Stormont Sources

Shortbread Media
Shortbread Media
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Welcome inside politics in Northern Ireland. Listen to the podcast which brings you analysis, insight and experience from Stormont. Join journalist, David McCann, plus Tim Cairns, a former Special Advisor to Peter Robinson and Head of Policy for the DUP and Micheal McKernan, a former Special Advisor in the SDLP worked in the Executive from 2007-2016.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  1. 3 days ago

    UUP Crisis, DUP Legal Troubles, & Alliance Backlash | Stormont Sources Podcast

    The political "silly season" in Northern Ireland has exploded with major developments across the Executive. In this episode of Stormont Sources, host David McCann sits down with regulars Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan to break down the descending crises facing Northern Ireland’s key political parties. Following the shock resignation of UUP Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, the panel analyses who Jon Burrows might pick as his successor. From Robbie Butler to Steve Aiken and whether the Executive is heading toward total gridlock on health reform before the May elections. Later in the episode, the team explores the optics of the DUP's handling of MP Jim Shannon’s court summons, and examines the political backlash facing Alliance Minister Andrew Muir over the Fermanagh cattle cull controversy. Topics discussed: -Alliance, DUP, and the UUP Health Crisis -Mike Nesbitt Resigns: What Went Wrong Between Nesbitt & Jon Burrows? - Old Politics vs. New Politics: Reforming NI’s Healthcare System - Civil Servants vs. Political Accountability in the Department of Health - Health Service Freeze: Will any healthcare reform happen before May? - Who is the next Health Minister? Predicting John Burroughs' choice - DUP & Jim Shannon: Legal nuance vs. public perception - Alliance Party in the Firing Line: Andrew Muir & the cattle cull debate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. 13 Aug

    The Disconnect | Live from Derry

    Are Stormont's days numbered? Recorded live at the Derry Féile, the Stormont Sources team take the podcast on the road to gauge real-world reactions from the Northwest. With no budget passed, party conferences approaching, and an assembly election on the horizon, we discuss the collapse of the devolution, why Derry voters feel left behind by Belfast-centric politics and if unionism could lose its only seat in Northern Ireland's most marginal constituency? Topics discussed -Stormont on the Brink -The Derry & Northwest Disconnect -Systemic Failure vs. Party Gridlock -Shifting Polling & Voter Fatigue -The High-Stakes Battle for Foyle -Constitutional Realities & Border Poll Debates **** Click stormontsources.com to listen and for all of our episodes Welcome inside politics in Northern Ireland. Listen to the podcast which brings you analysis, insight and experience from Stormont. Join journalist, David McCann, plus Tim Cairns, a former Special Advisor to Peter Robinson and Head of Policy for the DUP and Micheal McKernan, a former Special Advisor in the SDLP worked in the Executive from 2007-2016. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. 6 Aug

    "Tighten your nuts!" Fleadh Cheoil Success & The New Secretary of State

    Are the wheels coming off the Stormont institutions? In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann and Tim Cairns break down the latest high-stakes political clash between Sinn Féin and the DUP. Following warnings from Sinn Féin’s Conor Murphy that reform is urgently needed, DUP Leader Gavin Robinson offered a fiery and memorable response: "Tighten your nuts!" We dive into whether Stormont can survive until the next election, the political optics of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast, recent polling shifts, and how new Secretary of State Chris Bryant performed during his first media outing. Topics Discussed: - Fleadh Cheoil Highlights - Wheels Coming Off" vs. "Tighten Your Nuts": Murphy & Robinson Clash - DUP vs. Sinn Féin Polling Drops & Political Pressure - Will Stormont Collapse Before the Next Election? - Sinn Féin’s Strategy & Executive Department Choices - New Secretary of State Chris Bryant: "Checklist, Not Checkbook" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. 30 Jul

    Doug Beattie: Leaving the UUP, Toxic Politics & Running as an Independent

    Doug Beattie reflects on his dramatic exit from the UUP, addressing internal party friction, historic tweet controversies, and what he describes as a "toxic environment" prior to his departure. Now charting his path as an Independent Unionist, Beattie looks back at his 13 years in politics, from guarding Spandau Prison and Cruise Missiles in his military days, to leading the UUP, representing the party at royal milestones, and navigating party selection battles. He opens up about his leadership decisions, whether the UUP is a party that can actually be led, and his plans to contest the upcoming Assembly and Council elections. Topics discussed: • Doug Beattie's departure from the UUP • Internal party culture • The resignation controversy • A "Union of People" vision • Electoral prospects in Upper Bann • Future election plans • Working with other independents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. 26 Jul ·  Bonus

