The BelTel

Incoming US Vice President JD Vance is a self-professed ‘Scots-Irish Hillbilly’. He first made waves in US politics with his best selling memoir ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ on his poor upbringing, which was later adapted into a film. How did JD Vance get from the Applachians to the White house, what does he have to do with Ulster Scots, and how important is the Ulster Scots community in the US? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by director of the Clinton Institute for American Studies at University College Dublin, Professor Liam Kennedy.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Belfast Telegraph’s political editor Suzanne Breen joins Ciarán Dunbar with her analysis of Belfast Telegraph’s LucidTalk polling, including a recent dip in support for Michelle O’Neill among recent Sinn Féin controversies and Unionist support for DUP ministers’ meetings with Loyalist paramilitary representatives.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Police Ombudsman says the PSNI investigation into the death of Katie Simpson was “flawed and failed her family”. The 21-year-old died in hospital a week after an incident where her sister’s partner, Jonathan Creswell, claimed to have found her mid-suicide attempt. In reality, he had repeatedly attacked her. Police failed to question Katie’s death, despite Creswell’s violent history and physical signs of abuse on her body. He was later charged with her murder but took his life one day into the trial earlier this year. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the making of a film ironically titled ‘A Landscape of Lies’, Newry born actress Aoife Madden was joined by a wealthy Iraqi businessman to try their hand at making it on the big screen. But what appeared as a lifelong dream was really all about conning investors and the tax man out of millions. Madden (the niece of Sinn Fein Finance minister Conor Murphy) was part of a team which scammed HMRC £2.8 million to produce a movie which she falsely promised to have a star-studded cast. Kurtis Reid joins Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ex-Sinn Féin press officer Michael McMonagle have been sentenced to nine months in custody for child sex offences. In one incident, he believed he was chatting online to a 12-year-old girl, who was actually a police decoy. The 42-year-old previously pleaded guilty to 14 charges. The case was one of a series of controversies which rocked Sinn Féin in recent months. Andrew Madden reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Enniskillen Bomb in November 1987 sent shockwaves across the world. An IRA bomb at a Remembrance Day service in the town killed 11 civilians, including three married couples. 63 people were injured, and a twelfth victim died after being in a coma for 13 years because of his injuries. No one has ever been convicted of the attack. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by former editor of the Impartial Reporter and author of ‘Enniskillen: The Remembrance Sunday Bombing’ Denzil McDaniel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has resoundingly won the US Presidency. He is now the oldest person to win the presidency, the only convicted felon to do so, and the only won to have incited an insurrection. But not of that matters now – the American people have spoken. How did the night play out, how surprised are we, and what does it mean for Northern Ireland and the Republic? Keith Bailie, Brett Campbell, Margaret Canning and Olivia Peden join Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Loughinisland is a small parish in Co. Down. Its name has become synonymous with the infamous Loughinisland Massacre, when six were killed by the UVF in a pub while watching Ireland play Italy in the 1994 World Cup. Trevor Birney helped make a documentary about the murders – but in 2018, he was arrested by PSNI over material used in the film, alongside his colleague Barry Mccaffrey. Six years later, they’re at the center of a major tribunal against the authorities over keeping surveillance of local Journalists. He joins Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alf McCreary walked into the Belfast Telegraph on September 1, 1964 – and asked for a job. 60 years on, he's still writing for the paper. Alf’s career has given him many insights into our society and its divisions. He charted the evolution of the Rev Ian Paisley, and he wrote a biography of Gordon Wilson, whose daughter Marie was killed in the Enniskillen bombing.   He spoke to Ciarán Dunbar about his life in journalism.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UVF began the 1970s with a campaign to cleans Catholics and Catholic owned businesses from Protestant dominated areas. With the IRA’s campaign at its height, the UVF moved from targeting nationalist and moderate political figures to simple sectarian murder – many of its victims just teenagers. By the mid-70s a notorious group emerged from the UVF which brought the savagery of the troubles to a new level – the Shankill Butchers. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by author and historian Aaron Edwards.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back in 1995, Fr Michael Kennedy took to the pulpit in Dungarvan, County Waterford to give his Sunday sermon. He warned locals that an “Angel of Death” was in their midst killing vulnerable men. What ensued sparked a global sensation.Host: Dave Hanratty, Guest: Ellen Coyne Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexander McCartney, from Newry, is one of the most prolific paedophile ‘catfishes’ the world has seen to date. A Judge said his crimes of “sadism and depravity” were “on a par with murder”. His actions led to the death of an innocent little girl, Cimarron Thomas, and subsequently, her father. Kurtis Reid was in court. Just a note to say – some listeners might find the contents of the episode of the BelTel disturbing.