The BelTel

A quiet general election campaign turned into an incredible results night resulting in seismic changes. The Belfast Telegraph’s political editor Suzanne Breen gives her assessment of the General Election results in Northern Ireland. Host: Ciarán Dunbar   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The DUP have suffered a series of defeats in the general election including Ian Paisley's North Antrim seat.Alliance have won Lagan Valley with Sorcha Eastwood but lost North Down and Stephen Farry.In a great night for them, Sinn Féin have held all their seats comfortably.SDLP hold their seats. The UUP's Robin Swan wins South Antrim Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson will return to court in the autumn to formally answer historical sex offence charges. He and his wife Lady Eleanor appeared in Court in Newry on Wednesday morning. The number of charges he faces is now 18 - an increase of seven alleged offences since his last appearance in court. Ciarán Dunbar spoke to Liam Tunney and Allison Morris, who were in court in Newry.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NI will elect 18 new MPs on Thursday. Most of the seats seem easy to predict but the pre-election Belfast Telegraph / LucidTalk poll suggests there will be some really close battles, most involving Alliance.  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Bill White from Lucid Talk, political commentator Alex Kane, and former election manager with the SDLP - Ray Kennedy.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the 3rd of July 1970 the British Army sealed off the lower Falls.  A ‘curfew’ is announced. Troops go in, searching for IRA weapons. But the use of CS gas, houses being wrecked, looted even, turns the population against them. Four people died. The Official IRA decided to fight what they called ‘The Battle of the Falls’.  The army seized weapons but their standing in west Belfast had been completely changed.  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by historian Brian Hanley, and by Belfast Telegraph columnist and author Malachi O’Doherty.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Taylor Swift brings her Eras Tour to Ireland, we look at how her fans have made her a global success and created an army of followers - some of which have become a threatening force.  Host: Ellen Coyne       Guests: John Meagher & Clare Martin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A ‘Walter Mitty’ is someone who lies about, or exaggerates, their military service. Being a so-called ‘Walt’ is technically legal in the UK but vigilante ‘Walt hunter’ groups campaigning for legislation against it. Northern Ireland has its fair share of fantasists including one fake cop who called for back-up. Why do they do it, and are they really doing any harm? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph's Kurtis Reid and Olivia Peden, who also spoke to Professor of Defence mental health at Kings College London, Neil Greenberg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The man once known as the face of Brexit is back. Nigel Farage claims that after the election, his party Reform UK will be the head of opposition in parliament. He has stood for parliament 7 unsuccessful times, been member of three different parties, and had three near-death experiences along the way. How did Nigel Farage get here, can he win this time, and what does he think about Northern Ireland? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Journalist and author of ‘One party after another – the disruptive life of Nigel Farage’ Michael Crick.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam McBride sat down with Stephen Farry, asking him the tough questions on his vision for North Down, on his views about gender issues and why his his first worlds in Westminster were in Irish.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Convicted Killer and West Belfast UDA boss Mo Courtney has blamed on trying to extort cash from a local pensioner who runs an online ‘granny bingo’. Loyalist sources say Courtney ‘fined’ the organiser of the illegal online game £10,000 and ordered her to pay him £100 per week protection money. Courtney, who denies any links to criminality, accused the woman of “bringing Catholics” onto the Shankill Road in Belfast. Olivia Peden is joined by the Sunday Life’s Ciaran Barnes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A 1,500 strong UVF show of strength has raised questions about what is going on in the organisation. What’s going on with the UVF and why are parade tensions re-emerging in Ardoyne? Host: Ciarán Dunbar, Guest: Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Westminster Election looming, Northern Ireland’s parties continue to fight their traditional battles. To catch up with what’s been happening on the doors and in the polls, Ciarán Dunbar is joined by renowned data analyst Peter Donaghy to hear his predictions, Belfast Telegraph Political Editor Suzanne Breen on recent developments, and Foyle-based Belfast Telegraph reporter Garrett Hargan with a profile on the constituency.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ciarán Dunbar sits down with Patrick Corrigan of Amnesty Internation to discuss whether human rights apply to everyone equally, what’s happening in Israel / Palestine and whether the case of Julian Assange means the west is in no position to lecture.