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The BelTel

The BelTel

844 episodes — Page 4 of 17

Noah Donohoe Inquest: Close friend says teenager “was going through something”

The Noah Donohoe inquest has heard evidence from one of his friends, Charlie Rocks. 14-year-old Noah’s remains were found in a storm drain in North Belfast almost six-years ago. Mr Rocks said it was “clear Noah was going through something before he went missing” but he never appeared to be depressed. He also said Noah had never expressed an interest over storm drains prior to his disappearance. The jury was also shown footage of Noah cycling the day he went missing. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Liam Tunney, who is covering the inquest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 27, 202615 min

Noah Donohoe inquest: Jury hears from friends and teachers

The inquest into the death of 14-year-old schoolboy Noah Donohoe is continuing in Belfast.    Noah’s remains were found in a storm drain in North Belfast almost six-years ago.   He had been missing from his home in south belfast for six-days.    The jury has been hearing evidence from his friends and head teacher.   Liam Tunney was at the inquest.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 26, 202613 min

Carrickfergus UDA enforcer Colin Simms looks for new patch in 'Ards

Sources say UDA enforcer Colin Simms is offering his services beyond his native South-East Antrim and is trying to get out of Carrickfergus. But UDA brigadiers want £10,000 up front before they take him on – despite Simms bringing a substantial criminal contact book with him.  The Sunday World’s Richard Sullivan reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 26, 202622 min

Derry man gets jail for putting father’s body in fridge

In a case which shocked the city, a 56-year-old Londonderry man has been jailed for preventing the lawful burial of his father. Bizarrely, John Garrett O'Sullivan of Culmore Road, had kept his father’s body in a fridge for days. Noel O'Sullivan, who was 86, died in July 2024, but the exact date and cause of death could not be verified. John Garrett O'Sullivan, who has a PhD but has never had a job or claimed benefits, pleaded guilty. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by court reporter, George Jackson. [Warning – some listeners may find some parts of this podcast disturbing]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 23, 202617 min

Noah Donohoe Inquest: Jury hears Fiona Donohoe's evidence

The inquest into the death of Noah Donohoe is underway in Belfast. Noah Donohoe’s body was found in a storm drain in north Belfast on June 27, 2020, six days after the St Malachy’s College student went missing. The jury has been played the recording of the phone call Noah’s mother Fiona Donohoe made to police on the evening he went missing and has heard her pre-recorded evidence. She said: Noah had been crying in his bedroom the day he left home Mother Fiona Donohue had “extreme concerns about his mental health”  She questioned if son's life could have been saved if 'right steps' taken by police   Belfast Telegraph reporter Liam Tunney is covering the proceedings.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 22, 202616 min

Unionist 'unity' - could it ever happen and what does it mean?

Jon Burrows is taking the leadership of the UUP unopposed after current deputy leader Robbie Butler confirmed that he would not be standing. Current party leader Mike Nesbitt has also said that any decision to replace him as health minister would “perhaps raise questions”. The DUP’s Gavin Robinson has wasted no time - invited his rival for talks, telling him to “set aside issues of the past” - but could ‘unionist unity’ ever really happen? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Unionist commentators Tim Cairns and Alex Kane and Belfast Telegraph’s Northern Ireland Editor Sam McBride.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 20, 202646 min

Northern Ireland and ‘Nazi Tinder’: Single, lonely, and looking to ‘breed white’

The right-wing dating site Whitedate.net, dubbed the ‘Nazi Tinder’, has dozens of members across Ireland. But only one of them mentions love as a motivation, many mention the need to “breed” for the “white race”. The site’s thousands of profiles were leaked online after a hack. A lonely Belfast man said he was looking for a “lady who has never been soiled by other races” and “a bride willing to have children, in order to stop the destruction of our people.” Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Kurtis Reid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 19, 202625 min

Former PSNI detective says Fermanagh girl Kelly Lynch’s death warrants murder investigation

