The BelTel

With war raging in the Middle East and Europe, we ask; have the lessons of the 20th century been forgotten? What are the rules of engagement for modern warfare? and who can we trust to enforce them?Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Declan PowerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A fifty-seven-year-old man is currently on trial in Belfast’s Crown Court accused of murdering two catholic men. James Smyth from Forthriver Link, north Belfast, has denied murdering Gary Convie (24) and Eamonn Fox (41) in a gun attack in May 1994. UVF ‘Supergrass’ Gary Haggarty, who last seen in public in 2009, is giving evidence . Ciáran Dunbar joins Belfast Telegraph Crime Correspondent, Allison Morris, who has been following the trial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fake news seems to be everywhere online lately - but what exactly is it? Why do people spread it and can anything be done about it. Professor Julian McDougall joins Ciáran Dunbar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the height of the Troubles, the security forces found a new and unusual tactic in their fight against the IRA – ‘black magic’. How did this come about – and did people actually believe it? Richard Jenkins, author of ‘Black Magic and Bogeymen’ joins Ciáran Dunbar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer and Belfast Telegraph columnist Malachi O’Doherty’s book ‘How to fix Northern Ireland’. It’s his take on what’s wrong and what has to be done. He spoke to Ciarán Dunbar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigerian gang Black Axe have gone international and are now based in Ireland, It specialises in romance and business email fraud. They are suspected of using these profits to finance murder, human trafficking and drug dealing worldwide. Who are the Black Axe Gang? Host: Ellen Coyne Guest: Ken Foy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Northern Ireland will be one of the hosts of Euro ’28 but Casement Park, an unbuilt GAA stadium, will be the local host ground. It seems to be great news - but some Northern Ireland fans are questioning what the benefit it will be for football and unionist politicians are raising questions over the costs. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Keith Baille.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Mcbride and Sarah Creighton join Ciarán Dunbar for an update on global politics, including how the Palestinian – Israeli conflict seems to divide Northern Ireland Also discussed are the prospects of Stormont’s return, the battle for the future of unionism and the SNP’s big troubles in Scotland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Saturday, Hamas launched a series of unprecedented attacks on Israel killing hundreds of civilians. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of a “long and difficult war ahead.” So what happened in Israel and more importantly what could follow?Host: Tabitha Monahan. Guest: Bel Trew.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Even at the height of the Troubles, the murder of 10-year-old Brian McDermott was shocking. Brian’s body was eventually found in a sack in River Lagan. Bizarrely, the murder became part of a wider ‘black magic’ scare. Liam Tunney tells Brian’s story to Ciarán Dunbar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Republicanism has different morals from the rest of us," Máiria Cahill has said as she spoke about her new book. She waived anonymity in 2014 when she detailed allegations of sexual abuse at the hands of an IRA member. As Sinn Fein’s political support brings it closer to power in the south, what does she count as the price of speaking out? Host: Ellen Coyne Guest: Máiria CahillSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tall tales of children ‘identifying as cats’ have gone viral in recent years. Journalists look into it, but somehow, they can never track down the school in question. Where are these stories coming from – how do they become so viral – and do people realise that they’re sharing nonsense? Belfast Telegraph technology reporter Kurtis Reid joins Ciarán Dunbar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Devaney, an 81-year-old Portaferry man, has been jailed after inflicting years of abuse on teens sentenced to a borstal. His cruelty included beating children with cricket bats, sustained racial abuse and sick games forcing boys to fight. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by victim Andrew Parsons and Belfast Telegraph Journalist Liam Tunney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gerard Lawlor, a young father and Gaelic football player, was murdered in a drive-by shooting four years after the Good Friday Agreement. He was killed during a night of mayhem ordered by UDA boss Ihab Shoukri - his killing was the fifth gun attack in a four-mile radius that night as Loyalist paramilitaries searched for a Catholic victim. 21 years later, no one has been charged with the murder. Sunday Life Journalist Ciarán Barnes spoke to Ciarán Dunbar about the story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Wootton has been sacked by the MailOnline after he was suspended by GB News for his interview with actor Laurence Fox in which Fox made remarks about the appearance of a female journalist Ava Evans. Who are the men at the centre of the scandal and what's behind their thinking?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suzanne Breen joins Ciarán Dunbar with her assessment of what’s going on behind the scenes in the DUP as the party’s boycott of Stormont continues. The party has been refusing to take part in the Assembly until issues over the Windsor Framework post-Brexit trading arrangements are addressed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clogher is a quiet and peaceful close-knit community. But it was, on a Saturday morning in 2019, the scene of a harrowing murder. Father of four, Pat Ward, was beaten to death, who did it and why? Fionnán Sheehan is joined Kurtis Reid.