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The word ‘Incel’ is short for ‘involuntarily celibate’. They’re primarily men, who believe they’re doomed to be alone, blaming society, women, and sometimes themselves for their isolation. The explosion of the ‘Incel’ community online has led to multiple forums, chats and groups based on their beliefs, which have led to disastrous consequences. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph’s Kurtis Reid and Olivia Peden, who went undercover on one of these forums.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Kinahan cartel is Ireland’s most powerful crime gang, and one half of its most notorious gang war. After a failed hit on boss Daniel Kinahan, the cartel recruited a team of killers to retaliate against the Hutch gang. One of the men they hired was Estonian Imre ‘The Butcher’ Arakas – but the eccentric hitman was soon caught. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by crime editor with the Irish Sun and co-author of ‘Kinahan Assassins’, Stephen Breen, to tell the story of the Kinahan-Hutch feud, its victims and its hitmen.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sinn Féin controversies snowball as party member resigns after a portrait is damaged in Belfast City. Is the party suffering from a media pile-on before an election or a self-inflicted meltdown caused by a lack of professionalism? All this just before an election – one which might feature well-known crime figure Gerry ‘the Monk’ Hutch. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Dublin based news reporter Gráinne Ní Aodha and commentator and politics lecturer David McCann to talk politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Samuel ‘Uel’ Cooke was a prolific UVF hitman. Connected to at least six murders, including the killing of IRA Chief Brendan ‘Ruby’ Davison, his most heinous deed was the murder of innocent 26-year-old Catholic Anne-Marie Smyth. She had been attending a concert in east Belfast before being lured to a nearby house, where she was brutally beaten and killed by a UVF-led gang. Cooke died this month, aged 59. Sunday Life’s Ciaran Barnes joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On 24th March 1922, five men dressed in RIC police uniforms broke into the north Belfast home of well-known Catholic publican Owen McMahon. The men shoot and kill McMahon, along with four of his sons, and an employee of the family. What happened next changed the course of history on the Island of Ireland. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by historian and author Dr Edward Burke to explain why the murders changed so much.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mary Lou McDonald has been accused of orchestrating an “elaborate cover-up” after admitting didn’t divulge why former Sinn Féin senator Niall Ó Donnghaile resigned from the Seanad. The former Belfast Lord Mayor has now admitted he had resigned over inappropriate texts to a teen. What will all of this mean for the Republic’s looming election?  Ciarán Dunbar joined by the Irish Independent’s political editor – Philip Ryan.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the past six weeks, four women have been killed in NI, bringing this year’s total of alleged femicides up to six. At the time of recording, a further two deaths from this weekend are under investigation. Why is femicide so high in Northern Ireland, how does the PSNI deal with domestic violence here, and can anything be done? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Allison Morris.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the 13 October 1994, six weeks after the IRA announced a ‘complete cessation’, the Loyalist paramilitary groups declared their ceasefires. The UVF’s Gusty Spence announced loyalist violence was over, in a step that is seen as one of the vital steps towards a lasting peace in Northern Ireland. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by former PUP leader Billy Hutchinson, Historian Aaron Edwards, and journalists Allison Morris, Mark Simpson, and Vincent Kearney.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 people died in the 2017 Manchester Bombing, and over a thousand were injured. Former TV producer Richard Hall has been in court for allegedly harassing victims of the bombing to show that the event was an ‘elaborate hoax’. He believes that the bombing was staged, and the people involved were ‘crisis actors’. What are they, and why do so many people believe in them?Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast Telegraph journalist Kurtis Reid to find out why conspiracy theorists deny events like these.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michelle O’Neill faced the assembly and with the repeated use of the words “sorry” and “apologise” tried to extricate Sinn Féin from the mire of the Michael McMonagle controversy – is it enough? Claire Hanna has now officially taken charge of the SDLP, can she turn around the party’s fortunes? And does Mike Nesbitt have a similar task ahead of him as he returns to the UUP driving seat?   Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Suzanne Breen.