On St Patrick’s Day 2024, Gardaí made a grim discovery, the body of a young woman in a canal just outside Monaghan town. She was 23-year-old Kelly Marie Lynch, originally from County Fermanagh. A former PSNI detective who has investigated a number of prominent murders, including the 2020 killing of Katie Simpson by Jonathan Creswell, believes Kelly Lynch’s case should be upgraded to a murder investigation. Host: Fionnán Sheehan Guest: Catherine Fegan & James Brannigan  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 17, 202626 min

Enniskillen Bombing: Reports claim female who ‘led’ massacre living a ‘comfortable life’ in Fermanagh

A woman identified by Garda as the Enniskillen bombing IRA commander is living an ‘ordinary life’ in Fermanagh – reports have claimed. Twelve people died in the massacre which took place during a Remembrance Day service in 1987. Relatives of the victims, including Stephen Gault, who lost his father and was injured in the attack, say they are sickened by the allegation.   David O’Dornan spoke to Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 16, 202629 min

Allison Morris: NI teens shocked to find out AI has 'nudified' them

Northern Ireland women say they are shocked after finding out their clothing was removed from legitimate photographs taken when they were children. The PSNI are investigating allegations artificial intelligence software was used to remove teenagers’ clothing. The story comes to light as the UK plans a law to make it illegal to create non-consensual intimate images.  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph’s crime correspondent, Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 14, 202627 min

Barristers strike means delays for victims, but lawyers say they have no choice

Northern Ireland’s criminal defence barristers are on indefinite strike over pay.  The move will exacerbate delays in a system already notorious for how slowly it can operate but the lawyers say they have been left with no option.  Justice Minister Naomi Long says the strike is unnecessary and will have a "devastating impact on the justice system, particularly for victims".  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by criminal defence barristers, Michael Forde and Aoife Macauley, who put forward their case. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 12, 202628 min

Steve Bannon's plan for Irish MAGA movement - could it happen?

A former trusted adviser of US president Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, gave an interview to Politico, where he claimed that we are "going to have an Irish MAGA, and we’re going to have an Irish Trump”. Making it clear that some elements of the alt-right movement have set their sights on Ireland. Bannon’s statement begs a number of questions, such as how exactly would he and other MAGA influencers pull this off?  Tabitha Monahan is joined by Declan Lynch and Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 10, 202622 min

The UK and Europe in turmoil as Trump goes after the oil

After the abduction of the Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro the US now openly seeks to dominate the western hemisphere and to control its wealth. JD Vance says the US will now control Venezuela’s natural resources for its own benefit. Now the White house is considering seizing Greenland by force leaving Europe in a very awkward place.    Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Danish journalist Tom Carstensen and by former journalist and RAF reservist Michael Cairns to discuss the impact on Europe.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 8, 202629 min

Secret files reveal government wooing of UDA terror chiefs

UK government policy says it does talk to terrorists - but it was directly meeting loyalist ‘brigadiers’ - newly declassified files reveal. Revelations revealed in this year’s batch of files include that whilst the Government claimed not be talking to terrorists, they were happy to meet the UDA’s leadership in their capacity as so-called 'brigadiers’, how continuing IRA activity held back the peace process and who the DUP wanted to become a Lord.  Sam McBride joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 7, 202634 min

DUP’s Phillip Brett: "Nigel and Dianne Dodds were my political mum and dad"

At 34, Phillip Brett is one of Stormont’s younger MLAs and the North Belfast Assembly man has seen his profile grow since being elected to Stormont in 2022. He says much of his politics has been shaped by his close relationship with Nigel and Dianne Dodds, who he calls his ‘political mum and dad’. Philip Brett’s family life was torn asunder when his 19-year-old brother Gavin was murdered by the UDA in 2001 – he says he wants justice for his mum.  In an exclusive interview with The BelTel podcast, the MLA joined Ciarán Dunbar in the studio to talk politics, ambition and the work involved in being an MLA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 5, 202642 min

