrapped?Could a voluntary coalition at Stormont actually work – and what would it look like?Why the DUP and Sinn Féin might dominate under new arrangements.A thought experiment: what would a 32-county Dáil look like in a united Ireland?Could Unionist parties survive – and who would lead a realigned Irish politics?This episode dives into the hard questions: is power-sharing holding Northern Ireland back, and what would political reform mean for the future?📌 Got a question for the next Ask Us Anything? Email hello@stormontsources.com or WhatsApp us at 0333 404 6507.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly episodes on Northern Ireland politics, power-sharing, Stormont dysfunction, and the future of the Union. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stormont is back – and so is the drama.In this week’s episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Kearns, and Michael McKernan break down a fiery week in the Assembly:Nuala McAllister’s clash with UUP Deputy Speaker Steve Aiken – was her suspension justified?Alliance vs DUP tensions and Paul Givan’s new trans guidance for schools – is it common sense or a culture war?Gavin Robinson vs Michelle O’Neill over a British Army jobs fair in Derry – electioneering or genuine disagreement?With 18 months to go until the Assembly election, is the campaign already underway?Plus: Party conference season for the DUP, UUP and SDLP – what do the leaders need to do to inspire their base?🔔 Subscribe for weekly analysis of Northern Ireland politics. 🎧 Full podcast available on all apps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Northern Ireland has one of the highest rates of gambling harm in the UK, yet Stormont has been slow to act. In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann sits down with Philip McGuigan MLA, Chair of the All-Party Group on Reducing Gambling Harm, plus, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan discuss:The personal impact of gambling addiction on individuals and familiesWhy Northern Ireland lacks support services compared to England, Scotland, and the Republic of IrelandThe urgent need for updated legislation and an independent gambling regulatorHow online gambling complicates regulation and enforcementPotential solutions, including a gambling levy to fund treatment, prevention, and education🎯 If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling harm, seek help:GamStop: https://www.gamstop.co.ukDunlewey: Support for gambling addiction counselling in Northern IrelandSubscribe for more in-depth political analysis: Stormont Sources YouTube ChannelFollow us on X, Instagram & TikTok for clips and updates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, the hosts are joined by Ulster University's Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick to delve into the draft anti-poverty strategy in Northern Ireland. They discuss the criticisms surrounding the anti-poverty strategy, highlighting its lack of actionable goals and the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to tackle poverty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new LucidTalk poll, published in the Belfast Telegraph, has shaken up the political landscape in Northern Ireland.Sinn Féin continues to lead with 26% of the vote.The DUP trail at 17%.The big story: the TUV surge to 13%, potentially threatening DUP seats.Alliance slips to 12%, with questions over Naomi Long’s leadership.The SDLP and UUP both sit at 11%, raising big questions about unionist unity and Mike Nesbitt’s future.In this deep-dive discussion, we break down: 👉 Why the TUV is gaining ground 👉 Whether the DUP can claw back support before 2027 👉 Naomi Long’s collapse in approval among unionists 👉 The SDLP’s slow recovery under Claire Hanna 👉 Gavin Robinson’s future as a DUP leader 👉 Why some are calling for a DUP–UUP mergerWe also look at the lessons from 1998, when fringe unionist parties cut through, and what this poll tells us about the road to the next Assembly elections.📌 Subscribe for more Northern Ireland political analysis, polls, and in-depth interviews.🚨 What do YOU think of the latest poll?Will the TUV hold their surge or fade?Can the DUP recover by 2027?Is Naomi Long’s time up as Alliance leader? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new Department of Education survey has reignited one of Northern Ireland’s most controversial debates — integrated education. Just 8% of pupils currently attend integrated schools, but campaigners say that needs to change.Michael McKernan, Tim, and David clash over the numbers, the quality of education, and whether Northern Ireland’s segregated school system is a “quirk of history” that’s long overdue for reform.We unpack:Why 24% of parents say they’d avoid integrated schools.The fight over survey credibility and political bias.Whether “Catholic ethos” gives schools an edge in results.The real battleground: quality vs integration.PLUS: Donald Trump’s potential tariff war on Ireland’s pharmaceutical sector — and how it could ripple into Northern Ireland.🎧 Listen to the full Stormont Sources episode now. Subscribe for political analysis from Belfast, Dublin, and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Stormont Sources, the team breaks down Michelle O’Neill’s revealing interview with the Belfast Telegraph — and the political shockwaves it’s sent through the Executive Office.🔍 O’Neill claims to be “in full control” of Sinn Féin’s Northern Ireland team - but is she really? Or is this a thinly veiled swipe at her counterpart, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly?🎙️ Tim, David and Michael analyse:The deeper tensions in Stormont CastleWhether Michelle O’Neill or Emma Little-Pengelly really hold powerThe soft media strategy behind O'Neill’s recent appearancesFresh questions about IRA influence and party controlPerformance grades for Executive Ministers after 18 months in powerThe standout performers and those falling short (with some surprises)👀 Plus: Why John O'Dowd's career turnaround is raising eyebrows, how Andrew Muir is defying pressure, and whether Gordon Lyons is heading toward “gaffe-prone” territory.📍 Subscribe for more insider analysis of Northern Ireland politics every week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Stormont Sources, hosts David McCann, Tim Cairns, and Michael McKernan discuss the ongoing challenges of government coordination in Northern Ireland. They explore the halted A5 project, highlighting the lack of inter-departmental communication and the impact of political dynamics on policy implementation. The conversation touches on the structural issues within Northern Ireland's government, including the absence of a central coordinating body similar to Westminster's Cabinet Office. The hosts also look into the political landscape, discussing the leadership challenges within the Ulster Unionist Party and the broader implications for unionism. The episode concludes with insights into the role of the civil service and the need for reform to improve governance in Northern Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of Stormont Sources, David, Tim and Michael navigate the complex political landscape of Northern Ireland. They kick off by taking your questions and then move onto the potential impact of lowering the voting age to 16, exploring the political and social implications of this significant change. The hosts then turn their attention to the media