The BelTel

Prolific republican gunman Gerard ‘Hucker’ Moyna has died aged 69. He has been linked to several murders – including that of Shankill Butcher Lenny Murphy. He was also believed to be involved in the killing of solicitor and unionist politician, Edgar Graham – as well as IPLO spokesman, Jimmy Brown.  Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Globe-trotting Private Investigator Ian Withers reflects on his extraordinary career, from speaking to Gerry Kelly in prison after the 1973 Old Bailey bombing, tracking the IRA’s Hyde Park bomber with a bluffed phone call and being arrested on suspicion of the murder of an exiled politician from the Seychelles. He joins Andrew Madden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Northern Ireland Politics were thrown into chaos at the weekend when Jeffrey Donaldson resigned as DUP leader. He’s been charged with historical sex offences, while his wife Eleanor Donaldson has been charged with aiding and abetting. With a general election looming, can the DUP survive this crisis? Allison Morris and Sam McBride join Olivia Peden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has resigned as DUP leader after being charged with historical sex offences. The Belfast Telegraph’s Northern Ireland editor Sam McBride explains the implications of this political earthquake to Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Hurst worked with the British Army’s ‘Force Research Unit’ during the Troubles. He later exposed Freddie Scappaticci as the agent known as Stakeknife. Controversially, he also maintains former IRA leader Martin McGuinness was compromised, even claiming he protected Scappaticci. He gives his version of events to Ciarán Dunbar  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Galvin and Andrew Madden join Ciaran Dunbar to explain who Simon Harris is and what he might mean for Northern Ireland. And with Sinn Féin being heckled from both the right and the left, we ask what it might mean electorally.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sixteen year old Megan McAlorum’s body was found in a Dunmurry forest in 2004 after a night out. Her body was found with 54 fractures to her skull, among other injuries. Thomas Purcell, who claimed to be 16 at the time, brutally killed her after picking her up from a west Belfast bar. He died in a road crash in Oxford earlier this month. Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As editor of The Derry Journal during the Troubles, Pat McArt found himself a trusted critic and counsellor to political giants like Martin McGuinness and John Hume. His new book, ‘War, Peace and the Derry Journal’ chronicles Derry’s devastation during the troubles and the city's move towards peace. He joins Belfast Telegraph Derry reporter Garrett Hargan.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

*A warning, today's episode contains details of domestic violence which listeners may find upsetting*   Terrorist, garda killer and prolific wife beater, Pearse McCauley’s long litany of convictions have established him as one of Ireland’s most dangerous criminals for over 30 years. The IRA man made the headlines in the early 1990s for a daring escape from an English prison, but his shooting of a garda in 1996, would wrap his name in infamy.  Host: Tabitha Monahan, Guest: Alison Morris   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The TUV have hooked up with Reform UK but what is in this arrangement for both parties and who is Reform UK anyway? And Sinn Féin went to America despite of pressure from the left to boycott the visit, due to US support for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Sam McBride joined Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rose Dugdale died in her sleep in a Dublin nursing home yesterday morning at the age of 83.She was the former debutante who once curtseyed to Queen Elizabeth, only to rebel against her wealthy upbringing and become an expert bomb-maker in the Provisional IRA. Fionnán Sheehan is joined by journalist Liam Collins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russia’s army has made some advances in eastern Ukraine, forcing the Ukrainians onto the back foot. The pope has controversially called for Ukraine to raise the “white flag”. How bad are things for Ukraine, what would Russia’s peace terms be, and what would life be like in a Russia-ruled Ukraine? Trinity College teaching fellow Conor Daly and security consultant Philip Ingram join Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An armed German terrorist has been captured after 30 years on the run – but the manhunt for others continues. Daniela Klette is one of three members of the “third generation” of the notorious urban guerrilla Red Army Faction (RAF) who had been in hiding since the 1990s. We look at the terror campaign by Germany's Baader-Meinhof Gang, whose members killed more than 30 people in the 1970s and ’80s and ask if the organisation is having a resurgence? Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guest: James Jackson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eamonn Mallie is one of NI’s best-known journalists. The south Armagh man has been a leading radio and television reporter since 1975, covering much of the Troubles and subsequent peace process.  The veteran journalist discusses his memoir with Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Labour general election victory means Sir Keir Starmer, who has a long history with NI, would become Prime Minister. Once in favour of a united Ireland, he’s now strongly unionist – would he rule out a border poll?  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride and Bill Bowring. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite tough firearms laws, the UK has seen several horrific gun massacres. Hungerford, Dunblane, and the Cumbria shootings, to name but a few. They were mass killings, carried out by a single man, who finally took his own life. Craig Jackson is a professor of psychology and performs ‘psychological autopsies’ on the mass killers responsible for Hungerford and Dunblane on stage. He spoke to Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Cillian Murphy keeps his fingers crossed for an Oscar win, the Academy Awards looks forward to celebrating its 95th anniversary. However, Hollywood’s biggest night isn’t always without controversy and scandal. From violence to nudity and political protests, we look at the most shocking moments from the Academy Awards history. Host: Fionnán Sheehan. Guest: Dave Hanratty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Due to the rise of platforms like OnlyFans, Sex work has been subject to a media frenzy in recent years. The issue has long been met with outrage by religious groups and radical feminists alike, who believe that the trade exploits women. But a bill created by the DUP, which made paying for sexual services illegal, has only convicted one person in under a decade. Olivia Peden is joined by adult actress and OnlyFans content creator Meghan O’Neill, along with Belfast Telegraph columnist Fionola Meredith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More Alliance members would now vote for Irish unity than to remain in UK. Almost 38% of Alliance members said they would vote for a united Ireland. So has Alliance fundamentally changed and will it be forced off the constitutional fence? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Jon Tonge and Suzanne Breen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than £2 million is missing after a string of ATM thefts carried out by the same notorious Co Antrim gang. They got away with it for two years encouraging many copy-cat raids. But after robbing an ATM machine beside a PSNI station – they got caught and banged up. But most of the money was never found. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WARNING: This episode of the BelTel contains graphic details which some listeners might find disturbing. Daniel Allen admitted killing an entire family, including two children in Fermanagh in 2018. The Gossetts were a reclusive – constantly on the move to avoid social services. Denise Gossett begun a relationship with Allen after they met on a BDSM forum. Just two years later he killed her, her children and her grand-daughter. Kurtis Reid spoke with Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Smyth has been found not guilty of killing Eamon Fox (41) and 24-year-old Gary Convie. Mr Convie and Mr Fox were in a parked car awhen they were shot dead in May 1994. Mr Justice O'Hara said it could not be proven beyond reasonable doubt that Smyth was the gunman. Allison Morris reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The proposed new stadium at Casement Park in west Belfast is hoped to be part of the 2028 Euros but that has enraged some Northern Ireland fans. Meanwhile, a Stormont row brews over the rising costs. Sinn Féin place major importance on rebuilding the GAA stadium while unionists question its funding.  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Liam Tunney and Keith Baille. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amanda Brown has written a book, ‘No peace until he’s dead’, explaining what former Irish rugby star Tweed did to her and her family. Davy Tweed was a popular, well-liked, successful man in public.But he was also a violent wifebeater and a paedophile who prayed on his relatives, . Amanda tells the BelTel that she has spoken out to make sure that Davy Tweed’s abuse is never forgotten.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

