Shortbread Media

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Channel • 4 Shows

Politics

Politics

Updated weekly
News Commentary

News Commentary

Updated weekly
Politics

Politics

Updated weekly
News

News

Updated weekly

20/02/2025

The Budget, The Opposition and MLA Pay

In the inaugural episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, hosts David McCann, Tim Cairns, and Michael McKernan analyse the intricacies of Northern Ireland's political landscape, focusing on the current budget bill and its implications for public services. They discuss the challenges of decision-making within the executive, the need for multi-year budgets, and the ongoing reforms in health and education. The conversation highlights the political dynamics that hinder effective governance and the role of the opposition in shaping policy outcomes. In this episode, the hosts delve into the dynamics of opposition in Northern Ireland politics, discussing the effectiveness and public perception of various political parties. They explore the legislative performance of the government, emphasising the importance of quality over quantity in legislative action. The conversation shifts to the role of committees in scrutinising legislation and the ongoing debate surrounding MLA pay, highlighting the complexities and public sentiments regarding remuneration for elected officials. The episode concludes with reflections on the challenges faced by MLAs and the need for reform in the political landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20/02/2025

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53 min
17/07/2025

Tolerance and the 12th

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.

17/07/2025

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58 min
15/01/2025

Exclusive: Scotland-wide Polling... with Prof Sir John Curtice

In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald, along with Geoff Aberdein, Andy Maciver, and Professor Sir John Curtice, delve into the current polling landscape in Scotland as it pertains to the upcoming Holyrood elections in 2026. We reveal results of our exclusive poll and analyse the implications. They discuss the implications of recent polling data, the rise of the Reform Party, and the challenges faced by both the SNP and Labour. The conversation also touches on the performance of the UK government and its impact on Scottish politics, the dynamics of leadership within the Scottish Labour and SNP parties, and the potential for coalition governments in the future. The insights provided by Professor Curtice highlight the complexities of voter sentiment and the shifting political landscape in Scotland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15/01/2025

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40 min
06/03/2025

Programme - or Vision - for Government?

In this episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, David McCann, Tim Cairns, and Michael McKernan discuss the newly established Programme for Government in Northern Ireland, its implications, and the political dynamics surrounding it. They critique the document's lack of detail and the power dynamics within the executive, particularly the dominance of the DUP and Sinn Féin. The conversation also touches on media perceptions of the government and systemic issues in Northern Ireland's governance, emphasising the need for a more effective approach to public policy and accountability. The conversation explores the complexities of Northern Ireland's political landscape, focusing on healthcare budget issues, the effectiveness of opposition strategies, the identity crisis of the SDLP, and the dynamics surrounding the DUP's deputy leadership contest. The speakers analyse the interplay between political parties, the challenges of governance, and the need for innovative approaches to address pressing issues like healthcare and housing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

06/03/2025

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43 min
22/05/2025

Irish Unity Cooperation and Budget Proposals... with Claire Hanna

In this episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, David McCann, Tim Kearns, and Michael McKernan discuss various political topics affecting Northern Ireland, including reflections on past political leadership, the recent UK-EU reset, the DUP's cautious stance on new agreements, and the controversial topic of compulsory voting. The trio are also joined by Claire Hanna, the leader of the SDLP, who chats about the party's alternative budget proposal and critiques the current executive's handling of budgetary issues. She emphasises the need for more powers to be devolved to Northern Ireland and explores the potential of a Northern Ireland National Investment Bank. The discussion also touches on the importance of infrastructure projects and the need for a more ambitious economic policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22/05/2025

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58 min
10/07/2024

New MPs and Labour's First week... with Angus Macdonald & Sam White

In this conversation, the hosts discuss the first week of Keir Starmer's leadership of the Labour Party, the challenges facing the SNP and the Scottish Conservatives, and the future of the Scottish Liberal Democrats. They also interview Angus MacDonald, the newly elected Liberal Democrat MP for Inverness, Sky and West Rosshire, who shares his experiences and goals as a member of parliament. Plus, Sam White, former Chief of Staff for Sir Keir Starmer, discusses his time working with Starmer and the Labour Party's political strategy. He reflects on the party's turnaround from a low point to a 170+ majority in just one term of office. White describes Starmer as an evidence-led politician and policymaker who weighs decisions carefully. He also addresses concerns about Starmer's ability to adapt to the pressures of government and the challenges of the media landscape. White emphasises the importance of conveying the truth about the need for long-term change and renewal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10/07/2024