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former-UDA man Jim Spence, who has always denied links with the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane, has sold his £275,000 house in West Belfast and fled to England. Billy ‘Beachball’ McCune, not believed to be a UDA member at all, has returned to his home stomping ground after making a deal with the UDA’s Jackie McDonald. Newtownards UDA boss Adrian Price has been in court following his failure to stop for a police checkpoint amidst a feud that ripped through North Down. The Sunday World’s Northern Editor, Richard Sullivan, reports on the recent dealings of this anarchic terror and crime group. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michelle O’Neill says she’s “aghast and horrified” that two Sinn Féin press officers, including their top spin doctor, gave references to a former colleague then under investigation for child sex offices – both have now resigned. Michael McMonagle has now plead guilty to 14 charges despite earlier denials and failing to turn up in court on two occasions. Sinn Féin suspended him as soon as they learned of the investigation, but he later gained employment with the British Heart Foundation, having provided the references. Guest: Sam McBride  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former First Minister Arlene Foster has been advertising herself as a renewable energy expert at a cost of more than £10,000 a day. The Belfast Telegraph went undercover to get a quote for her services, the agency said that hiring the Baroness for a full day would cost “in the region of £10,000”. The decision to advertise her as a ‘renewable energy expert’ comes as a surprise to many due to her involvement in the RHI scandal. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During the Troubles, Republicans ‘disappeared’ 17 people - murdering them, and secretly burying them. But the Provisional IRA and the INLA were not the first republicans, or indeed combatants in Ireland, to use this method, it started long before the Troubles.   Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc has spent over a decade researching the fate of ‘the disappeared’ and how this phenomenon came about . He joined Ciarán Dunbar.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A cruise ship which has been docked in Belfast for four months has been facing repeated faults, leaving 600 passengers stranded in Northern Ireland. Villa Vie Residences’ ship ‘Odyssey' gives passengers the chance to live full time on a cruise ship. Randy and Kit Cassingham sold their home to embark on the trip - they join Olivia Peden to give their opinions on Belfast, their first July marching season, and what they expect from life at sea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The LCC includes representatives of the UVF, UDA and the Red Hand Commando. A political row has developed following a decision by the DUP Education Minister Paul Givan to meet them. During that meeting the LCC demanded he halt plans to build an integrated Irish medium school in east Belfast. Supporters of ‘Scoil na Seolta’ say the language is for all, and so is the school. But for many loyalists, the school is unwanted, unneeded and unwelcome. Niamh Campbell told the story to Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As NI parties hold their annual conferences, Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Suzanne Breen to answer some of the big questions. How did Gavin Robinson perform at his first DUP conference as leader? What’s behind Nigel Farage’s snub of Jim Allister? Would Keir Starmer back a Sinn Féin-endorsed border poll?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NI is fascinated by Eamonn Holmes – and that’s a fact. The Belfast-born broadcaster regularly features as one of the top Google searches in the region, with stories featuring Holmes bringing in a large audience. Following his split from wife Ruth, the 64-year-old has been spotted hanging out with 42-year-old relationship counselor Katie Alexander. Ciarán Dunbar is joined Áine Toner to explain what the man clearly has.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All unionist politicians condemn the intimidation of East Belfast GAA but some voice concerns over the GAA in general and the allocation of a local pitch to the new club. Security alerts at the Henry Jones Playing Fields disrupt sport and life in the area on a regular basis. How and why was the club formed, why do some people have a problem with it, and who’s behind the intimidation? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Liam Tunney, and by TUV councillor, Ron McDowell.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Óglaigh na hÉireann’ means ‘young warriors of Ireland’. There are now fears that the struggle to claim the title and its history could spill over into violence in Belfast. The dissident republican group known as ‘ONH’ has split in to rival factions – with each side making bitter accusations against the other.  Belfast Telegraph security correspondent, Allison Morris, reports.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Top former BBC Journalist Huw Edwards has avoided prison despite pleading guilty to making indecent images of children. The man who was once the BBC’s most senior news presenter was given a suspended six-month prison sentence. He will also be placed on the sex offenders' register for seven years.  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by legal commentator Joshua Rozenberg to explain the sentence, which has divided the public.