County Tyrone’s Conor Bradley has been described as the most exciting footballer to emerge from Northern Ireland since ‘60s legend George Best. The Liverpool ace has taken the Premier League by storm in recent weeks, with his surging runs down the right-flank winning the hearts of the Anfield faithful. How did he get here, and what’s next? Belfast Telegraph sports Journalist Keith Bailie is joined by Ulster Herald sports journalist Tommy Nethery and Belfast Telegraph chief sportswriter Steven Beacom.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The word ‘shocking’ gets bandied about loosely these days, but videos and photographs that have circulated after an X-rated Valentine's weekend event in Belfast have caused anger, scandal and even fury in some communities - but for many others it's just a private bit of fun. Host: Fionnán Sheehan, Guests; Niamh Campbell, Kirsty Blake Knox and John Woodward, manager of the controversial Pleasure Boys  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The results of the latest Belfast Telegraph LucidTalk poll are in. Support for the DUP has slightly weakened, while support for Sinn Féin First Minister Michelle O’Neill is at an all-time high. And we reveal the level of support there now is for a United Ireland. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by head of LucidTalk Bill White, Political commentator Alex Kane, and Belfast Telegraph reporter Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would you know disinformation if you saw or heard it? And might you be seeing it now in the U. S. on topics such as immigration around the Texas border? If you are seeing this, might any of it be influenced by actors such as Putin's Russia? On this week’s episode of The Big Tech Show, Adrian talks to David Gilbert, a reporter for Wired.com who specialises in investigating disinformation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The question of whether humanity stands alone in the universe is one of the biggest questions there is. Is there life beyond earth, and if there is, is it intelligent life? Can the evidence of UFOs and alien contact be trusted? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Astrobiology Professor David C. Catling, and Sunday World reporter Níall Feiritear, who has had an experience that has convinced him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Health, education, and roads are just some of the areas Stormont needs to spend big on. But now the exchequer has ordered the Executive to raise £113 million. How could ministers achieve that and is NI poorly funded in comparison with Scotland and Wales?  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Margaret Canning, Kurtis Reid and David McCann.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I certainly could find nothing that led me to believe in Ian Bailey’s guilt.” That’s according to a retired UK senior forensic officer who has investigated the murder case of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. Bridget Chappuis was in communication with Bailey right up to the day before he died, not with the aim of proving his innocence, but with the hope of finding the truth about one of Ireland’s most notorious unsolved murder mysteries. Host: Kevin Doyle , Guest: Bridget Chappuis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The morning after a dance in a Newry orange hall, 19-year-old Pearl Gamble’s body is found at the end of a trail of blood. Suspicion immediately falls on 25-year-old Robert McGladdery, known locally for his predatorial behaviour. Less than a year later, McGladdery is the last man to be hanged on the island of Ireland. Historian Joe Baker and Charlie McSherry, a neighbour of Pearl Gamble, join Ciarán Dunbar to tell the story of her vicious murder.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Republic of Ireland has found itself as a European outlier in its broad public support for Palestine throughout the ongoing war in Gaza. With the annual St Patrick's day visit to Washington around the corner, will the government use the opportunity to advocate for peace? Will Sinn Fein boycott the visit? And how do acts of solidarity impact the conflict people are outraged by? Tabitha Monahan is joined by Ellen Coyne and Hugh O'Connell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the murder of Ian Ogle in 2019, the PSNI felt the pressure and resolved to strike a blow against UVF cocaine dealers – that operation has seen a raft of convictions. Who are the kingpins, the enforcers and the bookkeeper behind the drug trade in east Belfast? Sunday Life reporter Ciaran Barnes joins Ciarán Dunbar.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Stormont Assembly and the executive are back in action, although there have been some obstacles on the way. Sinn Fein expressed their surprise at the DUP’s pick of the education ministry, TUV’s Jim Allister has said he will be a ‘thorn in the side’ of the Assembly, and the SDLP have suspended an MLA over a helicopter trip to Wexford. How has the return gone so far and what lies ahead? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride, political commentator David McCann and Irish language activist, Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.