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12 years ago, a cyclist in the French Alps made a gruesome discovery one sunny autumn afternoon. The bodies of 4 adults, each of whom had suffered gunshots to the head. Miraculously, two children had survived the bloodbath. Who were they? Why were they killed? And why are French police still looking for answers after all this time? Tabitha Monahan is joined by Catherine Field. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Colonel Tim Collins was the commanding officer of the Royal Irish regiment, who led them into battle in Iraq.  Now he’s the UUP candidate for North Down. Collins has strong views on immigration, abortion, transgender issues, his rivals, and the future of Northern Ireland. Sam McBride sat down with Tim Collins to hear who he really is, what he believes, and his plans if he gets elected.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mary Lou McDonald is “sorry” this week after disappointing results in Irish local elections. In Northern Ireland, Nigel Farage has disappointed the TUV by endorsing DUP candidates. And just 33% of NI candidates in the General Election are women – why? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by David McCann, while Claire Williamson speaks to Aoife Clements, and to MLA Cara Hunter.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 women who have been murdered in Northern Ireland since 2020. Three of these murders have been in the last 7 months, with the latest being 81-year-old Patricia ‘Patsy’ Aust. Her brother has been charged with her murder. Compared to the rest of the UK, women here are twice as likely to be murdered in NI as a result of domestic violence. Do we have a problem? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sarah Mason, CEO from Women's Aid, with Women's Aid, and Karen Devlin, membership and policy at Women's Aid.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The trial of three men charged in relation to the murder of Lyra McKee is continuing. The court has heard that rioting on the night she was killed was orchestrated to “put on a show” for an MTV camera crew. A Constable testified how Lyra “stumbled and fell to the floor” as she stood among a group of women beside a police Land Rover. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Ashleigh McDonald, who has been following the trial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The campaigning has begun, the posters are up, and soon Northern Ireland will be going to the polls. Where can Sinn Féin make gains, could Belfast end up without Unionist representation, and what would Gavin Robinson losing his seat mean for the DUP? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph political editor Suzanne Breen and former editor of The Impartial Reporter Denzil McDaniel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Loyalist Billy ‘Beachball’ McCune is facing charges of possessing firearms in suspicious circumstances. He doesn’t deny having the guns but claims he was a “go-between” for the community and UDA. McCune is now understood to be under threat from the owners of the guns - the UDA, the UVF and an organised crime gang known as the Russians. The UDA and UVF fear two of them were used in murders they carried out. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Northern Editor of Sunday World Richard Sullivan.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caoimhe Morgan was a 30-year-old mother of four. She was brutally murdered by her partner in her North Belfast home whilst two of her children were present at the property. Taylor McIlvenna has been found guilty of her murder but could be out in just 17 years despite having a lengthy criminal record. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Kurtis Reid, who was in court.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The shock divorce of Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford have left viewers to wonder where it all went wrong for the TV double act.  It’s not the first showbiz conflict Holmes has been involved in, after he was one of the loudest voices amid Phillip Schofield's high-profile ITV departure.Tabitha Monahan is joined by Belfast Telegraph features editor Áine Toner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The trial of three men charged in relation to the murder of Lyra McKee has begun. The 29-year-old died after being shot in the head by a new IRA gunman in the Creggan area in Derry in April, 2019. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Kurtis Reid, who was in court.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On 4th July, Northern Ireland’s 18 parliamentary constituencies will decide who they will send to Westminster. A number of constituencies will see change in July, including Jeffrey Donaldson’s Lagan Valley seat. Meanwhile, PM Rishi Sunak’s plans to reintroduce national service have been seen by some as the wrong move for attracting younger voters. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by lecturer and political commentator David McCann and former DUP Spad and commentator Lee Reynolds.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