access and scrutiny of Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Ministers, examining the recent cancellation of a press conference and its broader implications for transparency and accountability. Finally, they look into the cultural and political nuances of Northern Ireland, from the dynamics of Orange parades to the evolving relationships within the executive office. Join us for a thought-provoking journey through the heart of Northern Irish politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, David, Tim and Michael look into the complex political landscape of Northern Ireland, focusing on cultural tensions surrounding events like the 12th of July celebrations, the role of leadership in addressing these issues, and the economic implications of cultural events. The discussion also touches on Sinn Féin's economic narrative following Mary Lou McDonald's appearance on Good Morning Britain. They also consider legacy issues and the scrutiny of MLA expenses, highlighting the need for accountability and effective leadership across the political spectrum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Stormont Sources, the hosts delve into the political turmoil of 2015 in Northern Ireland, focusing on the NAMA trial and the implications of the acquittal of Jamie Bryson and others. They discuss the in-out ministers crisis, the impact of Mike Nesbitt's decision to withdraw from the Executive. The conversation highlights the chaotic political landscape and the challenges faced by various parties during this tumultuous period.We speak to Jamie Bryson to discuss the lengthy court case he faced, his claims the case was politically motivated, and the implications for the legal system in Northern Ireland. He reflects on his evolving identity from a controversial protester to a legal advocate, emphasising the challenges of navigating political landscapes and public perceptions. The discussion also touches on the cultural significance of bonfires in Northern Ireland and the balance between public safety and cultural expression.Plus, David, Tim and Michael consider the leadership crisis within the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) following Colin Crawford's resignation. The discussion highlights the party's struggles to find a replacement and the implications of internal disagreements. The second part of the conversation shifts to the potential revival of the Civic Forum, exploring its historical context and the differing opinions on its necessity and effectiveness. And we examine the idea of establishing a second chamber in the Northern Ireland Assembly, weighing the pros and cons of such a move. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Stormont Sources, David, Tim and Michael chat with Gavin Robinson, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), reflecting on his first year in leadership and the challenges faced by unionism in Northern Ireland. The conversation covers the dynamics of unionist infighting, the impact of demographic changes, and the DUP's approach to cultural issues such as the Irish language. Robinson discusses the need for a generational shift within the party and the importance of making Northern Ireland work for all its citizens. The episode concludes with insights into the current political climate and predictions for the future of the DUP and unionism, as well as strategies that could be employed to address internal conflicts and external pressures for the DUP. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Stormont Sources, the hosts discuss the ongoing delays to the A5 infrastructure project in Northern Ireland, the implications of a recent judicial review, and the political accountability surrounding it. They explore the challenges of infrastructure development in the region, the quality of debate within the assembly, and the upcoming race for the Irish presidency, focusing on potential candidates like Colum Eastwood and Michelle O'Neill. The conversation highlights the intersection of politics, infrastructure, and public safety, while also critiquing the current state of political discourse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Stormont' Sources podcast, we discuss the Nutrient Action Programme (NAP) led by Minister Andrew Muir. The conversation looks at the importance of the NAP for improving water quality in Northern Ireland, the political challenges surrounding its implementation, and the need for collaboration among various stakeholders. The discussion also touches on the long-term solutions for addressing pollution, the impact of climate change on agriculture, and the dynamics of the political landscape in Northern Ireland. Plus, we consider the internal dynamics of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), focusing on the growing rift between party leadership and councillors. It discusses the implications of this disunity, particularly in light of recent leadership challenges and the performance of key figures like Gordon Lyons. The discussion highlights the historical context of councillor influence within the party and the potential for future leadership changes as the DUP navigates its internal struggles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, David, Tim and Michael consider the recent spending review and its implications for Northern Ireland, particularly focusing on the funding for Casement Park. The discussion highlights the political reactions from various parties, the perceived fairness of funding allocations, and the historical context of sports funding in the region. The hosts look into the recent violence in Northern Ireland, particularly in Ballymena, where migrant communities have faced attacks. The discussion also touches on the media's role in representing migrant experiences and the broader societal issues of racism and sectarianism. Finally, Aaron Callan, a DUP counsellor, joins the show to share his insight on the strategic importance of golf tourism, the ongoing discussions about the future of Portrush, and the community's enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming Open Championship.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Stormont Sources, we discuss the SDLP motion for Irish unification with guests Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan. The conversation explores the implications of the motion, the role of the SDLP in advocating for constitutional change, and the challenges of accountability and meaningful debate within the Northern Ireland Assembly. Matthew O'Toole, the leader of the opposition, shares insights on the need for reconciliation and the importance of a constructive opposition in Northern Ireland politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, David, Tim and Michael are joined by Minister for the Economy of Northern Ireland Caoimhe Archibald. They discuss the economic priorities of Northern Ireland, focusing on regional balance, the role of Invest Northern Ireland, the skills gap in education, tourism, decarbonisation efforts, and the vast responsibilities of the Department of Economy. The conversation highlights the challenges faced in achieving economic goals and the need for strategic investment and policy development. The hosts also touch on the future of golf events in Northern Ireland and the implications of recent polling data as the next Assembly Election approaches. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.