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last Troubles era prisoner has been released, but his victim’s family question if he is fit to return to society. Clifford McKeown was serving a minimum sentence of 24 years in Magilligan Prison for murdering taxi driver Michael McGoldrick in 1996. Mckeown shot the father-of-one as a twisted birthday gift to then Mid-Ulster UVF leader Billy Wright - ‘King Rat’. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sunday World’s Steven Moore. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UDA is promising to hit back after its North Antrim boss was attacked by rival loyalists. Marcus Boreland, who denies any links to criminality, was left with a snapped ankle after band supporters broke loose from a parade and attacked him with their flutes, following the brigade’s feud with a faction from a nearby village. The LCC has rejected police demands for a meeting after loyalist Dee Stitt was arrested over online comments on recent race-related violence – raising new questions over its relevance amongst loyalist circles. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by The Sunday Life’s Ciaran Barnes.    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arlene Arkinson was 15 years old the last time she was seen alive. She disappeared in August 1994 after leaving Castlederg in County Tyrone to attend a disco across the border. She was last seen with convicted sex offender Robert Howard, who was released without charge for her murder. Today it was announced that the Gardaí have started a new search for her body in Donegal. Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast Telegraph’s Andrew Madden  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

51 men have gone on trial in France, all accused of sexually assaulting the same woman over a 10-year period. 72-year-old Gisèle Pelicot has been subjected to a decade of abuse by men who are aged between 26 and 74 years old. Her husband has plead guilty to repeatedly drugging her and inviting men into their home to sexually abuse her. Gisèle’s decision to waive her anonymity in the case has sent shockwaves across the globe. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Paris based journalist Catherine Field.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and wife Eleanor have pleaded not guilty to all charges of historical sex offences against them. The court in Newy also heard Mrs Donaldson has lodged an application to have two of her five charges withdrawn. Liam Tunney reports.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Enoch Burke is back in Mountjoy prison after returning to the Christian Wilson’s Hospital School in Westmeath, despite being barred from the premises. His family and multiple international outlets say he is doing time because he’s a Christian standing up to the so-called woke ‘trans agenda’. Why exactly is Enoch Burke behind bars, and how much of his life could he end up spending there? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Journalist Shane Phelan, who has been following the story.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former nurse Lucy Letby is serving a whole life sentence for the murder of 7 babies and the attempted murder of 7 others. But now there are calls, including one from former Tory Brexit minister David Davis, for her case to be re-examined. Are there valid reasons to question the evidence against her and could the case be reopened?   Kevin Doyle is joined by legal journalist and commentator Joshua Rozenberg.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kingspan has been heavily criticised in the final report into the Grenfell disaster. 72 people died in the 2017 blaze. The report found Kingspan and two other firms engaged in a deliberate strategy to mislead the market about their products. The Irish company produced only 5% of the tower’s combustible foam but has been accused of “knowingly” misleading authorities about the results of tests done on the product. Kingspan sponsors Ulster Rugby and Cavan GAA.    Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Liam Tunney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Captain Nairac’ was an exceptional but eccentric British Army officer abducted and murdered by the IRA in May 1977. He was snatched from a pub car park in South Armagh – a place he had gone alone – posing as a Belfast Republican. A search is continuing for his body.  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Alistair Kerr, author of ‘Betrayal: The Murder of Robert Nairac GC’  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oasis fans across the island were left angry, disappointed and waiting in digital queues of nearly three-quarters of a million people, as they tried to buy tickets for the Gallagher brothers’ reunion tour dates, in Croke Park next August.    Many would-be concert-goers were offered standard ‘in demand’ tickets for sums reaching close to £500, leaving many accusing Ticketmaster of ‘price gouging’ and of touting their own concert tickets.     Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Tyrone man has lost over £12,000 in a cryptocurrency scam after an account claiming to be his friend roped him into what was a supposedly ‘low risk’ investment. Last year over 5,000 investment scams like this were reported to the PSNI – amounting to over £20 million. Olivia Peden is joined by Kurtis Reid, who spoke to a victim of crypto fraud.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 25 years of what it termed ‘Armed Struggle’ and the ‘Long War’ , the Provisional IRA called a “complete cessation of military operations” on 31st August 1994 – 30 years ago. By that stage, the organisation was responsible for the deaths of 1,700 people. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Journalists Brian Rowan and Allison Morris, Former Belfast Telegraph Editor Ed Curran and historian Fearghal Mac Bhloscaidh. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood is to step down as SDLP leader. He has backed South Belfast MP Claire Hanna to take over the leadership of the party. Colum Eastwood, who has been leader for 9 years, said the "moment has come to step aside".  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph’s Foyle reporter, Garrett Hargan.     Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Belfast Telegraph’s latest LucidTalk polling took Northern Ireland’s pulse on the levels of support for the parties, immigration and funding for the Casement Park rebuild. And after the resignation of Doug Beattie – is the UUP simply unleadable? Commentators David McCann and Sarah Creighton join Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

West Belfast greengrocer Harry Holland was murdered in September 2007. In an attempt to steal Harry Holland’s van, then 16-year-old Stephen McKee stabbed him in the head with a screwdriver, leaving the pensioner to die later in hospital. McKee was given 12 years behind bars for the murder but was eligible for pre-release back in 2016. To the relief of Harry Holland’s family, the now 33-year-old has been sent back to prison following his suspected involvement of ‘very serious’ reoffending. Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Secret papers revealed by the Belfast Telegraph suggest the civil service and government knew Iain Hay Gordon was innocent of the murder of Patricia Curran but continued to cover up the truth. Officials feared that reopening the case could undermine confidence in the judiciary, just months after the UK government deployed troops to deal with the start of the troubles. The release of this latest evidence comes almost two years after The BelTel’s series on the murder of the judge’s daughter.  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by former Belfast Telegraph journalist Stephen Gordon. 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 - Ian 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?  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 Ian Hay Gordon 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 time.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a surprise move, the Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie has resigned. The former army officer said he quit over ‘irreconcilable differences’ with party officers. What exactly has happened and what does it mean for the party? Ciarán Dunbar is joined the Belfast Telegraph’s Northern Ireland editor Sam McBride.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The body of Portadown woman Margaret Perry was found a year after she went missing, the bodies of three men the IRA itself accused of her murder were found three days later. The IRA also accused them, all members or former members, of being British agents. Their bodies were found by different roadsides in Northern Ireland’s ‘murder triangle’. Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar. This podcast was originally published in January 2024.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Mitchell’s farm in Northern Ireland’s ‘murder triangle’ was the base of the ‘Glenanne Gang’, a mix of loyalist paramilitaries and rogue members of the security forces. The ‘Glenanne Gang’ were responsible for up 120 murders including the Dublin Monaghan bombings, the Miami Showband massacre, and scores of other sectarian killings. Martin Breen has had a run in with Mitchell, he explains what happened. This podcast was originally published in October 2023 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tullylish is a quiet rural parish, in the east of county Down. But during the troubles, it was known for being part of a ‘murder triangle’. From the 1970s to the mid-90s, over 20 people in the area were killed by paramilitary violence, with UVF commander ‘The Jackal’ co-ordinating many of these attacks. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sunday Life editor Martin Breen and Martin Doyle, author of “Dirty Linen” - a book about his experiences growing up in Tullylish. This podcast was originally published in November 2023.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Labour government has extended a ban on puberty blockers in the UK mainland. However, Stormont's Department of Health has confirmed that puberty blockers for children will remain legal in Northern Ireland, meaning that NI could become a backdoor for getting the drugs into Britain. Olivia Peden is joined by Sam McBride who wrote the story, Helen Joyce and Alexa Moore. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new Irish League season gets underway this weekend with Tiernan Lynch’s Larne chasing their third Sports Direct Premiership title in as many years.Can anyone stop them? Host Keith Bailie is joined by Chief Sportswriter Steven Beacom and Belfast Telegraph columnist and legendary Linfield manager David Jeffrey to discuss disappointing performances in European competition, the format of the top flight and give their verdict on each of the 12 Premiership teams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An anti immigration protest on Saturday afternoon has resulted in three nights of violence across South Belfast. Several businesses have been attacked, including a supermarket owned by a Syrian refugee and one man has been seriously assaulted. With further protests planned for this weekend, policing is in the spotlight. Alison Morris is joined by Belfast Telegraph visuals editor, Kevin Scott.