The BelTel

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.

Robert McCartney was murdered by members of the IRA in January 2005; he died after being stabbed in the street outside a bar in Belfast. Like many other murders, the IRA might have hoped that it would eventually blow over, it did not, it became an international news story. Two of his sisters tell Suzanne Breen what they thought of the subsequent criminal trials, and if they think they were used by politicians. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has triumphantly declared his new Brexit deal with the EU – the Windsor Framework. What exactly does it entail, how does it differ from the NI Protocol, what does it mean for business and of course, will it be enough for the DUP to allow Stormont to return? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by commentators David McCann and Sarah Creighton, the Belfast Telegraph’s Northern Ireland editor Sam McBride and from the business team, Alyson Magee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The New IRA has claimed responsibility for the attempted murder of PSNI Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell in Omagh. A typed statement plastered on a wall in Derry and signed by ‘T O’Neill’, the name used by the dissident republican group in the past, said it was behind it. It included a warning that the group will continue to target what it calls ‘Crown Forces’. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph’s security correspondent, Allison Morris, with the latest on this story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The crime gang known as ‘The Firm’ has something different about it, it's a cross-community crew. Based in the Lurgan and Portadown areas, the Firm includes former members of the Loyalist Volunteer Force as well as people with republican connections. The gang is heavily involved in drugs – and police allege they are connected to two murders. The Belfast Telegraph’s crime correspondent, Allison Morris, joins Ciarán Dunbar, to explain more about the groupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Books, films, documentary series – the serial killer market is hugely profitable. We just can get enough of murder, horror and psychopaths. Why is that? To try and answer some of those questions, 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.

A high-profile senior detective is in a critical condition after gunmen tried to murder him in Omagh, Co Tyrone. PSNI Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell was shot in front of his son at a sporting complex. The police are pointing the finger of blame at the New IRA. Ciarán Dunbar joined by the Sunday Life News Editor Sharon O’Neill with the detailsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The murder of Sean Fox in October 2022 sent shockwaves through Belfast and beyond. The Belfast Telegraph now understands that Sean Fox believed he was safe, as he was paying off a dissident republican organisation, but it now seems that money never reached them. The 42-year-old was gunned down by two assassins, in a crowded public place, on a Sunday afternoon. It was latest in a series of murders linked to drug-dealing and the so-called ‘Marbella Crew’. The Belfast Telegraph’s crime correspondent Allison Morris tells Ciarán the story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin, formerly Vladimir Putin’s chef, leads Russia’s private military, the Wagner Group. Russia’s advances in eastern Ukraine have been spearheaded by Prigozhin’s troops backed by thousands of ‘volunteers’ he sourced from Russia's prisons. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Angus Lambkin, an expert in Humanitarian Civil-Military cooperation and international relations to discuss Prigozhin’s rise. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicola Sturgeon is resigning as Scottish First Minister and as leader of the SNP saying it is the best step for herself, for her party and for Scotland. What does this mean for the country, for her party and its independence drive - and could it have an impact here in Northern Ireland? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by politics lecturer and commentator, David McCann, to discuss Nicola Sturgeon’s legacy and why she has decided to go.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

45-year-old Nicola Bulley has not been seen since the 27th of January, she disappeared while walking her dog in St Michael’s on Wyre, Lancashire. Police worked off the theory that she had slipped into a river and been swept away – but Nicola has not been found despite extensive searches. That has sent social media into a frenzy of speculation, rumour, and conspiracy. That led the police to inform the public that Nicola was a vulnerable person and had an alcohol problem, a highly unusual and controversial move. Ciarán Dunbar is joined but the editor of the Lancashire Post & Blackpool Gazette, Nicola Adam.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022 was a significant year for drug seizures in the Republic of Ireland, with almost €40 million worth of drugs seized in the first seven months alone. In this episode, Irish Independent Special Correspondent Paul Williams explains how the Kinahans and other cartels are smuggling drugs. First broadcast August 30th 2022. Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Paul WilliamsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Gosling has written for almost every British broadsheet newspaper, he has been a Labour Party councillor, and is the author of several books. Now based in Londonderry, his most recent work argues for a united Ireland and sets out how it could come about. Sam McBride travelled to Mr Goslings home to discuss how an English Protestant has become a leading proponent of Irish unity in DerrySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former soldier Stephen Fulton was jailed for shooting dead his wife. He shot Corien in the head after she threatened to leave him. In recent weeks he was made Worshipful District Master of his Orange lodge – a role he resigned following media coverage. Who is Stephen Fulton, why did he kill his wife and why was his sentence so low? Host: Ciarán Dunbar. Guest: Sunday Life chief reporter, Ciarán Barnes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He’s been dismissed from his teaching post but he keeps showing up at the school gates - violating a court order. Not purging his contempt of court means he faces fines of €700 for every day until he does.So, what next for Enoch Burke and his stand in the name of religion?Presenter Siobhán Maguire is joined by Shane Phelan, Legal Affairs Editor at the Irish Independent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are fears of further violence on Belfast’s Shankill Road after thugs thrashed a well-known bar. Sources on the Shankill say the attack was ordered by top UDA loyalist, Mo Courtney, in a dispute between criminals over territory. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph security correspondent, Allison Morris, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin McGonigal was born in Dublin in 1920, a Catholic by religion. At the outbreak of war in 1939, he abandoned his law studies and joined the British Army becoming a commando and later a founder member of the SAS. Blair ‘Paddy’ Mayne’s best mate – he has been brought back into the public’s attention by the BBC’s SAS: Rogue Hero series. Who was Eoin McGonigal and his brother Ambrose and what motivated them? 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.

