The BelTel

Just before 6pm on 2nd June 1994 an RAF Chinook helicopter leaves from Aldergrove. On board are 25 key intelligence officers including members of the army, MI5 and the RUC. Although set for Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, they never make it, crashing into the Mull of Kintyre. Why did they crash? was there a cover-up? and why was the cream of UK intelligence travelling on an aircraft which the RAF had concerns over? Belfast Telegraph reporter Andrew Madden joins Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The death of Ian Bailey in Cork leaves many unanswered questions in the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. Irish Independent journalists Senan Molony and Ralph Riegel share their meetings and stories with Ian Bailey over the past 27 years.Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Senan Molony & Ralph Riegel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It seems that Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has won the battle - the DUP leader is taking the party back to Stormont after securing a new deal with the government. Is it a good deal? has Sir Jeffrey achieved his goals? and where does anti-agreement unionism go from here? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Liam Tunney and commentator Owen Polley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has convinced the majority of the DUP that it’s time to restore power sharing. Following a bizarre evening of social media leaks, protests and secret meetings, the party leader made the announcement in the early hours of the morning. Is Sir Jeffrey’s leadership in a stronger position than before, how are Loyalist voters feeling, and who is Jamie Bryson’s ‘mole’? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Allison Morris and political commentator and lecturer Jon Tonge.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

West Belfast group Kneecap regularly court controversy – but is that just part of their act? Singing mostly in Irish about drugs, the DUP and social exclusion the band have made a film about themselves starring Michael Fassbender. It has attracted rave reviews, but some victims of republican violence perceive the band to be glorifying republicanism. But what’s the band really about? Niamh Campbell is joined by Liam Tunney and Dave Hanratty while Olivia Peden spoke to ex-PSNI officer Jon Burrows. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Immigration has become a big talking point in the Republic of Ireland in a very short space of time - and it's likely to become a key electoral issue. The main opposition party, Sinn Féin, is widely tipped to win forthcoming elections. So where does Mary Lou McDonald and her party stand on the issue of the moment, and could they make a move to the right if that's what voters want? Host; Tabitha Monahan, Guests; Gabija Gataveckaite & John Downing  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a passionate speech earlier this week Jeffrey Donaldson said threats wouldn’t stop him from engaging with the UK government. Is the DUP leader ready to face down his opponents or will he continue to condemn the Windsor Framework and to boycott Stormont? Will his party agree with him or is it set to split? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph Journalist Andrew Madden, along with commentators Sarah Creighton and Owen Polley.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Against a backdrop of a rising far right and war across the globe, Europe goes to the polls in June. Why is Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán seen as the ‘black sheep’ of the EU? How will Trump’s likely return to the White House affect the Union? And as war in Gaza rages on, will the EU stand with Israel no matter what? Shona Murray, Euronews Europe correspondent, joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The body of Portadown woman Margaret Perry was found a year after she went missing, the bodies of three men the IRA itself accused of her murder were found three days later. The IRA also accused them, all members or former members, of being British agents. Why was Margaret murdered? Who were her murderers and did one British agent kill three others?  Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Born in England into immense wealth and luxury, Rose Dugdale turned her back on riches to become a bombmaker, a thief and a terrorist. But why did she abandon her life of privilege for the IRA?Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guest: Liam Collins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prof Jussi Hanhimäki argues the international body is still important, despite the challenges it faces.  But what exactly is the UN? What is its role today?  And with the body impotent in the face of wars from the Congo to Gaza – has the time come for major reform?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the story of three long-lost siblings, all abandoned in mysterious circumstances in Lisburn, Dundalk and Drogheda, who unbelievably found their way back to each other many years later. But there could be a fourth ‘foundling’ and they need your help to find them…  Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Catherine Fegan, Helen Ward & David McBride  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kevin Conway, originally from the Lurgan area, was shot dead in Belfast on 9th January. Linked to ‘The Firm’ he was one of three men charged in relation to the murder of Shane Whitla in Lurgan in January 2023. The area has seen several high-profile assassinations in recent years linked to a single dissident republican gunman. Allison Morris reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Described as one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in UK history, between 1999 and 2015 over 700 postmasters and postmistresses were wrongly accused of stealing money from their branches. Some were bankrupted, losing their houses, livelihoods and life savings, and others served prison sentences. It was later revealed the missing money was due to a fault in a computer program. Kurtis Reid joins Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

