The BelTel

In percentage terms the Republic of Ireland spends less on defence on than any other county in the EU, even Malta and Luxembourg. Ireland has no military radar, no fighter planes and for a maritime nation – very few ships. And Ireland’s Defence Forces are shrinking fast – twice as many people leave than are recruited every year. In part one of a three-part series - Ciarán Dunbar spoke to Independent TD Cathal Berry – on NATO, neutrality and if Ireland’s military can deal with current threats and even a potential united Ireland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seven men have been remanded in custody after being charged with the attempted murder PSNI Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell. A court has heard that the gang alleged to have tried to kill him involved both dissident republicans and non-paramilitary linked criminals. DCI Caldwell had investigated both. Host: Ciarán Dunbar, Guest: Allison Morris.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s been a profound change in NI politics. Sinn Féin has surged to new levels of support but the DUP held their ground in the local government elections. But for the first time - the number of nationalist voters is greater than the number unionists. How did this come about and what does all this mean for the future of our politics, culture and society? Host: Ciarán Dunbar. Guests: Sam McBride and Allison Morris. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warning: today's episode contains content some listeners may find distressing. Earlier this month, Nicola Gallagher wrote a Facebook post detailing serious domestic abuse she allegedly suffered at the hands of her former husband and GAA manager, Rory Gallagher. Rory, who managed Ulster champions Derry has since resigned, after the reaction to Nicola’s post. It has since emerged that Nicola's father sent five emails in total containing the allegations to Derry GAA between April and July last year. However, despite being listed on their website, the email address has been deactivated. What has been both the public and the GAA's reaction to the allegations? Host: Fionnan Sheahan Guest: Rodney EdwardsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shane Laverty’s brother, Robert, was killed by the IRA in 1972. Robert was an RUC officer and was just 18-years-old. Shane tells Robert’s story because he does not want his brother to be forgotten. This interview is part of a four-part series featuring people who lost a relative to IRA violence during the trouble. The series was produced and presented by Kirsten Elder. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Hallawell was just 13 when his father, John, was shot dead by the IRA in 1983. John was an RUC officer and was 35 years of age. David Hallawell reflects on his father’s life and how his family had had to cope with his death. This interview is part of a four-part series featuring people who lost a relative to IRA violence during the trouble. The series was produced and presented by Kirsten Elder. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bryan Finlay’s father, Ronnie, shot dead in front of him, his brother and his mother. Bryan was just 10-years-old, he thought his father would be safe as he had left the UDR, but Ronnie was gunned down on a farm in 1991. This interview is part of a four-part series featuring people who lost a relative to IRA violence during the trouble. The series was produced and presented by Kirsten Elder. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Serena Hamilton was just seven and a half when the IRA murdered her father in 1977. He as a part-time UDR man, but he was killed at his place of work, out of uniform and unarmed. David Graham was just 38-years-old. His murder had a huge impact on Serena. This interview is part of a four-part series featuring people who lost a relative to IRA violence during the trouble. The series was produced and presented by Kirsten Elder. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paddy Kielty will replace Ryan Tubridy as host of RTE’s the Late Late Show. But what do we know about the Dundrum native and how important is it for RTÉ to get this right? Host: Fionnan Sheahan. Guests: Melanie Finn and Samantha McCaughren.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 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. He told Ciarán Dunbar his story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nationalists have made up the largest block on Belfast City Council in recent years but there have been momentous changes. The so-called ‘others’ - parties who do not describe themselves as unionist or nationalist – have become a major force and indeed kingmakers on the council – can they build on that in the local elections? Andrew Madden joins Ciarán DunbarSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nationalists are in the majority on Derry and Strabane Council and recent elections have seen the SDLP and Sinn Féin neck and neck as they battle it out for dominance. But there is also a strong unionist electorate in the area, and parties such as Alliance and People before Profit have been gaining strength in the district. Sunday World journalist Ciaran O’Neill spoke to Ciarán Dunbar from Derry with his take on issues, battles and personalities of this campaign.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The words of ‘The Fields of Athenry’ are known far and wide. The story of a poor Irish convict and how he ‘stole Trevelyan’s corn’ is synonymous with the Irish Famine. Now descendants of people who profited off the slave trade and who want to atone – are also recognising Trevelyan’s treatment of the Irish.Presenter Siobhán Maguire is joined by Irish Independent political correspondent, John Downing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whilst people do vote on local issues in Northern Ireland council elections, constitutional politics always plays a role. Nationalism, unionism and those who don’t describe themselves as either will fight it out for council seats. How are things shaping up for the parties, what tactics will they employ, and what are the issues they have chosen to fight the election on? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Peter Donaghy, a data analyst with a keen interest in politics, and by Lee Reynolds, formerly Director of Policy for the DUP. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is a rare day in Northern Ireland which does not see a sectarian incident making the headlines. Sectarian hate crime, flags ripped down, election candidates sharing sectarian content, candidates attacked or threatened, keep Irish out signs, flags commemorating loyalist paramilitary boss, offensive singing... the list goes on and on. Will sectarianism ever go away? Can it get better or are we just stuck with it? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by political journalist Aoife-Grace Moore and political activist Richard Garland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As King Charles III is crowned the latest Belfast Telegraph / Lucid Talk polling shows that just 42% of people in NI support the monarchy. 50% say they either oppose it or are so disconnected from it that they see even a question about it as irrelevant. What could Charles III mean for the future of the monarchy and the United Kingdom? Bill White from Lucid Talk and the commentator Alex Kane join Ciarán Dunbar to discuss Charles, crown, and country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest Lucid Talk polling for the Belfast Telegraph reveals Sinn Féin remains the party with the biggest support. But the DUP have closed the gap – backed by unionist support for their boycott of Stormont over Brexit arrangements. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Bill White, managing director of LucidTalk, and commentator Alex Kane to take a good look at the stats just weeks out from the council elections. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She was a 32-year-old mother-of-four. Her death at the hands of teenage female members of the UDA was one of the most shocking of the Troubles. Ann Ogilby was beaten to death with bricks and sticks in a Sandy Row loyalist 'romper room' in 1974, all over the petty jealousy of a local women’s UDA boss. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter, Andrew Madden See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A third senior member of the IRA's notorious 'Nutting Squad' is now suspected of working with the British. How did this group, who had access to some of the IRA's most guarded secrets become so riddled with double agents?Presenter Kevin Doyle is joined by Allison Morris.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An estimated million tons of illegal waste lies buried just a few hundred metres from the edge of Derry and just five metres from the river which supplies its water. It is one of the biggest environmental crime scenes in the UK. Sam McBride tells Ciarán Dunbar the full story and how the authorities refuse to act. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stealing lemonade at the age of 9, being locked up in Mountjoy prison at the age of 15, to masterminding some of the country’s biggest heists in his twenties – we look at the life and crimes of Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch. The 'Monk' walked free from court after being acquitted of the gangland murder of Kinahan associate David Byrne in 2016.Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Paul WilliamsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The brazen Regency attack in February 2016 marked the beginning of a gangland war on a scale never before seen on the streets of Dublin, with a death toll that would eventually reach 18. While much has been said about that fateful day, there's one journalist who is uniquely qualified to speak about it - because he was there. As the verdict looms in the trial of Gerry 'the Monk' Hutch, Irish Independent News Correspondent Robin Schiller shares his first-hand account of the attack and its aftermath. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan Dowdall is serving his sentence for facilitating the murder of David Byrne. We look at the rise and fall of the state's star witness in the notorious Regency trial, and ask if the country's most popular party, Sinn Féin can shake off his association? Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guest: Fionnán Sheahan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that Mo Mowlam wanted Wimbledon to become the Belfast Dons and bring Premier League football to Northern Ireland? It never happened but peace did bring Ice Hockey to the city. But it hasn’t been plain sailing, the Good Friday Agreement exacerbated the Republic of Ireland/Northern Ireland football eligibility row with several young players from a nationalist background opting to play under the tricolour. Steven Beacom, Declan Bogue and Jonathan Bradley join Keith Baille. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

South Armagh republican Colm Murphy has died 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

19-year-old Columba McVeigh was living in Dublin in 1975. The Tyrone man left his flat on Halloween night to buy some cigarettes and was never seen by his family and friends again. He had been kidnapped by the IRA, before being murdered and secretly buried. Why did the IRA murder Columba McVeigh, why did they hide his body and what role did MI5 play in his story? Ciarán Dunbar spoke to Columba’s brother – Oliver McVeigh. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twelve years ago, Michaela McAreavey was murdered in her hotel room while on honeymoon in Mauritius. She had married John McAreavey just 12 days earlier. Two hotel workers went on trial but were acquitted of the crime.Tabitha Monahan speaks to yhe Belfast Telegraph Crime Correspondent Allison Morris, who recently returned to Mauritius, about the case and continued search for justice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Freddie Scappaticci, the informer known as Stakeknife, has died.He was double agent at the heart of the IRA, the man in charge of executing informers was working for the British. Who was he, why did he turn and who was he really working for?Allison Morris talks to Ciarán Dunbar.This podcast was originally published in July 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Belfast Agreement left many questions unanswered, many problems unsolved and many points of disagreement. Can those problems be solved without coming to a common understanding of what happened before that, the problem which the agreement set out to solve? Dr Brian Lambkin joins Ciarán Dunbar to drill down into the agreement and what it really means.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a generation of bloodshed and division, Northern Ireland's Good Friday Agreement marked a new era in British Irish politics. But has it succeeded in its mission and is it even still relevant? The BelTel finds out. Host: Ciarán Dunbar. Guests: David McCann, Sarah Creighton and Andrew Madden. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 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”. Sam McBride sits down with former BBC political editor Stephen Grimson who later went from poacher to game keeper and headed up Stormont’s press operation. Stephen was optimistic when he left journalism to sell Northern Ireland’s new era to the public. But it was far harder than he thought. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Controversial Christian Enoch Burke has alleged an Irish judge laughed, mocked and ridiculed him after he sought to raise concerns over the disclosure of documents to him by his former employer. The trial has concluded. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guest: Shane Phelan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