    Live on Downing Street | Andy Burnham Becomes PM

    Andy Burnham has officially become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, marking the country’s 7th PM since 2016.  Join host Calum Macdonald live from Downing Street on this special episode of The Sources Podcasts as we break down every moment of this historic handover of power. From Keir Starmer’s departure speech to Andy Burnham’s note-free address to the nation, we cover the immediate reactions, political strategy, and shock Cabinet appointments shaping the new UK government. In this episode: - Keir Starmer’s final speech and exit to Buckingham Palace. - Andy Burnham’s vision: Ending rough sleeping, re-industrialisation, and cost-of-living relief. - Expert analysis with Patrick Maguire (The Times), Cathy Newman (Times Radio/Sky News), Anna Mikhailova (Times Radio), Peter Cardwell (Talk), Alexander Brown (Daily Mirror), Stefan Boscia (The Times), Andrew Quinn (The Scotsman), and Kate Ferguson (Sun on Sunday). - Breaking Cabinet Announcements: John Healey as Chancellor, Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary, Shabana Mahmood as Home Secretary, and Louise Haigh as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. 💬 What do you think of Andy Burnham's new Cabinet? Will his 10-year plan stabilise UK politics? Let us know 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more expert UK political analysis from The Sources Podcast network! #AndyBurnham #KeirStarmer #UKPolitics #DowningStreet #Number10 #BritishPolitics #LabourParty #UKPrimeMinister #TheSourcesPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. 23 Jul

    Can The Green Party Surge in Northern Ireland? | Mal O'Hara on Alliance, Pride & The Border

    Are Northern Ireland's main executive parties failing on LGBTQ+ equality and environmental action? In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Kearns, and Michael McKernan sit down with Green Party NI Leader Mal O'Hara for an unfiltered deep-dive into Northern Ireland politics. Are Northern Ireland's main executive parties failing on LGBTQ+ equality and environmental action? Topics discussed: • Why Stormont executive parties were banned from marching in Belfast Pride. • Recent polling numbers indicating a potential Green Party comeback. • Why the NI Greens refuse to take a binary side on the Border Poll / Constitutional question. • Mal O'Hara’s direct pitch to former DUP and Alliance voters. • A sharp critique of Alliance ministers on Lough Neagh, Justice reform, and the Programme for Government. **** Click stormontsources.com to listen and for all of our episodes Welcome inside politics in Northern Ireland. Listen to the podcast which brings you analysis, insight and experience from Stormont. Join journalist, David McCann, plus Tim Cairns, a former Special Advisor to Peter Robinson and Head of Policy for the DUP and Micheal McKernan, a former Special Advisor in the SDLP worked in the Executive from 2007-2016. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. 16 Jul

    Alliance Party Controversies, Linfield Flags & The Stormont Mid-Year Report Card

    In this episode, David McCann, Tim Cairns, and Michael McKernan dive headfirst into a turbulent week for the Alliance Party. Was a retracted graphic featuring a tattered Linfield FC really a big deal? And why did Sorcha Eastwood's attendance at a 12th July bonfire cause such a social media stir? We ask where the Alliance Party is trying to get to as a political organisation. Plus, we are halfway through the political year! The team hands out report cards for Stormont’s ministers and party leaders. Who is quietly getting a grip on their department, who is facing overwhelming adversity, and why does the Executive still not have an agreed budget? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. 9 Jul

    Why is Westminster Ignoring the DUP Scandal? | Sinn Féin’s Plan for Irish Unity

    Why is the downfall of former DUP leader and convicted child rapist Jeffrey Donaldson barely registering at Westminster? In this week's episode of Stormont Sources, regular hosts Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan tackle the heavy blindspots in the UK national press. First, we are joined by Westminster insider Ollie Cole (Senedd Sources host) to dissect why stories about major UK politicians getting drunk grab massive national headlines, while a systemic crisis inside the corridors of power goes largely uncovered across the water. We also dive into the internal pressure mounting on the DUP's Gavin Robinson and Emma Little-Pengelly as a "kiss-and-tell" culture descends on the party. Then, former Sinn Féin Finance Minister and current Senator Conor Murphy joins the podcast to break down the second reading of Mary Lou McDonald's Planning for Constitutional Change Bill. Following its defeat in the Dáil, we ask the tough questions: Is the Irish unity debate actually a disunity debate? Finally, we tackle the growing crisis surrounding Casement Park. With rumours of a massive downsizing to the Belfast stadium, Michael pitches a radical alternative site at Junction 10 of the M1 (Silverwood). Will the GAA stick to making Belfast the sports capital of Ulster, or is it time to head back to the drawing board? **** Click stormontsources.com to listen and for all of our episodes Welcome inside politics in Northern Ireland. Listen to the podcast which brings you analysis, insight and experience from Stormont. Join journalist, David McCann, plus Tim Cairns, a former Special Advisor to Peter Robinson and Head of Policy for the DUP and Micheal McKernan, a former Special Advisor in the SDLP worked in the Executive from 2007-2016. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Welcome inside politics in Northern Ireland. Listen to the podcast which brings you analysis, insight and experience from Stormont. Join journalist, David McCann, plus Tim Cairns, a former Special Advisor to Peter Robinson and Head of Policy for the DUP and Micheal McKernan, a former Special Advisor in the SDLP worked in the Executive from 2007-2016.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Channel
    Shortbread Media
  • Creator
    Shortbread Media
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    87
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Shortbread Media
  • Show Website
    Stormont Sources
  • Provider
    Shortbread Media

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