The murder of Pearl Gamble and the man who was hanged for it

The morning after a dance in a Newry Orange hall, 19-year-old Pearl Gamble’s body is found at the end of a trail of blood. Suspicion immediately falls on 25-year-old Robert McGladdery, known locally for his predatorial behaviour. Less than a year later, McGladdery is the last man to be hanged on the island of Ireland. Historian Joe Baker and Charlie McSherry, a neighbour of Pearl Gamble, join Ciarán Dunbar to tell the story of her vicious murder. This podcast was first broadcast in February 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 2, 202627 min

Martin O’Hagan: The LVF murder of Sunday World journalist and the struggle for justice

Martin O’Hagan was a former IRA prisoner who eventually rejected violence and became an investigative reporter with the Sunday World. He was murdered by the LVF in Lurgan on 28th of September 2001. No-one has ever been convicted of the killing. The National Union of Journalists wants an independent inquiry into the killing and the subsequent investigation into it.  Ciarán Dunbar is by joined by Anton McCabe, Seamus Dooley, and by Jim McDowell, Martin O’Hagan’s editor at the Sunday World.This episode was first broadcast in November 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 31, 202530 min

The time the Stickies went to North Korea

North Korea is one of the world’s most secretive states – known for its dictators who are treated like gods and an iron-clad grip on their citizens. Back in 1988, six members of the Official IRA made their way to North Korea to receive state of the art training – some were expelled from the country after a drunken brawl. The unusual alliance came as secretary general of the Irish Workers Party, Sean Garland, allegedly laundered millions of fake dollars for the Kim dynasty. Olivia Peden is joined by journalist and author John Sweeney, who has visited the strange nation.This podcast was originally published in February 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 29, 202526 min

McIlroy’s masters win, boxing success, and NI wins the World Cup... Northern Ireland’s top 15 2025 Sport moments

2025 was a platinum year for Northern Ireland’s sport superstars, from winning Premier League medals to securing world titles. Rory McIlroy finally got his hands on the green jacket, Lewis Crocker upset the odds to win the IBF Welterweight World title at Windsor Park, and Northern Ireland won its first ever World Cup... as Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney took home the glory of the 2025 PDC world cup.  To count down Northern Ireland’s top 15 Sporting Moments of 2025, Keith Bailie is joined by Belfast Telegraph chief sportswriter Steven Beacom and reporter Niamh Campbell.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 26, 202550 min

The DJ Carey Story EP 3: The Con Collapses

DJ Carey said he was fighting for his life, but the truth was far more shocking. We ask how one of hurling’s greatest heroes went from legend to scandal, and what the courts would say as the law eventually caught up with him.Host: Kevin Doyle.              Guests: Noel Tynan, Amy Molloy, Niamh Horan and Colm Keys Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 24, 202531 min

The DJ Carey Story EP 2: The Cancer Lies

When DJ Carey told people he had cancer, few questioned him — after all, he was a national treasure. But was DJ really sick, or spinning a story for sympathy and money? One man tells of his story of how he was duped by DJ Carey.Host: Kevin Doyle   Guests: Noel Tynan and Amy Molloy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 23, 202527 min

The DJ Carey Story EP 1: The Sports Star

He conquered the hurling field, but off it DJ Carey was playing a far darker game. This is the story of a national icon who fooled everyone — until the truth caught up with him. In this special series from the Indo Daily, we trace the rise of a sporting icon whose lies, deception and downfall proved even heroes can crumble.Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Colm Keys, Amy Molloy and Niamh Horan  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 22, 202529 min

The murder of Denis Donaldson – a mystery that just gets murkier

Allison Morris explains what we know about the death of the British informer at the heart of Sinn Féin, Denis Donaldson, who was murdered in April 2006. No-one has ever been convicted of the murder and Donaldson’s family rejects a claim by the Real IRA that they did it. But whilst much of this story remains a mystery, further details have emerged.  Guest: Allison Morris, Host: Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 19, 202537 min

