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Stormont Sources

Shortbread Media
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  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO · BONUS

    Should Stormont Scrap Power-Sharing? Q&A

    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.

    13 min

  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    Stormont Returns: Alliance vs UUP, DUP vs Sinn Féin, and Trans Guidance Fallout

    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.

    44 min

  3. 4 SEPT

    Gambling Addiction: NI’s Hidden Crisis

    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 Channel Follow us on X, Instagram & TikTok for clips and updates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min

  4. 27 AUG

    The Anti-Poverty Strategy: An Opportunity Wasted?

    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.

    48 min

  5. 21 AUG

    TUV Surge Shakes NI Politics

    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 merger We 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.

    57 min

  6. 14 AUG

    Integrated Education: Classroom Divide & the Fight for Change

    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.

    49 min

  7. 7 AUG

    Who's in Charge at Stormont?

    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.

    56 min

  8. 31 JUL

    Stormont in Crisis: A5 Chaos, Climate Failures & UUP Meltdown

    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.

    44 min
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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
    2K
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Shortbread Media
  • Show Website
    Stormont Sources
  • Provider
    Shortbread Media

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