Almost 25 years since it was signed, most Unionists say they would vote against the Good Friday Agreement if given the chance today, according to the latest Lucid Talk poll. The polls also show the electorate is split over whether the Sinn Féin president, Lou McDonald, should play a part in political talks in Northern Ireland. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Lucid Talk chief Bill White and the Belfast Telegraph’s Andrew Madden to take a closer look at the statistics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The case of school teacher Enoch Burke has been making headlines after he ended up in jail for contempt of court after refusing to comply with a court order to stay away from his school - following a row over a transgender child's pronouns. Throughout he has been backed up by his family, many of whom themselves are not strangers to the courts. We look at the family behind the courtroom clashes and strong religious views. Host: Kevin Doyle. Guest: Shane Phelan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Black was a monster. He was convicted of killing four young girls but is suspected of abusing and murdering many, many more. Black died in Maghaberry Prison in January 2016. His body was cremated, and his ashes thrown into the sea. Professor Craig Jackson is Professor of Psychology at Birmingham City University, he joins Ciarán Dunbar to explain what makes a serial killer and why we are so interested in them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Tate is a controversial British kickboxer who has built a huge social media following with younger men because of his flashy life, fast cars, and unapologetic misogyny. But the Indo Daily finds out why recently arrested Andrew Tate's toxic masculinity treads on very dangerous ground. Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Tanya Sweeney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More revelations have emerged regarding how MI5 agent Dennis McFadden managed to decimate dissident republicanism. A human rights group founded by McFadden was an intelligence ruse and he encouraged republicans to visit New IRA founder Tony Catney on his deathbed - they fear he bugged those conversations. Ciaran Barnes, Chief Reporter with the Sunday Life, talks to Ciarán Dunbar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Northern Ireland’s Stephen Nolan says that not being a father makes him feel like a failure. The multimillionaire reveals the scale of his wealth and tackles the issue of having loyalist Jamie Bryson as a regular guest on his show. The podcast is produced and presented by Sam McBride.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Nolan talks about himself a lot – he talks about his weight, his wealth, his mother and his woes. But, there are other aspects of his life about which he is intensely private. In this exclusive two-part interview the Belfast Telegraph’s Northern Ireland editor gets inside the mind of the most powerful journalist in Northern Ireland. Part 2 of this interview will be available on Friday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Prince William’s temper to Prince Harry’s manhood, the king’s exiled son doesn’t disappoint with his new page-turner, Spare. But why is Prince Harry revealing so much about the inner workings of his family? Is he a victim or a villain? And is he doing real harm to the Royal Family?Jenny Bond joins Fionnán Sheehan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie McNally was attacked and stabbed to death on the 18th of December in her own home in Lurgan, she was 15 weeks pregnant. The Belfast Telegraph’s crime correspondent Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar to explain what we know about Natalie’s death.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crypto currencies have had a bad year but what exactly are they - the future of money, financial freedom or just an elaborate scam? Ciarán Dunbar sits down with Kurtis Reid to find out more about Bitcoin and other crypto and to find out more about the the 24-year-old from Newry who’s a member of the Bored Ape Yacht Club, an exclusive group that includes Madonna, Snoop Dogg, Justin Bieber and Eminem. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lord Lucan dramatically disappeared after the murder of his family’s nanny Sandra Rivett in 1974. The aristocrat vanished after Rivett’s murder and thus began decades of claimed sightings of the British aristocrat. Despite a global manhunt for Lord Lucan, he could not be found. Can could the latest sighting really be him?HOST: Fionnán Sheehan, GUEST: John DowningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How failures contributed to the death of a young Belfast Joseph Rainey died in 2013, 10 days after attempting to take his own life in Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre near Belfast. An inquest jury found that Prison Service and health trust errors or omissions contributed to the 20-year-old Belfast man’s death. Allison Morris interviews film maker Sean Murray about his short film, “My Name is Joseph”, the story of Joseph Raney’s life and death. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Denis Donaldson answered to former Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams, and was at the heart of the republican movement for 20 years. So, how did he manage to spy for so long for the British? The Bel Tel finds out. Host: Ciarán Dunbar. Guest: Belfast Telegraph Political Editor, Suzanne Breen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In February 2005, 25-year-old Lisa Dorrian went missing from a caravan park in Co Down and has never been seen again. Almost two decades on, her family and the PSNI are still searching for her body in the hope for answers and justice. They have only one suspect in mind as to who killed Lisa, and her sister Joanne reveals she has even spoken to him. Host: Niamh Campbell. Guests: Joanne Dorrian, Ciaran Barnes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Billy Wright, 'King Rat’, was gunned down inside the Maze maximum security prison. How did the INLA manage to get a gun inside the jail and what was the LVF’s bloody response? Host: Ciarán Dunbar. Guest: Belfast Telegraph security correspondent, Allison Morris. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year saw the death of the Queen and a major war in Europe. In Northern Ireland we have seen hitmen gunning down their victims in broad daylight. It’s all been very heavy, but we have also had a fair share of farce. Among which was that slap at the Oscars, Kanye West declaring his sympathy for Hitler and the Nazis, and of course there was Liz Truss. Host: Ciarán Dunbar. Guests: Eoin Brannigan, Allison Morris, Sam McBride and Gillian Halliday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rural Castlerock in 1991; Embroiled in a sordid affair, Hazel Stewart and Colin Howell plot the double murder of their spouses, disguising them as suicides. Their crimes would not be revealed until 19 years later, when a guilt-ridden Howell confessed and provided evidence against his ex-lover in trial. But is Hazel Stewart truly a cold and callous killer as some think she is portrayed? Or is there more than meets the eye to this former Sunday school teacher?Host: Niamh Campbell. Guests: Allison Morris, Dan Keenan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2002 the IRA walked into a Belfast PSNI station and walked out with the secret security files they were looking for. Who planned it and why? There was huge interest in this podcast when first published in May 2022.Host: Ciarán Dunbar. Guest: Belfast Telegraph security correspondent, Allison Morris. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He was a millionaire by 30, but Sean Quinn's rise and fall is documented in a new book, which looks at his many investments, and how nothing, not even an ancient fairy fort, could get in the way of his plans. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guest: Trevor Birney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland was partitioned in 1921 when most of the island left the UK to form the Irish Free State. Six Counties of the north-east immediately left to form Northern Ireland and to continue in Union. The majority have voted to stay in the UK ever since, but many nationalists want a referendum on the border. Prof Colin Harvey is Professor of Human Rights Law in Queens, he makes the case for Irish unity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Northern Ireland is come into existence on the the 3rd of May 1921 and Ireland as it was to that point, is partitioned. Most of the island became the Irish Free State but Northern Ireland continued to be a part of the United Kingdom. Lee Reynolds, a former advisor to Arlene Foster, a former Director of Policy for the DUP, and the Northern Ireland Director for the Vote Leave campaign, is the expert witness making the case for the Union. See 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Northern Ireland’s gangland bloodletting continues with the latest hit has claiming the life of a man in Newry. Mark Lovell was shot up to 15 times by gunmen who had been lying in wait outside his home in the Carnagat area. Sources in Newry predict a blood bath as revenge is sought for his death. Sharon O’Neill and Brett Campbell join Ciarán Dunbar to discuss the bad blood on the border.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ballymena company Wrightbus collasped in 2019, now the Department for the Economy’s Insolvency service is taking a civil action against 14 people over alleged unfit conduct as directors And, in yet another twist, Green Pastures, the evangelical mega-church founded by Jeff Wright, is being taken to court by the administrators of the bus company. Host: Ciarán Dunbar. Guests: Margaret Canning and Andrew Madden. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the night of 3 December 2012, Belfast City Council took a vote which led to instant protests. The union flag had flown every single day from City Hall for over one hundred years, but now Nationalist and Alliance councillors voted to fly it on only 18 so-called designated days a year. The reaction was immediate, passionate, and sometimes violent. Host: Ciarán Dunbar. Guest: Allison Morris. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.