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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. 16 hr ago

    DUP & Alliance Face Off and the Good Jobs Bill Crisis

    This week, the panel breaks down the massive public fallout over the Scarva Gaza march protests and the growing executive gridlock surrounding the "Good Jobs" Employment Rights Bill. As summer approaches, localised flashpoints are exposing deep rifts within Stormont. Did DUP MP Carla Lockhart provide crucial leadership on the ground at Scarva bridge to prevent a volatile situation from escalating, or are unionist politicians simply "damned if they do, damned if they don't" by political rivals? The team also turns their attention to the legislative logjam inside the Executive. With Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald facing intense pressure from the DUP to "split the bill," the panel debates whether the long-awaited Good Jobs Bill is effectively dead or if a compromise can be reached to save its most popular worker provisions. Topics Covered: -The Scarva Gaza March Clashes & Counter-Protests -Political Fallout and Leadership of DUP MP Carla Lockhart -The "Summer Hate Fest" & Rising Summer Tensions -The Stalled Good Jobs Bill in the Executive **** 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.

    46 min

  2. 3 Jun

    Doug Beattie Resigns, Sinn Féin Changes Course... plus Pat Sheehan

    Sinn Féin has officially launched its proposals to radically reform the Northern Ireland Assembly. Once the biggest skeptics of changing the rules, why has the party firmly embraced reform now? In this episode of Stormont Sources we sit down with Sinn Féin MLA and Deputy Chair of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee, Pat Sheehan, to dive deep into their 6 new proposals—including ending mutual vetoes on Executive formation, changing how the Speaker is elected, and handing greater fiscal powers over to Stormont. Is this a genuine path forward, or is the DUP being politically isolated? Topics covered: Doug Beattie Resigns From the UUP Sinn Féin’s Journey to Reforming the Assembly Is Mary Lou McDonald Blaming the DUP for Lack of Delivery? The 6 Reform Proposals: Vetoes, Speakers, & the Justice Minister Curbing the Power of the Stormont Speaker Explained Should Stormont Have Income Tax Powers Like Scotland? The "Other" Designation Problem: Are Some Votes Worth Less? Paul Givan vs. Pat Sheehan: The School Inspection Bill War The Restrictive Practices Controversy & The Uniforms Bill Will the Legislation Pass? **** 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.

    57 min

  3. 28 May

    UUP Chaos Deepens: Is Doug Beattie Heading For The Exit Door?

    Is the Ulster Unionist Party on the verge of a total meltdown in Upper Bann? In this week's edition of Stormont Sources, Northern Ireland’s most-listened-to political panel dives headfirst into the growing internal warfare ripping through the UUP. Host David McCann is joined by former DUP Special Advisor Tim Cairns and former SDLP Special Advisor Michael McKernan to break down the shock resignation of Councillor Kate Evans, the public clash between leader John Burrows and Doug Beattie over the criminal age of responsibility amendment, and rumors that Beattie may be preparing to exit the party. Topics Covered Internal Party Warfare and Leaks in Upper Bann The Resignation of Councillor Kate Evans The Policy Clash Over the Criminal Age of Responsibility Doug Beattie's Electoral Future as an Independent Sinn Féin’s By-Election Vote Collapse The Political "Pincer Movement" Crushing Mary Lou McDonald **** 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.

    47 min

  4. 21 May

    Colum Eastwood DebatesIrish Unity

    In this episode of Stormont Sources, we sit down with Foyle MP and former SDLP leader Colum Eastwood to look back at the chaotic "Vote Colum, Get Mike" era, his testy private showdown with Martin McGuinness, and why he believes the Northern Ireland Assembly is failing to deliver for the public. Topics covered in this episode: The 10-Year Anniversary of Official Stormont Opposition (2016) Colum Eastwood’s Showdown with Martin McGuinness The Reality of Being a Smaller Party in Government "Vote Colum, Get Mike" and UUP Politics Why Stormont is a "Toy Town Parliament" The Future of Irish Unity The Irish Government's Role Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min

  5. 16 May ·  Bonus

    A-Levels Special

    On this special edition of the Stormont Sources podcast, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan take at look ahead to this year's politics A-Level and provide their advice on how to do well. You can read Tim's model essay answer here: https://stormontsources.com/exams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    22 min

  6. 14 May

    Keir Starmer on the Brink? Nationalist Surge & the Starmer Crisis

    In this explosive edition of Storming Sources, David McCann, Tim Kerns, and Michael McKernan break down a historic week that has reshaped British and Irish politics. We are joined by Andy Maciver and Calum Macdonald from the Holyrood Sources podcast to analyse the 2026 Scottish and Welsh election results. With Nationalist First Ministers now leading in Scotland (John Swinney), Wales (Rhun ap Iorwerth), and Northern Ireland (Michelle O’Neill), is the United Kingdom facing an existential crisis? Topics covered: The Scottish Verdict: The SNP secures a 5th term but loses seats. The Welsh Earthquake: Plaid Cymru ends 100 years of Labour dominance. The Starmer Survival Watch: With Wes Streeting mulling a leadership challenge and Labour support collapsing across the UK, how long has Keir Starmer got left in Number 10? UUP Internal Wars: Is Doug Beattie facing deselection? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min

  7. 7 May

    Sorcha Eastwood MP: Keir Starmer vs Northern Ireland

    Sorcha Eastwood talks through Keir Starmer, Stormont reform, and the pressures on households — but are politicians actually delivering any real change, or just more of the same? In this episode of Stormont Sources, host David McCann is joined by regulars Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan to talk to the MP for Lagan Valley, Sorcha Eastwood. Sorcha has been a vocal critic of Keir Starmer’s Labour government in the House of Commons. We dive deep into why she feels the Prime Minister has "disconnected" from the public, the devastating impact of the Local Growth Fund cuts in Northern Ireland, and why she believes the current two-party system is fraying at the edges. Topics covered in this episode: Keir Starmer’s leadership.Stormont reform.The impact of recent economic decisions.Growing security concerns in Northern Ireland.Andy Burnham’s appearance at the Alliance conference. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min

  8. 30 Apr

    Is Unionism Failing the Next Generation?

    In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann and Michael McKernan are joined by unionist columnist and commentator Sarah Creighton. Following her viral Irish News column, Sarah discusses the complexities of identity in Northern Ireland, why she identifies as both British and Irish, the 'bravery' of challenging the unionist status quo, and why 'English indifference' doesn't change her constitutional stance. Throughout the second half, we also dive into: - The 'binary' trap of Northern Irish politics. - Why Unionist parties are failing to market the Union to young people. - The reality of the NHS and economic crisis in NI and - And why engaging with 'Ireland’s Future' is a risk for Unionist politicians. **** 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.

    47 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
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Shortbread Media
  • Show Website
    Stormont Sources
  • Provider
    Shortbread Media

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