‘Ulster-Scots a wealth denied, and Britishness not valued as it was’: Lee Reynolds

Lee Reynolds is Northern Ireland's first Commissioner for the Ulster-Scots and the Ulster-British tradition.  The Coleraine man is a former DUP special advisor, Belfast city councillor and he’s the man who coordinated the campaign for Brexit in Northern Ireland.     What does the role entail?  What is Mr Reynold’s vision?  And what changes can people expect to see, and hear?  Lee Reynolds joined Ciarán Dunbar in the studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 17, 202530 min

Dave Rupert: The Chicago trucker recruited by the FBI to spy on IRA

Dave Rupert, a six and half foot tall, middle-aged trucker from Chicago, with no Irish links. Rupert was a tourist who enjoyed a pint and through a series of chance events became a trusted republican insider and then an agent working for the FBI. How did an American man with no background in republicanism end up living a double life as part of the Real IRA Army council, and why did its leader Mickey McKevitt believe him? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Abdon Pallasch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 15, 202535 min

NI Artist Colin Davidson on painting the late Queen, the Troubles and his most important work

Belfast man Colin Davidson is one of Ireland’s most celebrated painters. Queen Elizabeth II, Bono, Ed Sheeran and Seamus Heaney are among the host of famous faces to have sat for him. Yet the Belfast-born painter regards his greatest work as a series of 18 portraits, which he did for free. In his new book, titled ‘Twelve paintings: Conversations with Mark Carruthers’ the NI artist speaks to BBC Journalist about 12 of his key works about why he does what he does. Belfast Telegraph's Northern Ireland Editor Sam McBride is joined by Colin Davidson and Mark Carruthers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 13, 202556 min

‘Media amplifies opposition to Irish language’: Newly appointed Irish Language Commissioner

The newly appointed Irish Language Commissioner says the Irish language is not controversial and that opposition to it is “amplified” by the media. Dr Pól Deeds also said he couldn’t think of an example of language “weaponisation”. Unionist opposition to the language has long been justified as legitimate due to “weaponisation” of Irish by republicans.  Dr Deeds spoke to the BelTel’s Ciarán Dunbar in a wide-ranging interview.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 12, 202527 min

Scappaticci / Stakeknife’s extraordinary relationship with army revealed

The long-awaited report on the activities of IRA double agent ‘Stakeknife’, Freddie Scappaticci, has now been released. The investigation, which cost close to £48 million and took eight years, has revealed new details, despite not naming Scappaticci as Stakeknife. It reveals details of security forces confirming that the Stakeknife operation probably cost more lives than it saved and established. that Scappaticci ‘volunteered interest in helping security forces’. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Allison Morris and Kurtis Reid.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 9, 202532 min

Disappeared commission chief on the search for the dead

Four victims of the Troubles - all believed to be victims of the IRA, remain missing. The so-called ‘Disappeared’, people murdered and secretly buried by republicans have long been searched for but the remains of Columba McVeigh, Joe Lynskey, Robert Nairac and Seamus Maguire have yet to be found. A new search for Seamus Maguire is planned for the spring. The body responsible for finding them is the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains – informally known as the Disappeared Commission. The body is headed by former Garda Eamonn Henry, he joined Ciarán Dunbar on the BelTel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 8, 202527 min

The UDA's deadly attack on Dublin Airport, 50 years on

50 years ago, on November 29, 1975, the UDA attacked Dublin Airport, leading to the death of a baggage handler. The tragedy has been largely forgotten by the wider public over the last five decades. However, for those who still seek answers it is as pressing as ever.     Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Brendan Hayes   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 6, 202519 min