IRA decommissioning was an historic political event that has been clouded in secrecy for decades. Files uncovered by the Belfast Telegraph, in The National Archives at Kew, have revealed new details about how the road to decommissioning weakened first minister David Trimble, fueled the rise of the DUP, and almost collapsed the Good Friday Agreement. They also reveal how foreign spy satellites played a part in getting the IRA to destroy their weapons. Sam McBride joins Ciarán Dunbar with his findings from the Kew Files.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In February 2022, business consultant Brendan Murphy was living in Irpin, a small city near Kyiv. That month, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Irpin as one of their initial targets. Brendan wrote ‘War in Ukraine: An Irishman’s Journey’, to tell the story of his family’s escape from Ukraine and his experience of the country. He spoke to Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Outside a rainy Downing Street yesterday, Rishi Sunak set the date for the summer general election for the 4th of July. He says it is now time for Britain to choose its future, whilst Labour leader Keir Starmer says it’s time for change. Why has it been set for July, can the conservatives avoid a wipe-out, and what surprises can be expected during this campaign? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Chris Hopkins, Political Research Director at Savanta, a market research consultancy based in London.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Belfast Telegraph’s latest LucidTalk polling reveals opinions on whether Sir Jeffrey Donaldson should resign as an MP, party support, and how well the public feel think political leaders are doing. It also polls opinion on whether DUP founding member Wallace Thompson is right to think a United Ireland is inevitable. Host: Ciarán Dunbar. Guests: Bill White, Alex Kane, and Ursula Savage.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ulster Rugby player Paddy Jackson, who was one of the key people at the Belfast rape trial of 2018, has expressed his concerns over a proposed six-episode TV series that will dramatise the court case that rocked Northern Ireland. The trial, where Jackson and fellow Ulster rugby player Stuart Olding were found not guilty of the charges against them, has a problematic legacy in Belfast and beyond. Fionnán Sheehan is joined by Special Correspondent with the Irish Independent Ellen Coyne.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathan Creswell was a showjumper, philanderer, abuser, and eventually, a murderer. He murdered a young woman, Katie Simpson, claiming she took her own life. The PSNI initially believed him, despite his previous criminal record, which included assaulting his ex-partner and threatening to put her into a bath of bleach. Two days into the murder trial he took his own life. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Sunday World’s Steven Moore and Court Reporter Tanya Fowles – who from the beginning was determined Creswell wouldn’t get away with murder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arlene Foster has been accused of deflecting questions at the Covid Inquiry. The former first minister was grilled about her role during the pandemic. In questioning by barrister Clair Dobbin, Mrs Foster said she has “deep regret” over the executive’s response during the early days of the outbreak. Belfast Telegraph’s Northern Ireland editor Sam McBride joins Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill has apologised for attending the funeral of IRA leader Bobby Storey at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. She had long said she would never apologise for being at the funeral.  Sam McBride reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The PSNI had journalists they considered “troublemakers” under surveillance. It’s led to the force being accused of acting like the Stasi.  But who was being spied on? Why and how?  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph’s security correspondent, Allison Morris and solicitor Niall Murphy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Covid-19 pandemic was an unprecedented event all over the world. NI Officials and ministers are now under scrutiny as they appear before the Covid-19 Inquiry to account for the decisions they made. The Belfast Telegraph’s Sam McBride is following the inquiry. He tells Ciarán Dunbar what it has revealed about Northern Ireland’s politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the murder of Adrian Donohoe, the main suspect Aaron Brady boarded a one-way flight to America. He had no intention of ever returning to Ireland. His departure instigated an international police investigation that would span multiple years, resulting in a murder trial plagued with dirty tricks and witness intimidation.    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What goes in to catching a garda killer?  In January 2013, Detectives Joe Ryan and Adrian Donohoe from Dundalk garda station were tasked with escorting credit union takings across Cooley Peninsula, on the border with Northern Ireland. The men were ambushed and Garda detective Donohoe was shot dead. What followed was the largest murder investigation in the history of the Irish state. Aaron Brady, a tug from Crossmaglen, was the lead suspect from early in the case. He later vanished. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Grimason was the journalist who waved the Belfast Agreement on our television screens with the iconic quote: “I have it in my hand”. The former BBC political editor Stephen Grimson later became the head of Stormont’s press operations. He passed away last week following a long illness. Last year, Belfast Telegraph’s Northern Ireland Editor Sam McBride sat down with Grimason to discuss his extraordinary career. This episode originally aired on 5th April 2023.