Show overview
Red Lines has been publishing since 2019, and across the 7 years since has built a catalogue of 250 episodes. That works out to roughly 140 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence.
Episodes typically run twenty to thirty-five minutes — most land between 28 min and 37 min — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Government show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 5 days ago, with 17 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2022, with 44 episodes published. Published by BBC.
From the publisher
The back-stop’s here? Bad puns with top political coverage from Northern Ireland. Red Lines brings you essential analysis and commentary by BBC NI’s politics team.
Latest Episodes
View all 250 episodesThe Kate Nicholl Interview
The Martina Anderson Interview
The Emma Little-Pengelly Interview
Donaldson's downfall
Makerfield Matters?
Talking ballots
Celtic fringe benefits?
Come on Arlene
Anglo-Irish Editions
Old Tensions: New Ties
Mark Carruthers is joined by Paul Johnston, former British Ambassador to Ireland; Mark Hennessey, The Irish Times; and Brigid Laffan from the European University Institute.
West Winging it
Mark Carruthers reflects on an eventful St Patrick's Day in Washington with Enda McClafferty, Caitriona Perry, Louise Burne and Liam Kennedy.
Unionists for Unity?
Former UUP deputy leader John Taylor says Irish unification is inevitable. Mark Carruthers discusses his comments with Alex Kane, Linzi McLaren & Wallace Thompson
Stormont on tick
Mark Carruthers discusses Stormont's financial challenges and the £400 million advance with John Campbell, Jodie Carson and Andrew Webb.
Mrs Little-Pengelly goes to Washington
Mark Carruthers asks Paul Colgan, Shane Greer and Mark Devenport who they think will travel to Washington this year and just how important the St Patrick's Day access really is.
The Nicola Sturgeon Interview
Mark Carruthers asks the former First Minister of Scotland about how devolution works best, the independence debate and culture wars.
Does Northern Ireland need Reform?
Will Nigel Farage's Reform UK contest elections in Northern Ireland? Mark Carruthers chats to Suzanne Breen, Ben Lowry, David McCann & Anna Gross
Contest or coronation
Mark Carruthers weighs up the options for the UUP leadership with Gareth Gordon, David McCann, John McCallister and Linzi McLaren.
The Review of 2025
Mark is joined by Gareth Gordon, Suzanne Breen, Tim Cairns & Tim McGarry to look back on the political events of 2025.
Stormont: A bicker a day?
Mark chats to Jayne McCormack, David Sterling & Jodie Carson about Stormont's plan for a multi-year budget. What are relations like in the Executive and within the parties?
The One Where Rachel Increased Tax on Lattes.
Mark and guests digest the Chancellor's budget and the implications for Northern Ireland. With Secretary of State Hilary Benn, Prof Jodie Carson, Caroline Keenan & Andrew Webb.