The BelTel

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.

The IRA’s aim was to unite Ireland - so why did it do its best to stop cross-border railway services? It came very close to succeeding but were strongly opposed by an organization established to defy that that ambition. Who were the people behind the Peace Train movement, and did they succeed? And why did the IRA try and bomb the trainlines out of existence in the first place? Host: ciarán Dunbar, Guest: Dr Connal Parr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate Pride month, the Indo Daily finds out how the global parade got started and why the fight for equality and Gay rights goes on for the LBGTQ+ community. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guest: Bill Hughes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suwei Shang was last seen 10 years ago when she left court after admitting killing her husband. After her arrest, more than £100,000 was discovered in her bank account leading detectives to suspect she had been working in the sex trade. But incredibly the courts let her out on bail as they decided on her sentence. Where could she be? Host: Ciarán Dunbar, Guest: Ciaran BarnesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patricia Curran’s mutilated body was discovered just 40 yards from her home at 2 o’clock in the morning on the 13th of November 1952. She was a judge’s daughter – savagely stabbed to death - the pressure was on to find her killer. An innocent - but compromised man - Iain Hay Gordon, was eventually blackmailed into signing a confession and sent to a Psychiatric hospital – only to be quietly released and packed off to home to Scotland. In this episode of the BelTel, Journalist Stephen Gordon, tells us about meeting Patricia’s brother Desmond – who spent his life as a Catholic Priest in South Africa – a life some think was an act of redemption. And we ask the biggest question of all – if Ian Hay Gordon didn’t kill Patricia – then who did?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The early hours of the morning on the 12th of November 1952, a judge’s daughter, Patricia Curran, is found dead in the garden of her family home. She had been stabbed 37 times. The BelTel looks at the shocking killing and how Iain Hay Gordon, a young Scot doing his national service in the RAF, was intimidated into signing a false confession, frightened that his mother would find out about his sex life. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by journalist Stephen Gordon, who’s been fascinated by this horrific murder for a long.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does a high-flying academic become one of Ireland's most prolific bank robbers? From the award winning team behind the Indo Daily comes I'm Not Here to Hurt You. Out now, wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Dublin Monaghan bombings on May 17th 49 years ago killed 34 people, including an unborn baby, and injured almost 300. Almost half a century on, no one has been convicted in connection with the bombings. Host: Siobhan Maguire. Guest: John Downing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Across Europe political parties regarded as ‘far-right’ are gaining in strength and some are gaining power. Are they a threat to democracy, why is the left so weak and will we see the swing to the right continue? Politics academic and electoral guru David McCann joins Ciarán Dunbar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Provisional IRA have long since ended its armed campaign but republican political violence continues. What do groups like the New IRA hope to achieve, why do they continue with what they would describe as ‘armed struggle’ and do they have political ambitions? Host: Ciarán Dunbar, Guest: Dr Marisa McGlinchey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Orange Order wanted to march home from a church service in Drumcree back into Portadown, and still does. But the nationalists living on the Garvaghy Road opposed what they saw as a sectarian march. The stage was set for a clash over rights, identity, and freedoms and it brought NI to the edge of anarchy. Host: Ciarán Dunbar, Guest: Mervyn Jess. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US has given the wreckage of alien craft to defence contractors, a former Pentagon whistleblower has claimed. Some say we have to take him seriously and that the 'truth' about UFOs can't be hidden anymore. Host: Kevin Doyle. Guest: Sarah Collins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Twelfth goes back a long way.But what is the origin of the celebrations and of the Orange Order itself?Ciarán Dunbar is joined by historian Dr David Hume.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The scandal engulfing RTE continues. The people at the centre of it, Dee Forbes, Noel Kelly and Ryan Tubridy have all made statements but are yet to answer questions.Who are they?Host: Tabitha Monahan. Guests: Melanie Finn and Kirsty Blake KnoxSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We just can get enough of murder, horror and psychopaths. Why is that? And serial killers, are they born or made?Ciarán Dunbar spoke to Craig Jackson, Professor of Occupational Health Psychology, at Birmingham City University. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1984, a massive explosion rocked the Grand Hotel in Brighton, where the Tory party conference was being held. The bombing went down in history as one of the most audacious attacks on the British government since the Gunpowder Plot. The target, Margaret Thatcher and her entire cabinet. In the new book, Killing Thatcher, author and journalist Rory Carroll takes a look back at the attack and the consequences. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The witness protection scheme in NI has raised moral questions and lacks penalties for those who’ve exploited it and lied in court. For some of Northern Ireland’s worst criminals – it's like winning the lottery. Host: Ciarán Dunbar. Guest: Allison Morris. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