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Saturday's Irish Cup Final sees Cliftonville play Linfield at a sold-out Windsor Park. It’s set to be one of the most eagerly anticipated cup finals in a generation, however, safety concerns from both teams have led to a security bill of £50,000. Keith Bailie is joined by Belfast Telegraph chief sportswriter Steven Beacom, ex-Linfield manager David Jeffrey and Belfast Telegraph sports reporter Conor McLaughlin.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Loyalism stood triumphant. The Ulster Workers Strike succeeded. It brought down the Sunningdale executive, the council of Ireland binned, power-sharing shelved . It seemed like total victory. But was it? In the final part of a three-part series, Ciarán Dunbar looks at the long-term legacy of Sunningdale Agreement and the Ulster Workers Strike – and asks, who really won?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Northern Ireland had never seen the like of the Ulster Workers Strike – a rebellion against the state – by loyalists.  The strikers wanted an end to the Sunningdale power-sharing executive and everything that went with it. It was mostly peaceful but was punctuated by the bloodiest day of the Troubles – the Dublin Monaghan bombings. In Part 2 of a three-part series – Ciarán Dunbar looks at how the Ulster Workers Strike began, and why.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1973 the ‘Sunningdale Agreement’ established power-sharing in Northern Ireland, preceding the Good Friday Agreement or Belfast Agreement by 25 years. It even had an All-Ireland dimension. But it met with a backlash and was brought down by the Ulster Workers Strike. In the first part of a three-part series, Ciarán Dunbar explores the Sunningdale Agreement and its workings – and asks if it ever had a chance?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael O’Loughlin was arrested in Co Down in 2020 as part of a Europe-wide crackdown on organised crime. He was one of the first criminals arrested in the Encrochat hacking scandal. But why is the career criminal now pleading guilty to the charges against him?  Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guest: Allison Morris Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson have appeared at Newry Magistrates Court to face historical sex charges. He was escorted into the court by the PSNI amid chaotic scenes. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Liam Tunney and crime correspondent Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Madden and Ursula Savage join Ciarán Dunbar to discuss the week in politics.  Colonel Tim Collins has been in the news after branding the Alliance Party ‘pro-nationalist'. The former soldier will be standing for the UUP in North Down in the next general election. As a possible general election looms, Health Minister Robin Swann sets sights on South Antrim's seat while questions arise over whether or not Naomi Long will campaign for East Belfast. The issue of Irish bilingual signs continues to cause controversy in Belfast.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Graham Eve boasts a military career which spanned over 8000 miles. A member of the 2nd Parachute Regiment in NI he witnessed 16 of their men being killed in the Warrenpoint ambush in 1979. His service later carried him to the Falkland Islands, where scenes got even bloodier. The former Paratrooper and gun team commander joins Olivia Peden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The arrest of DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson at the end of last month came as a shock to those in the party and beyond. Although he is now an independent MP, questions now have to be answering about who the DUP will stand in the general election. Donaldson’s resignation could prove an opportunity for the Alliance Party to gain a seat in Lagan Valley. Belfast Telegraph’s political editor Suzanne Breen joins Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the death toll in Gaza reaches 35,000, there has been a dangerous spike in tensions across the Middle East. In a serious escalation of the crisis in the region, Iran made its first ever direct attack on Israeli soil on Saturday, sending hundreds of drones and missiles across the desert, the majority of which were intercepted by the Iron Dome system. But as the West urges restraint, is a larger conflict in the region on the horizon? Host: Fionnán Sheehan. Guests: Declan Power and Claire Herriott  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Kew Files have revealed some of Northern Ireland's hidden secrets on unionism and loyalism. In part 2 of a 2-part special of the BelTel, Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride to discuss the Kew Files and what they can tell us about Ex-DUP leader Peter Robinson, Ulster Resistance and the paramilitary activity the UK Government suspected Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly's father, Noel Little.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thousands of declassified files on Northern Ireland and the troubles have been deposited, not in Belfast, but in the Kew Archives in London. In part 1 of a 2-part special of the BelTel, Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride to discuss the Kew Files and what they tell us about Martin McGuinness, the IRA and the SDLP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nationalists continue to campaign for planning a united Ireland, but Unionists seem assured it’s a pipe dream – where does the truth lie – or is it impossible to say? Is a United Ireland a realistic prospect or pure fantasy, inevitable or impossible? David McCann and Owen Polley join Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.