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53 min
23/04/2024

Embezzlement Charges, Climate Targets, and The Bute House Agreement

In this episode of Hollywood Sources, Calum, Geoff and Andy are joined by Kathleen Nutt, Political Correspondent, The Herald, to discuss various topics including the charging of Peter Murrell, former chief executive of the SNP, with embezzlement, the approval of the Green Volt offshore wind farm project, and the Scottish Government's decision to abandon its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030. The conversation also delves into the implications of these developments for the Scottish Greens and their involvement in the Bute House Agreement. Did the SNP made a strategic mistake by entering into the agreement? Did the Greens? There is speculation about the future of the coalition, with the possibility of the Greens leaving and the potential impact on both parties. The conversation also explores the potential consequences for the SNP and the Greens in future elections. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

23/04/2024

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45 min
12/04/2023

Crisis Comms and Campervans

Calum, Geoff and Andy reflect on the last couple of weeks since our exclusive with former SNP leadership candidate and Scottish Government Finance Secretary Kate Forbes and conversation with former Health Secretary Jeane Freeman in our previous two episodes. Plus, we consider the woes of the SNP - has Kate Forbes dodged a bullet? How is Humza Yousaf handling the fallout from the police investigation into financial mismanagement within the SNP? How can the party that, for years, has claimed to speak for the people of Scotland, show this much contempt for the people of Scotland so as to hide things from them? Plus we look at the suggestion from Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party leader, Douglas Ross, that tactical voting should be used to keep the SNP out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12/04/2023

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54 min
10/09/2025

Swinney in the Oval Office & Starmer's Reshuffle... with Ayesha Hazarika

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has secured a rare audience in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump — a diplomatic coup that could shape both Scotland’s international standing and the next Holyrood election. In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff, Andy Maciver and Ayesha Hazarika break down: Why this Oval Office meeting is such a big win for Swinney’s leadership.The Scotch whisky tariffs — Scotland’s largest export industry is on the line. Could Swinney negotiate a breakthrough deal with Trump?How this plays into Swinney’s election strategy: “standing up for Scotland” on the world stage.The SNP’s shifting position on Donald Trump — from heavy criticism to pragmatic diplomacy.Whether this actually cuts through to ordinary Scots facing the cost of living crisis.The comparison with Keir Starmer: has Swinney managed to outmanoeuvre the Prime Minister on international diplomacy?We also explore the optics of Swinney’s Washington trip, the political theatre around international diplomacy, and whether this moment really elevates him as Scotland’s statesman. 👉 Subscribe for more in-depth Scottish politics analysis every week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10/09/2025

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54 min
01/03/2023

Is Windsor an Indy Win? Plus the FM's In-Tray

Calum Macdonald, Andy Maciver and Geoff Aberdein look at the Windsor Framework that's been agreed by Rishi Sunak to solve Northern Ireland's place post-Brexit and ask: does this provide a route map to independence for Scotland, and for the SNP leadership candidates to campaign on? Plus, as teachers go on strike again and NHS waiting lists increase, we assess what's in the new First Minister's in-tray. And, how much power do the Green party have right now, and will they - and should they - still have any power when the new First Minister takes office? Thanks for your emails - let us know if you agree or disagree or want to share a story or ask a question. The email address is hello@holyroodsources.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

01/03/2023

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47 min

Bringing you behind the door, with those who have lived and breathed jobs about which we need to know more, from politics and elsewhere. By Shortbread Media Ltd.

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Shortbread Media

Top Shows

The Budget, The Opposition and MLA Pay

Tolerance and the 12th

Exclusive: Scotland-wide Polling... with Prof Sir John Curtice

Programme - or Vision - for Government?

Irish Unity Cooperation and Budget Proposals... with Claire Hanna

New MPs and Labour's First week... with Angus Macdonald & Sam White

Embezzlement Charges, Climate Targets, and The Bute House Agreement

Crisis Comms and Campervans

Swinney in the Oval Office & Starmer's Reshuffle... with Ayesha Hazarika

Is Windsor an Indy Win? Plus the FM's In-Tray

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