South Armagh republican Colm Murphy died earlier this year at the age of 70. He had been convicted but later acquitted of involvement in the Omagh bombing. He was later found liable in a civil court for the 1998 attack which killed 29 people. Murphy was at various points a member of the Provisional IRA, the INLA, the Real IRA, and was linked to the Óglaigh na hÉireann dissident group. The Belfast Telegraph’s security correspondent Allison Morris profiles him and explains what he was like in person. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philip O’Shea was initially charming when he contacted vulnerable women online. He was a friend, a flatterer, someone who could help. But his true intentions emerged very quickly – he was a cruel catfisher who forced women to send him compromising pictures. And it didn’t stop there, in this episode of the BelTel Sharon O’Neill tells Ciarán Dunbar how O’Shea went from online harassment to real-life stalking, and how he eventually got caught. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philip O’Shea is a prolific online predator who lurked behind fake profiles, first coming across as charming friendly and flirty, then going in for the kill in an orgy of cruelty. He forced them to send compromising pictures of themselves to him, blackmailing them not for money but for his own perverted satisfactions.  Sharon O’Neill tells Ciarán Dunbar how he managed to ensnare his victims. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all dream of winning the Lottery, but then we hear stories about how winning the millions sent some people’s lives into a tailspin. The self-described ‘king of the chavs’ Michael Carroll being a famous example. Some have described winning the Lottery as a living hell that they would not wish on their worst enemies - can that fate be avoided? And should you tell people, or could you try and keep your win a secret? Host: Ciarán Dunbar. Guests Aine Toner and Kathy Garrett.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On October the 15th, 2021, the PSNI launch a raid an apartment in Ballymena, as part of a wider operation against drug in the town. The man who lived there was 61-year-old Noel Johnson. Moments later, he was dead. Once an acquaintance of Liam Neeson, this Catholic from Loyalist Harryville had been known as the ‘cocaine king’ of Ballymena. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by John Laverty, who knew Noel Johnston well.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John DeLorean was an eccentric but brilliant engineer. He had remarkable success in the US automotive industry, but he dreamed of striking out by himself and building a futuristic sports car. Incredibly, he was enticed to build that car in Belfast in the middle of the Troubles. Hollywood brought the DeLorean to the big Screen and the car, despite its obvious flaws, gained an iconic status.Andrew Madden joins Ciarán Dunbar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people believe that they could never be brainwashed into a cult or be totally enthralled by a cult leader, but it is believed that thousands of people find themselves in that situation every year.  Ian Haworth never imagined that he would fall for it, he never thought he would lose his mind and freedom to cult – but that is what happened.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gerard Mackin is the six-foot-tall gangland enforcer who is feared from the Falls to Limerick That is not surprising when you consider he was convicted of nailing another person to a floor – with a nail gun. He has been in the Continuity IRA and in INLA. He was given a one-million-euro contract by the Kinahan crime clan to take out their arch-rival Gerry Hutch.   Born in west Belfast, Gerard Mackin’s crime CV is formidable and his earned him the reputation as one of the most violent criminals in Ireland.   The Belfast Telegraph’s crime correspondent Allison Morris tells his story.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December is drawing to a close, so it’s time for some seasonal escapism as we consider the humble festive art form that is... the Christmas movie. From heartwarming family classics, terrible turkeys to the downright weird and questionable, there truly is something for everyone on the big and small screen. But are the days of the family gathering around the TV and going through the schedule gone for good?Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guests: Dave Hanratty and Dee Molumby Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Winston Rea, known as Winkie Rea, died aged 72 at the beginning of December. He was the ex-leader of the loyalist terror group, the ‘Red Hand Commando’, and until his death was on trial in connection with two sectarian murders. He denied all 19 terror charges against him. Who was Winkie Rea, what was the Red Hand Commando, and had the ruthless paramilitary man really become a man of peace? Belfast Telegraph’s security correspondent Alison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel's ambassador to the UK has strongly reject the prospect of a future Palestinian state. Tzipi Hotovely told Sky News Israel will not accept a ‘two-state solution’ So – what is Israel’s end game and are they now risking alienating their key ally, the US, as they continue their campaign in Gaza, seeking to destroy Hamas. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Bel Trew, the Independent’s Chief International Correspondent.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is no longer at the prison colony where he was being head. The loss of contact likely signals a Kremlin effort to tighten his isolation while President Vladimir Putin runs for re-election, his spokeswoman has claimed. A constant thorn in Putin’s side, could Navalny still play a role in the future of Russia?  Host: Rory Tevlin, Guest: Jason Corcoran   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Belfast Telegraph’s Northen Ireland editor, Sam McBride, joins Ciarán Dunbar with his assessment of what’s going on at Stormont. Is Sir Jeffrey Donaldson about to jump, and if he does will his party jump with him? The DUP says there’s ‘still some way to go’ in the negotiations on the Northern Ireland Protocol and Windsor Framework – others say the deal is done and we are just haggling over the price.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Considered the richest man in the world, South Africa-born tech moghul Elon Musk is rarely out of the news. His controversial social media statements have made him a villain to some, but a hero to others. A father to eleven children from three women, Musk has also expressed worries of a global population collapse. Who is Elon Musk, where did he come from, and what does he want? Belfast Telegraph Technology Reporter Kurtis Reid joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Glasgow-born Alan Scott led the ‘Causeway Coast Vineyard church’ until June 2017. Having felt called by God, he and his wife decided to take roles in the original Vineyard church in Anaheim California. Scott eventually decided to take the church out of the Vineyard movement, leading a group of members to sue him for 62 million dollars. This has led to reports into his ex-North Coast leadership alleging “public shaming” and “spiritual abuse” of members. Liam Tunney joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did the IRA split in two, into the Provisionals and the Officials? The so-called ‘Stickies’ abandoned their armed campaign but never their guns – could the Official IRA still exist? Who were the personalities involved in the split and what became of the Workers’ Party?  Ciarán Dunbar spoke to Dr Brian Hanley, co-author of ‘The Lost Revolution: The Story of the Official IRA and the Workers Party’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shane MacGowan has died at the age of 65. From a poetry-fuelled middle class upbringing to the chaotic UK punk scene, MacGowan was an innovator, marrying punk with Irish music, the chronicler of the Irish émigré, and a poet who wrote about love, loss and the chaos of addiction. Fionnan Sheean and John Meagher look at the life he led and thelyrics he wrote. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A mysterious double murder in Co. Longford in 1986 has been tied to Loyalists from Derry. Killed in their kitchen on a cold November night, Marie Murtagh (43) and Tom Taaffe (50) were mysteriously murdered in their farmhouse in the village of Aughnacliffe, Co Longford in 1986. Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Liam Collins, journalist with the Sunday Independent, who reported this gruesome murder at the time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When a restaurant review is published in the Belfast Telegraph, they can often attract a huge number of readers – especially if it is negative!Many dream of being a food reviewer, but what gives them the right to publicly slate local restaurants? What sets an establishment apart? And exactly how disastrous is a bad review for the business? Belfast Telegraph food reviewer Joris Minne joins Ciarán Dunbar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dublin is cleaning up the aftermath of violent scenes following a night of rioting, clashes with Gardaí (Irish police) and looting. The unprecedented scenes followed the stabbing of five people, including three children. What led to the chaos and where do we go from here? Tabitha Monahan is joined by head of news at Mediahuis group, Kevin Doyle, and Irish Independent technology editor Adrian Weckler. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twenty-two loyalists have been convicted in the past 18 months for dealing drugs connected the East Belfast UVF. The UVF’s Shankill Road based leadership has now ‘stood down’ several prominent figures in the notorious east Belfast battalion, to protect ‘transition’ funding. Ciaran Barnes, chief reporter with the Sunday Life, has the latest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam McBride sits down with Military Historian Huw Bennett, author of ‘Uncivil war: The British Army and the Troubles’. The new book deals with how the troubles began, why they escalated so quickly, and the army’s role. The author discusses how the British military learnt to fight IRA guerilla tactics, the its fear of the UDA, and why the military obstructed his access to evidence of the Troubles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For 28 years during the Troubles, it was deemed too dangerous for Linfield to play