'Republicans' threaten elected politicians

A criminal investigation has been launched after a group of masked and armed men issued threats where they described politicians in the Newry area as “legitimate targets”. In the video, the three masked men, who are shown holding what looks like firearms, say they are members of the ‘New Republican Movement’. One of the masked men accuses local politicians of ‘flooding our communities with undocumented military age men’, before hitting out at the supposed ‘sexual indoctrination’ of children. Olivia Peden is joined by Allison Morris.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 5, 202522 min

People Before Profit's Gerry Carroll outlines his vision of socialism

People before Profit has one MLA in Stormont – Gerry Carroll. But the west Belfast man, known for his pro-Palestinian views and critiques of capitalism, has a high profile. People before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll spoke to Ciarán Dunbar about what he thinks a socialist Ireland would look like, his views on a border poll, and his views on immigration and the far right.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 3, 202542 min

Danny Morrison on 'inevitable' united Ireland, Gerry Adams, and Stormont

Danny Morrison was once Sinn Féin’s publicity director - well-known for the phrase ‘a ballot box in one hand and an Armalite in the other’. Now, he’s no longer involved in front-line politics and is better known as a writer. His latest work is an updated memoir entitled ‘All the Dead voices’, which was originally released in 2002. Danny Morrison joined Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 1, 202536 min

Would a nine-county Northern Ireland have survived?

Northern Ireland is six counties. But the province of Ulster was – and is – made up of nine counties – all including Ulster Protestants. As partition loomed, Unionists chose six counties and demographic dominance over nine counties with a much smaller protestant majority. But what if Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan remained in the UK? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Samuel Beckton, author of ‘The Unbroken Covenant: Could Ulster Unionists have controlled a nine-county Northern Ireland, 1920-1945'.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 29, 202526 min

Julian Simmons on WW3 and Alien invasions, missing 'the old UTV', and losing his mum

Julian Simmons is a Northern Ireland broadcasting legend, best known for his colourful introductions to soaps on UTV. Although continuity was axed on the Channel during covid, Julian is still adored by the public, now swapping the tv studio for DJ decks and much more. But despite his bright plans for the future, Simmons says he fears that a comet coming through earth’s solar system could put humanity to an end. Julian Simmons talks with Ciarán Dunbar about his illustrious career, his childhood, and his thoughts on an alien visit to earth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 28, 202531 min

"It looks like a youth club": The open prison that lets NI’s most violent men roam free

Burren House is a part of Northern Ireland’s prison system that many of us have never heard of. It’s a pre-release open prison – supposedly intended to prepare murderers, sex offenders and others for release back into our communities. Some of the 25 criminals held in Burren House include serial sex attacker Tom Ward and former academic Gerry O’Kane, who stabbed his wife to death in a jealous rage. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sunday Life’s Ciaran Barnes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 26, 202523 min

Socialist vigilantes linked to pipe-bomb attacks on west Belfast far right

Members of a vigilante group targeting far-right activists have been blamed for pipe bomb attacks in west Belfast. Sources say the group, which calls itself the Socialist Republican Front, is leaving viable devices close to the homes of people they claim are connected to far-right organisations.  Ciarán Dunbar joined by Belfast Telegraph security correspondent, Allison Morris.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 24, 202526 min

Enoch Burke jailed again: Who is funding his crusade?

Enoch Burke and his family have been a recurring fixture in Irish media for the past three years. What began as a workplace dispute over his objection to transgenderism, has spiraled into a protracted and costly legal saga, one that has already seen him spend more than 500 days in jail for contempt of court. Now, he is set to return to Mountjoy once again - his fourth stint behind bars. It’s starting to feel like a never-ending story. So, how might this saga ultimately conclude? And who is financing the Burkes’ evangelical campaign? Host: Tessa Fleming. Guests: Shane Phelan and Cónal Thomas  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 22, 202524 min