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jay Miller, aka ‘Jay the Barber’, is an entrepreneur with a successful barbering company and TikTok star. But his life was not always this way. Childhood tragedies saw Jays life spiral into drug addiction. But now he spends his life helping those in most in need. Jay Miller joins Sharon O’Neill to tell his incredible story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Belfast Telegraph journalist Andrew Madden has met Sean Quinn in his Fermanagh home. Seán Quinn says he wants to tell his version of how he lost his business empire. Meanwhile Gardaí continue to hunt for the ‘paymaster’ who ordered the attack on Kevin Lunney – one of the men who took over the Quinn businesses. Sean Quinn has always condemned the incident.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar with the history of female republican prisoners, and how Christine Connor landed a 25-year sentence. There are more female republicans in prison now than at any time since the Good Friday Agreement. One of them is Christine Connor – the north Belfast woman used a fake profile picture – of a Swedish model – to lure two vulnerable men into helping with her one-woman campaign. Both later took their own lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He was a household Brand; from MTV, Channel 4 and BBC, to a wild night in Dublin, and even conquering Hollywood. What next for Russell Brand after a spectacular fall from grace? Host: Tabitha Monahan. Guests: Allison Morris and Dee Molumby.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Wolfe Tones sing songs many interpret as pro-IRA. Commentators, politicians and victims of republican violence condemn them. But the Wolfe Tones seem to be getting more popular by the concert, packing out venues with thousands of fans. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Irish Independent columnist Sarah Carey and Irish Independent John Meagher to try and make sense of the Wolfe Tones phenomenon, but he starts off by speaking to the band’s founder, Brian Warfield.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Putin welcomes Kim Jong Un and his “moving fortress” to Russia. How will this new friendship affect the war in Ukraine and Russian relations with western powers? Host: Kevin Doyle. Guest: Jason Corcoran.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Northern Ireland gets 40% of its drinking water from Lough Neagh but the lake has been polluted with deadly cyanobacteria. Both wildfire and pets died after being poisoned in the lake. We are advised not to eat fish caught recreationally in the lough – but despite that, commercial fishing continues. Whose fault is it? Sam McBride has been investigating this story, he joins Ciarán Dunbar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Niedermayer was kidnapped from his Belfast home in 1973. There was no ransom demand, no information. But there couldn’t be, because he had been murdered soon after and his body dumped. Shockingly, the eventual discovery of his remains led to the death of his wife and two of his children. Author David Blake Knox spoke to Ciarán Dunbar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aoife Moore’s new book on Sinn Féin is on the shelves and in the headlines. The Derry-born journalist’s approach to Sinn Féin has drawn the ire of some in the media – accusing her of not being hard enough on what is now Ireland’s largest party. She tells Ciarán Dunbar how and why she wrote ‘The Long Game: Inside Sinn Féin’, whether Sinn Féin will be able to keep their list of promises in power and how Gerry Adams almost fell following the revelations his brother Liam had raped his own daughter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wallace Thompson was a founder member of the DUP and a loyal follower of the late Ian Paisley. Now he feels that some form of Irish Unity is inevitable – why? He spoke to Sam McBride.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim McGarry and iconic on-screen character on screen 'Da', along with the likes of Uncle Andy and Billy the Peeler, has long been making fun of life and politics here. But it’s not all about comedy for Tim, he’s passionate about humanism and the cause of integrated education in Northern Ireland. He spoke to Ciarán Dunbar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the end, Simon Byrne had to go. He had lost the confidence of the public and politicians – and above all, of his own officers. The final straw was a court ruling - that two junior officers were unlawfully disciplined. Where does this debacle leave the PSNI? Does Sinn Féin also have questions to answer? And what does this fiasco tell us about policing and politics in Northern Ireland? Sharon O’Neill, is joined by Allison Morris and Sam McBride See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aaron Edwards is from Rathcoole in north Belfast but works at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, educating the British Army’s future officers. He sat down with the Belfast Telegraph’s Ireland Editor Sam McBride to discuss his new book ‘A People Under Siege’ – and where he believes the unionist community must go to secure the future of the Union.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yevgeny Prigozhin’s brief uprising challenged Vladimir Putin in a way no one else ever has. Is the Russian president now in a stronger position or has he been weakened and with Ukrainian forces advancing, could a ‘cornered’ Putin reach for the nuclear option? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Jason Corcoran.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest Belfast Telegraph Lucidtalk polling tells us the majority of unionists are behind the DUP boycott of the NI Assembly and Executive. Does this mean that Stormont will never return? Alex Kane and Bill White join Ciarán DunbarSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Labour Party soaring ahead in the polls, Keir Starmer is predicted to become the next Prime Minister after the general elections. But what would a new Labour Party government mean for Northern Ireland?Keith Bailie is joined by David McCann and Sarah Creighton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We know Letby murdered babies and tried to kill many more but why? How did this young, intelligent, woman, with loving parents, become a mass murderer of the innocent? Psychology Professor Craig Jackson joined Ciarán Dunbar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Serial killer nurse Lucy Letby will spend the rest of her life in prison after being convicted of murdering seven helpless babies. She has never admitted it, never apologised, never said why she committed such horrific crimes. The Belfast Telegraph’s crime correspondent Allison Morris breaks explains the case to Ciarán Dunbar and its implications.