War continues in Ukraine at a huge cost in human life. Russia continues to assault Ukrainian lines in the Donbas but with western tanks being supplied to the Ukrainians military observers expect a counter offensive. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin have declared a ‘new era’ of friendship, but some commentators believe China is the real winner here. Dr Alexander Titov is a history lecturer - he joins Ciarán Dunbar to discuss the latest developments. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It remains one of the most gruesome and grotesque crimes in Ireland – a man murdered by his girlfriend’s daughters and carved into pieces. The Indo Daily hears more about Farah Noor's death at the hands of Linda and Charlotte Mulhall. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guest: Eugene MastersonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The secret security service MI5 raises terror threat to “severe” just before US president Biden visit to Northern Ireland - It means an attack is highly likely. It comes after a senior police officer suffered life-changing injuries after being shot by the New IRA. Host: Ciarán Dunbar. Quest: Belfast Telegraph security correspondent, Allison Morris. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The East Belfast UVF says 20 “once prominent members” of the organisation have been expelled over drug dealing. In an official statement to Sunday Life the loyalist gang denied involvement in the drugs trade. But a judge has said the UVF is behind ALL drug dealing in the east of the city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Senior members of the South East Antrim UDA have been forced from their homes in a ‘purge’. Among those ordered to leave was Adrian Price, named in court as occupying a “command position” in South East Antrim UDA in Newtownards. And this all comes as new management takes over Carrickfergus based syndicate. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph our crime correspondent, Allison Morris. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been quite a big week for news in Northern, in Westminster and beyond. Boris Johnson and Donald Trump have been in the news and so has Stormy Daniels. The Framework has been voted through the Commons with a massive majority. And of course, the price of a pint is going up. Kurtis Reid, Liam Tunney and Margaret Canning join Ciarán Dunbar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency has published more statistics from the 2021 Census. They cover sexuality, employment, immigration, language and more besides. Andrew Madden and Niamh Campbell join Ciaran Dunbar for a deep dive into the stats. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Michael O'Neill will take charge of Northern Ireland for the first time since he was reappointed manager of the national team. Can O'Neill recapture the magic of his first stint when he guided Northern Ireland to Euro 2016 and that famous win over Ukraine in Lyon? Host: Keith Bailie Guests: Steven Beacom, Stephen CraiganSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Almost twenty years since the Provisional IRA ended its armed campaign republican political violence continues. The shooting of PSNI detective John Caldwell was the latest attack by so-called dissidents. What do they want, what do they hope to achieve, and why do they continue with what they would describe as ‘armed struggle’? Host: Ciarán Dunbar, Guest: Dr Marisa McGlinchey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simeon Burke, Enoch’s younger brother, is in jail and has missed his law exams. He is refusing bail saying was illegally incarcerated. He was arrested on 7 March and charged with threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour at the Dublin’s Four Courts. Amid chaotic and unprecedented scenes, police forcibly removed members of the Burke family from court.Shane Phelan, Legal Affairs Editor of the Irish Independent, joins Fionnán Sheehan to discuss the Christian family’s struggles with the legal system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two-thirds of Northern Ireland back the Windsor Framework, according to the latest Belfast Telegraph / Lucid Talk polling. However, the same poll reveals that an overwhelming 73% of DUP supporters say ‘No’ to the deal. The Framework doesn’t deal with some “fundamental problems” created by the NI Protocol, according to DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson but Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says it’s the “best deal available”. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Bill White from Lucid Talk as well as commentator Alex Kane. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Drug deaths in Belfast are more than double what they were a decade ago, with 15 young people dying on city centre streets within just one-month last summer. A bid to introduce an overdose prevention room has recently received overwhelming support within Belfast City Council to tackle the issue, but not everyone supports the idea. Niamh Campbell is joined by the Belfast Telegraph’s Andrew Madden, QUB professor Dr Gillian Shorter and former heroin addict, Stephen Clarke, to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this day, 50-years-ago, on the 8th March 1973, the Northern Ireland Sovereignty Referendum was held - a border poll on a United Ireland. Why was it held and what happened? Lecturer, writer, commentator and deputy editor of the website Slugger O’Toole, David McCann, tells Ciarán Dunbar all about the 1973 referendum. This podcast was originally broadcast in September 2022. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kim Jong-un, the secretive monarch-like leader of supposedly communist North Korea, has recently unveiled his daughter to the world. That has sparked speculation that she could become the next dictator of the hermit state. But what does this mean for tense relations with the West? Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guest: Professor Peter Kabachnik. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.