Presbyterian Church mired in controversy as PSNI launch criminal investigation

The PSNI has is probing safeguarding failures in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. It comes after the church’s moderator Trevor Gribben quit citing ‘serious and significant failings’ in safeguarding from 2009 to 2022, including concerns over a pedophile teacher who was a voluntary youth group leader in the church. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by The Belfast Telegraph’s Brett Campbell and the Sunday Life’s Angela Davison.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 21, 202538 min

BelTel Politics: The BBC, Stormont and a toxic environment for women

Stormont has celebrated its first 10,000 days, but is it struggling with continuing political toxicity? As the UUP’s only mayor says she has faced extreme sexism, is politics getting rougher for women? And, the BBC say they are ‘determined’ to fight Donald Trump in court, but what next for the corporation. To talk about the week in politics, Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Journalist and commentator Aoife Moore and former Stormont head of communications Michael Cairns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 19, 202536 min

The Anglo-Irish Agreement (Part Three): The ‘game-changer’ which lead to the Good Friday Agreement

Despite the protests and the anger of unionists, the Anglo-Irish Agreement endured under superseeded by the GFA. Some see it as a key factor in attracting Sinn Féin into the political process and by many as a vital factor in convincing unionism that it would have to concede to power-sharing with nationalists.  Ciarán Dunbar spoke to Professor Fergal Cochran, to Unionist commentator Alex Kane, to Professor Graham Walker, and to Dr. Peter McLaughlin to discuss the long-term legacy and consequences of the Anglo-Irish Agreement.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 17, 202521 min

The Anglo-Irish Agreement (Part Two): ‘Ulster Says No’ - mass protests erupt over ‘evil document’

Unionists felt that Margaret Thatcher was someone they could trust so when she signed the Anglo-Irish Agreement giving Dublin the right to be consulted over NI, unionists felt utterly betrayed and they were outraged. The UUP leader Jim Molyneax even called it an “an evil document.” Tens of thousands of unionists took to the streets of Belfast, a day forever remembered due to the DUP leader Ian Paisley’s “never, never, never” speech.  Professor Fergal Cochrane, Alex Kane, Professor Graham Walker, and Dr. Peter McLaughlin explain what happens when the Anglo-Irish Agreement is revealed and why.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 16, 202522 min

The Anglo-Irish Agreement (Part One): Why did Thatcher give Dublin a role in NI?

The Hunger Strikes had led to a surge in support for Republicanism and in October 1984, Margaret Thatcher herself, narrowly escaped death in the Brighton bombing. Her intelligence chiefs were clear; they weren’t going to defeat the IRA by purely military and security means – she decided something had to be done. Meanwhile in Dublin, fears over the rise of Sinn Féin and frustration with a lack of progress in advancing nationalists’ interests led to an openness to fresh ideas. The stage was set for secret talks which led to the Anglo-Irish Agreement, signed on the 15 November 1985. Ulster’s Unionists were outraged by what they saw as a betrayal. What was the background to the agreement, why was it so controversial, and what did it really involve? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Professor Fergal Cochrane, commentator, Alex Kane, Professor Graham Walker, and Dr. Peter McLaughlin.    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 14, 202530 min

Eamonn Holmes in his own words: "The HMRC came after me... at the most vulnerable time in my life"

“I’m still working because the thieving HMRC came after me...  at the most vulnerable time in my life,” Eamonn Holmes has revealed to the BelTel.  He spoke to Ciarán Dunbar about his tax troubles, Donald Trump, working for GB News and growing up in the New Lodge area of Belfast.  The GB News presenter is currently touring Northern Ireland with his one man show, ‘This Is My Life’.  He joined Ciarán Dunbar in the studio.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 11, 202546 min

'Marianne Smyth will never stop scamming' - Con-hunter opens up about being tricked by 'Queen of Con'