According to Department of Communities figures from 2022 almost 250,000 in Northern Ireland live in absolute poverty – could entrepreneurship be a part of the solution? Ciarán Sheehan made the case for entrepreneurship to Ciarán Dunbar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What did we learn from the 2 day grilling of RTÉ bosses by TDs and senators on the inner workings of the €345,000 which the State broadcaster paid top presenter Ryan Tubridy?Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Gabija Gataveckaite & Hugh O’Connell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A staggering 96% of the people in prison in NI are men. Why are men much more likely to turn to crime and end up in jail than women?Host: Ciarán Dunbar. Guests: Dr Michelle Butler, Prof David Canter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yevgeny Prigozhin marched his Wagner troops to Moscow, the world watched and waited for a showdown between the mercenary fighters and Vladimir Putin. But it never happened. A deal was done. What's next for Putin, and is Prigozhin a dead man walking? Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guest: Donnacha Ó Beacháin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RTÉ has released a statement finding there was "no illegality" involved in the undeclared payments to presenter Ryan Tubridy, but Dee Forbes was centrally involved in negotiations. Presenter Siobhán Maguire is joined by Irish Independent Ireland Editor Fionnán Sheahan to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

China and the USA are world’s most powerful countries, both militarily and economically. Recent tensions between the two over the future of Taiwan, amongst a host of other issues are a concern for us all. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by international affairs expert, Angus Lambkin, who has lived in China, to get his analysis on the situation and whether he thinks it will result in conflict. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thousands of paramilitary attacks have been carried out in NI since the Good Friday agreement. Often, they are attacked by appointment – people turn up to be shot. Sometimes children are even accompanied by their parents, drugged up to dull the pain. Youth worker Stephen Hughes is based in Divis in west Belfast, he is active in the pressure group Stop Attacks which works to end these attacks forever. He spoke to Ciaran Dunbar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yevgeny Prigozhin's Wagner group of mercenaries have rebelled against the Russian military. Putin called it “a stab in the back”. It is the biggest threat to his leadership in more than two decades in power.But who is he and what is the Wagner Group?This podcast was originally broadcast in February 2023.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It has been 25 years since the first Assembly election following the Belfast Agreement. David Trimble, later Lord Trimble, was one of the key architects of the Belfast agreement, leading the largest unionist party at the time, the UUP. He died in July in 2022. In this bonus episode of the BelTel – we broadcast a remarkable in-depth interview from 2015 in which David Trimble gives his take on what happened during the peace process to Alex Kane. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A chance meeting between loyalist activist Jamie Bryson and Tory Simon Hoare led to the MP meeting loyalist leaders in Belfast. Northern Ireland Affairs Committee chairperson Hoare denies the meetings were secret negotiations, but they came as the government is trying to get Loyalists to buy into the Windsor trade protocol to help get Stormont back up and running. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by our political editor Suzanne Breen – who broke this exclusive story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Disaster at 13,000 feet below sea level. A trip to see the Titanic has gone horribly wrong for the occupants of a submersible that has now lost contact. The Titan vanished with five people on board during a dive to the Titanic wreck site in the North Atlantic on Sunday. Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guest: Senan MolonySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The BBC series Once Upon A Time in Northern Ireland has been hailed as the finest ever on the Troubles. Featuring contributions from loyalists, republicans, soldiers, police, victims and civilians who found themselves living in an acutely abnormal society, the impressionistic work evokes empathy for all sides. Sam McBride interviews directors James Bluemel and Sian McIlwaine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Science Fiction has become reality and Artificial Intelligence is a growing part of our lives. The technology becoming more advanced every week. But what is AI and why are people like Elon Musk warning us that it is dangerous? And if it is so incredibly threatening to us, then why are we developing it? Kurtis Reid and Kevin Scott join Ciarán DunbarSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1907, a theft at Dublin Castle ended up becoming a global story when the precious Irish Crown Jewels went missing. Scotland Yard, psychics and the author of Sherlock Holmes were brought in to try and locate the precious stones.Presenter Siobhán Maguire is joined by Sunday Independent columnist, Sarah Caden,See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.