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1998 an IRA Punishment squad broke into Andrew Kearney's flat. They shot him three times and Andrew bled to death. He was cradling his 19 day-old baby daughter at the time. This attack was punishment for a bar fight two weeks previously with an IRA commander. Despite apologies from Gerry Adams, no one was convicted of his murder. Suzanne Breen interviews Andrews sister Eleanor Kearney King and his daughter Caitlin DarraghSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the founders of the SAS, Blair ‘Paddy’ Mayne was a great soldier and a hero in his native town, Newtownards. But his legacy is a complicated one, he was not a model officer. His exploits in battle saw him earn many honours but he denied the Victoria Cross. Did the complex nature of the man muddy his legacy? Host: Ciarán Dunbar, Guest: Andrew Madden. First Published on 09/12/2022See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BelTel Revisited: Sean Fox was gunned down while drinking in the Donegal Celtic Social Club in west Belfast, on Sunday 2 October 2022, in front of more than 100 people. It was the latest in a series of murders carried out in west Belfast linked to drug-dealing and the so-called ‘Marbella Crew’. Who is responsible for carrying out these killings and why? First Published October 10th 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 21st of July 1972 was the most prolific day of IRA bombings during the Troubles. Nine people were killed and 130 injured as a blitz of 22 bombs detonated throughout Belfast in under two hours. That day has since become known as Bloody Friday. Why did it happen, how did it happen? First published July 21st 2022. Host Ciarán Dunbar, guests Malachi O’Doherty, Niamh Campbell and Aaron Edwards. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With attendances on the rise, wealthy investors on board and more media coverage than ever before, Irish League football is on something of a high. But it’s not all rosy in the garden. The top clubs are yet to make a breakthrough in European competition, and the PSNI has announced a new strategy to deal with some of the problems that have dogged the game for decades. Host: Keith Bailie. Guests: Steven Beacom, David JeffreySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rosaleen O’Kane was found in a burning flat in north Belfast in 1976, her body stripped and set on fire. Rosaleen was 33 years old. Why did the RUC not investigate her murder? Why were her family told her death might have something to do with 'black magic'?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The PSNI has been plunged into crisis after an accidental data breach saw the details of over 10 thousand PSNI officers and staff made available online.With the terrorism threat already set to severe, police officers now fear for their immediate safety after their names, ranks and locations were circulated. Host: Keith Bailie. Guest: Sam McBrideSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former BBC correspondent tells Ciarán Dunbar that only an international body can help Northern Ireland deal with legacy issues. Brian Rowan is a well-known journalist and author. He passionately advocates that we must deal with the past as far if possible if we are to escape from it. He spoke to Ciarán Dunbar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Twitter’ has become ‘X’. What is Elon Musk’s thinking, and could it actually be a good call? Some want to move on from the platform but what are the alternatives? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter, Kurtis Reid.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who is Q and why do so many people follow the QAnon conspiracy theory today? Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Will Sommer See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Northern Ireland’s political Assembly and Executive are moribund, and many commentators are now doubtful that they will ever return. Is it time for Plan B and if it is – what would that look like? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Allison Morris and Sam McBride. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

County Armagh lorry drivers Mo Robinson and Ronan Hughes are doing serious jail time for the manslaughter of 39 Vietnamese migrants who suffocated in a trailer being towed by Robinson. Hughes and Robinson were part of a Romanian / Northern Ireland people smuggling gang – and they were far from alone. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph crime correspondent, Allison Morris, who tells the shocking story of how the migrants lost their lives and who else was involved in this gang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From a troubled childhood to global fame, Sinead O’Connor’s unique voice, talent and personality captivated audiences across the world. Our sister podcast the Indo Daily looks at the life and legacy of the iconic ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ singer.Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: John Meagher See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in Northern Ireland have been arguing over flags for as long as anyone can remember. Time and time again police and politicians have argued over it, but with talks of new legislation being drawn up again, are we finally getting to a stage where the problem will be solved? Niamh Campbell is joined by Belfast Telegraph report Andrew Madden and Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first Belfast Pride was held in 1991, a handful of people took part. At that time, Northern Ireland which was much less tolerant and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, sometimes leading people to take their own lives.Ciarán Dunbar speaks to Terry McFarlane.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.