Jonathan Walton describes himself as a ‘con-hunter’ but that’s not what he set out to be. The tv producer turned vigilante after he was scammed by con artist Marianne Smyth, the so-called ‘Queen of Con’. Over several years he had handed his supposed best friend Smyth, who claimed to be an Irish heiress, over $100,000. She was a lifelong con-artist, using a range of strategies, lies and aliases – posing as Jennifer Anniston, becoming a satanic priestess, claiming to be on the IRA’s army council, pretending to have cancer. Smyth was sentenced in September to 4 years in jail at Downpatrick crown court as it was revealed that she had scammed over £100,000 from people in Northern Ireland.  Jonathan Walton has written a book on his experience with the fraudster. It’s called ‘ Anatomy of a Con Artist: The 14 Red Flags to Spot Scammers, Grifters, and Thieves and is host of the hit podcast Queen of the Con, he joined Ciarán Dunbar on the BelTel.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 10, 202539 min

'Wicked, callous and evil liar' jailed after promising to donate kidney over Facebook

An east Belfast woman has been jailed after promising to donate a kidney over Facebook. Nicola Hutton reached out to Billy and Joanne Cullen over social media after Billy’s diagnosis of a serious disease. A stranger to the couple, Hutton continued to keep in contact with them to assure that she was a match and the transplant process was underway – but in reality, she had never intended to hand over the organ. Hutton has now been sentenced to five months in prison. Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Kurtis Reid.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 7, 202522 min

BelTel Politics: Givan defiant, Greek signs in Belfast, and toilet flooder wreaks havoc at Stormont

Stormont Education Minister Paul Givan has been the focus of attention and anger over his visit to Israel. The UUP have lost a councillor, Linzi McLaren resigned her seat and quit the party citing concerns over Irish language policy and the absence of female voices. Plans are afoot to install street signage in Greek, Mandarin and Hebrew in Belfast – but will it actually happen? And finally, who keeps trying to flood Stormont?  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by commentators Tim Cairns and Ursula Savage to discuss the week in NI politics.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 4, 202535 min

Fethard-on-Sea: The boycott of Protestants which scandalised Ireland and its link to Ian Paisley

The Fethard-on-Sea Boycott was a notorious event in Irish history. In 1957, Sheila Cloney, the Protestant wife of a Catholic farmer, fled her home with her children.  Associates of Ian Paisley hid Sheila and her children in Belfast before eventually getting them to Scotland. Sheila Cloney left the Wexford village after refusing to bow to the demands of the local Catholic clergy to educate her daughter as Catholics. In response, the priests launched a boycott of Fethard's Protestant shopkeepers and farmers.  Tim Fanning tells Ciarán Dunbar the story of Sheila Cloney of the boycott of Protestants in Fethard-on-Sea.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 3, 202528 min

Maura Lyons: The Rev Ian Paisley and the 15-year-old “abducted” from west Belfast

 The Rev Ian Paisley rose to prominence as the face of hardline unionism but the first time some would have heard of him would have been in connection with Maura Lyons. In 1956, the west Belfast teenager was smuggledto Scotland by members of the Free Presbyterian Church. She was a 15-year-old Catholic girl who converted to Free Presbyterianism, in the face of the strong objections of her family. They accused the Rev Ian Paisley of “abduction”. At one point, he gathered his supporters in the Ulster Hall to listen to a recording of Maura’s voice at the Ulster Hall, renouncing her Catholic faith as a “religion of fear and dread”.  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by journalist Malachi O’Doherty, who grew up in west Belfast.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 31, 202527 min

BelTel Politics: LucidTalk, border poll criteria and a northern look at Irish Presidential election

The latest BelTel / LucidTalk polling reveals Sinn Féin keep the top spot as both the DUP and UUP see a slight boost in popularity, but the trend is worrying for Alliance. But Almost half of unionists say they would vote for Reform UK.  And as talk of a border poll refuses to go away, most people want to know what exactly the criteria for calling one would be. And finally, as Catherine Connolly wins the presidential elections down south, the polling reveals how NI voters would have voted. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Journalist Aoife Moore and political commentator Alex Kane.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 28, 202537 min