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr John Kyle is a former deputy leader of the PUP, the UVF’s political wing. He represented the loyalist party on Belfast City Council for 16 years. He joined the party after being inspired by UVF leader Gusty Spence and PUP leader David Ervine’s vision to transform their communities. He joins Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The INLA are suspected of receiving ‘dark money’ from the Russian State. The paramilitary group has had an upsurge in activity over the summer, being blamed for an attack on a west Belfast homeless charity. Public and vocal support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has come from members of the IRSP, the political wing of the INLA. This week, Continuity IRA boss John Connolly was also seen supporting Russia from the British embassy in Dublin, calling the war in Ukraine ‘a proxy war’ funded by NATO. Olivia Peden is joined by Sunday Life’s John Toner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hearing what our politicians have to say is a crucial part of democracy. But back in 1998, The Assembly censored words spoken by Martin McGuinness to Deputy DUP leader Peter Robinson. After a legal battle lasting over two years, the Belfast Telegraph can now report on what exactly they are. Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast Telegraph Northern Ireland Editor Sam McBride and Mediahuis Ireland solicitor Thomas Turner.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 1916 Easter Rising was organised by a tiny group of conspirators. They were the Military Council of the Irish Republican Brotherhood - a small, oath bound organisation dedicated to achieving an Irish Republic by any means necessary, including violent insurrection. Despite the impact of the Rising, the IRB was eclipsed in history by the IRA and faded away in less than 10 years. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by John O’Beirne Ranelagh, author of ‘The Irish Republican Brotherhood, 1914-1924'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2024 Olympics have officially started, but it's been 36 years since a Northern Irish athlete brought a gold medal home. The long wait for an Olympic champion could end this summer, with Northern Ireland having its fair share of star athletes competing for Team Ireland and Team GB. Keith Bailie is joined by the Belfast Telegraph's Chief Sportswriter Steven Beacom to preview what promises to be an incredible fortnight of sport.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Patrick Mayhew was Northern Ireland’s secretary of state between 1992 and 1997, a time when the peace process was just beginning, and the Troubles were still raging.  Files uncovered by the Belfast Telegraph in The National Archives at Kew in London have revealed new details about a secret memo Mayhew sent to PM John Major. The classified message suggests the IRA was in a stronger position at the time than previously thought, and questions some of the received wisdom about the intelligence war against the Provisionals. Sam McBride joins Ciarán Dunbar with his recent findings from the Kew Files. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Armagh will face Galway in the Orchard County’s first All-Ireland final since 2003. Armagh only ever won once, back in 2002. Galway's last Sam Maguire was just the year before, in 2001. The excitement is building and the scramble for tickets is intense as pre-match analysis begins. Niamh Campbell is joined by Oisín McConville, Jessica Rice and Lee Costello.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since the UVF’s formation, the paramilitary group has went on to kill over 500 people. Gusty Spence became infamous for leading the organisation and deciding their tactics. The ex-British Army soldier was charged and convicted with the first Catholic victim of the troubles. Aaron Edwards, author of ‘UVF: Behind the mask’ joins Ciarán Dunbar to discuss the origins of the modern UVF, the role of Gusty Spence and the first five years of the organization. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

31-year-old Whitney Hughes has been handed a 4-year sentence for drug offences. The so called ‘Cocaine Queen’ of Newry took over her father, Mark ‘The Chicken’ Lovell’s crime gang after he was gunned down in December 2022. Hughes admitted seven drug offences relating to possessing and supplying cocaine, MDMA and steroids, two counts of trading in counterfeit goods and one of possessing criminal property. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Brett Campbell.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A 38-year-old man has been arrested last night as violence continued in south Belfast. The past two nights have seen disorder in the village area. On Monday over 30 petrol and paint bombs were thrown at police, with footage captured by Belfast Telegraph showing a firework being thrown at a police Land Rover and a masked man encouraging a child to partake in the violence. Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast Telegraph Visuals editor Kevin Scott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The so-called ‘Border Fox’, Dessie O’Hare, has been released from prison.  He is best known for kidnapping a dentist and chopping his fingers off. Originally an IRA man, O’Hare was one of the most notorious gunmen of the Troubles, confessing to being the triggerman in at least 26 murders.  