at Solitude, a football ground in the heart of Nationalist north Belfast. But in November 1998, the Blues finally travelled across the city to play the Reds at Solitude in one of the most significant games in the history of the Irish League football. Belfast Telegraph sports journalist Keith Bailie is joined by Chief Sportswriter Steven Beacom and then-Linfield manager David Jeffrey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eight members of the East Belfast UVF have been told to stand down over links to criminality. Despite this, sources have said there is “no prospect” of a feud within the group, suggesting that a wind-down for the paramilitary group could be on the horizon. Belfast Telegraph security correspondent Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak’s cabinet reshuffle took many by surprise. Suella Braveman gets the boot, ex-PM David Cameron makes a shock return government and a new ‘minister for common sense’ emerges to fight left-wing “wokery”. What is going on in the Tory Party? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by TRT World Presenter Enda Brady.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ciarán Dunbar gets an explanation of authoritarianism from QUB Politics Professor, Lee McGowan. Authoritarian states such as China, Russia, and North Korea are asserting themselves. And even in the west, populism, fascism and hard-left politics seek to undermine representative democracy. What is authoritarianism and why is it gaining ground? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Molly Martens arrived in Limerick in 2008, she seemed like an All-American Girl with the world at her feet. But that public persona - like many of the stories she told about herself - was just a work of fantasy. From mother to monster, from wife to Jason Corbett’s killer, who is Molly Martens?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a former top NIO civil servant, Michael Cameron found himself mixing with paramilitary bosses and powerful politicians. He would go on to marry a DUP MLA and even join the party. Eventually forced to quit work over an illness, he became a playwright. His first play sold out the Lyric Theatre before anyone had even seen it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ashling Murphy, a 23 year old primary school teacher went for a run on the banks of the Grand Canal outside Tullamore, Co. Offaly – she never returned home. This is the story of how Jozef Puska tried to get away with her murder. Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guests: Catherine Fegan and Eimear CotterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David McCann, Alex Kane and Bill White join Ciarán Dunbar to discuss the latest Belfast Telegraph / Lucid Talk polling. Among the subjects discussed, the criteria for a border poll, whether it should need a super-majority and the prickly subject of using Casement Park for Euro 2028.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Belfast Telegraphs Political Editor Suzanne Breen talks with Ciaran Dunbar on Rishi Sunak’s boredom with Northern Ireland and the DUP, the backlash Sinn Fein has received on its stance with Israeli ambassador and the sudden U-Turn after being labelled “sell outs” and why a SDLP MLA is in hot water for becoming a GAA manager.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A compelling new documentary ‘Lost Boys- Belfast’s Missing Children’ has shed new light on the mysterious disappearance of FIVE children at the height of the Troubles. Only one body was recovered. All these tragic cases remain unsolved and unresolved.Were these cases linked? Did sexual predators take advantage of the mayhem for their own twisted perversion? Sharon O'Neill talks about the disappeared to director, Des Henderson and speaks to the only surviving mother of one of the missing boys, Anne Spence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Israelis and Palestinians are two very distinct peoples, but geographically, Israel and Palestine are one and the same territories. How did this come about and is there any hope for the future? Martin Bunton is the author of The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: A Very Short Introduction – he spoke to Ciarán Dunbar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

50 years ago this week, Mountjoy Prison played host to one of the most dramatic escapes in history. It was a Halloween horror show for the onlooking guards as prominent Provisional IRA figures took to the sky. Host: Kevin Doyle. Guest: Liam Collins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Islandmagee is a quiet civil parish on the east coast of Northern Ireland. But in 1711, a newcomer to the area begins to have fits, regurgitates pins and buttons, and suddenly dies. In the weeks following her death, eight woman and one man are found guilty of witchcraft at a local Courthouse – one man is executed. It was the last witchcraft trial in Ireland. Olivia Peden speaks to Dr Andrew Sneddon of Ulster University, and Martina Devlin, the author of “The House where it happened” about this mysterious event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Belfast-born John Bew is Rishi Sunak’s global policy advisor. He’s the key voice informing the PM’s foreign policy and has been seen in close consultation with him in recent weeks. The historian, a son of crossbench peer Lord Paul Bew, is now one of the most influential men at Downing Street. Belfast Telegraph reporter Andrew Madden joins Ciáran Dunbar to profile him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.