Guest: Allison Morris Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former priest Denis Bradley played a key role in the peace process as part of the ‘back-channel’ between the IRA and the British. His decision to become vice-chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board in 2001 drew the anger – and violence of dissident republicans.  He gives Ciarán Dunbar his assessment of how to deal with dissident republicans today – he says the Irish government must talk to them.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In August 1980, a pastor, his wife and their three children went on a camping holiday that would change their lives forever and become one of the biggest stories in the world. “A dingo’s got my baby” were the words that divided Australia as Lynn Chamberlain was accused of a shocking crime.Host: Kevin Doyle                            Guest: Malcolm Brown Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The petrol bomb attack happened at the height of bitter disputes over parading Even by the standards of the Troubles the murder of the Quinn brothers on the 12th of July 1998, it shocked NI. The contentious parades issue which had caused deep tensions was changed overnight, albeit never solved, as society saw the issue with a fresh perspective. The horrific deaths of three children forced a rethink on all sides. Liam Tunney joins Ciarán Dunbar to tell the story of the tragedy, and its continuing impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam McBride on why Ian Paisley Jr lost his seat and if this is truly the end of Paisleyism. And could he head off and work for Farage or even Trump? Host: Ciarán Dunbar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gerry Fitt was once political giant, but he ended up in obscurity, sitting in the House of Lords as a baron.  Once described as ‘Fenian Fitt’ he ended up with more unionist views, derided as ‘Fitt the Brit’. Who really was Gerry Fitt and what is the story behind his political journey?  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Dr Michael A Murphy, author of ‘Gerry Fitt, a Political chameleon’ and by Dr Sarah Campbell, author of Gerry Fitt and the SDLP: 'In a Minority of One'.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A quiet general election campaign turned into an incredible results night resulting in seismic changes. The Belfast Telegraph’s political editor Suzanne Breen gives her assessment of the General Election results in Northern Ireland. Host: Ciarán Dunbar   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The DUP have suffered a series of defeats in the general election including Ian Paisley's North Antrim seat.Alliance have won Lagan Valley with Sorcha Eastwood but lost North Down and Stephen Farry.In a great night for them, Sinn Féin have held all their seats comfortably.SDLP hold their seats. The UUP's Robin Swan wins South Antrim Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson will return to court in the autumn to formally answer historical sex offence charges. He and his wife Lady Eleanor appeared in Court in Newry on Wednesday morning. The number of charges he faces is now 18 - an increase of seven alleged offences since his last appearance in court. Ciarán Dunbar spoke to Liam Tunney and Allison Morris, who were in court in Newry.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NI will elect 18 new MPs on Thursday. Most of the seats seem easy to predict but the pre-election Belfast Telegraph / LucidTalk poll suggests there will be some really close battles, most involving Alliance.  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Bill White from Lucid Talk, political commentator Alex Kane, and former election manager with the SDLP - Ray Kennedy.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the 3rd of July 1970 the British Army sealed off the lower Falls.  A ‘curfew’ is announced. Troops go in, searching for IRA weapons. But the use of CS gas, houses being wrecked, looted even, turns the population against them. Four people died. The Official IRA decided to fight what they called ‘The Battle of the Falls’.  The army seized weapons but their standing in west Belfast had been completely changed.  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by historian Brian Hanley, and by Belfast Telegraph columnist and author Malachi O’Doherty.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Taylor Swift brings her Eras Tour to Ireland, we look at how her fans have made her a global success and created an army of followers - some of which have become a threatening force.  Host: Ellen Coyne       Guests: John Meagher & Clare Martin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A ‘Walter Mitty’ is someone who lies about, or exaggerates, their military service. Being a so-called ‘Walt’ is technically legal in the UK but vigilante ‘Walt hunter’ groups campaigning for legislation against it. Northern Ireland has its fair share of fantasists including one fake cop who called for back-up. Why do they do it, and are they really doing any harm? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph's Kurtis Reid and Olivia Peden, who also spoke to Professor of Defence mental health at Kings College London, Neil Greenberg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The man once known as the face of Brexit is back. Nigel Farage claims that after the election, his party Reform UK will be the head of opposition in parliament. He has stood for parliament 7 unsuccessful times, been member of three different parties, and had three near-death experiences along the way. How did Nigel Farage get here, can he win this time, and what does he think about Northern Ireland? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Journalist and author of ‘One party after another – the disruptive life of Nigel Farage’ Michael Crick.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam McBride sat down with Stephen Farry, asking him the tough questions on his vision for North Down, on his views about gender issues and why his his first worlds in Westminster were in Irish.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Convicted Killer and West Belfast UDA boss Mo Courtney has blamed on trying to extort cash from a local pensioner who runs an online ‘granny bingo’. Loyalist sources say Courtney ‘fined’ the organiser of the illegal online game £10,000 and ordered her to pay him £100 per week protection money. Courtney, who denies any links to criminality, accused the woman of “bringing Catholics” onto the Shankill Road in Belfast. Olivia Peden is joined by the Sunday Life’s Ciaran Barnes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A 1,500 strong UVF show of strength has raised questions about what is going on in the organisation. What’s going on with the UVF and why are parade tensions re-emerging in Ardoyne? Host: Ciarán Dunbar, Guest: Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Westminster Election looming, Northern Ireland’s parties continue to fight their traditional battles. To catch up with what’s been happening on the doors and in the polls, Ciarán Dunbar is joined by renowned data analyst Peter Donaghy to hear his predictions, Belfast Telegraph Political Editor Suzanne Breen on recent developments, and Foyle-based Belfast Telegraph reporter Garrett Hargan with a profile on the constituency.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ciarán Dunbar sits down with Patrick Corrigan of Amnesty Internation to discuss whether human rights apply to everyone equally, what’s happening in Israel / Palestine and whether the case of Julian Assange means the west is in no position to lecture.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12 years ago, a cyclist in the French Alps made a gruesome discovery one sunny autumn afternoon. The bodies of 4 adults, each of whom had suffered gunshots to the head. Miraculously, two children had survived the bloodbath. Who were they? Why were they killed? And why are French police still looking for answers after all this time? Tabitha Monahan is joined by Catherine Field. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Colonel Tim Collins was the commanding officer of the Royal Irish regiment, who led them into battle in Iraq.  Now he’s the UUP candidate for North Down. Collins has strong views on immigration, abortion, transgender issues, his rivals, and the future of Northern Ireland. Sam McBride sat down with Tim Collins to hear who he really is, what he believes, and his plans if he gets elected.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mary Lou McDonald is “sorry” this week after disappointing results in Irish local elections. In Northern Ireland, Nigel Farage has disappointed the TUV by endorsing DUP candidates. And just 33% of NI candidates in the General Election are women – why? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by David McCann, while Claire Williamson speaks to Aoife Clements, and to MLA Cara Hunter.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 women who have been murdered in Northern Ireland since 2020. Three of these murders have been in the last 7 months, with the latest being 81-year-old Patricia ‘Patsy’ Aust. Her brother has been charged with her murder. Compared to the rest of the UK, women here are twice as likely to be murdered in NI as a result of domestic violence. Do we have a problem? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sarah Mason, CEO from Women's Aid, with Women's Aid, and Karen Devlin, membership and policy at Women's Aid.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The trial of three men charged in relation to the murder of Lyra McKee is continuing. The court has heard that rioting on the night she was killed was orchestrated to “put on a show” for an MTV camera crew. A Constable testified how Lyra “stumbled and fell to the floor” as she stood among a group of women beside a police Land Rover. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Ashleigh McDonald, who has been following the trial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The campaigning has begun, the posters are up, and soon Northern Ireland will be going to the polls. Where can Sinn Féin make gains, could Belfast end up without Unionist representation, and what would Gavin Robinson losing his seat mean for the DUP? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph political editor Suzanne Breen and former editor of The Impartial Reporter Denzil McDaniel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Loyalist Billy ‘Beachball’ McCune is facing charges of possessing firearms in suspicious circumstances. He doesn’t deny having the guns but claims he was a “go-between” for the community and UDA. McCune is now understood to be under threat from the owners of the guns - the UDA, the UVF and an organised crime gang known as the Russians. The UDA and UVF fear two of them were used in murders they carried out. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Northern Editor of Sunday World Richard Sullivan.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caoimhe Morgan was a 30-year-old mother of four. She was brutally murdered by her partner in her North Belfast home whilst two of her children were present at the property. Taylor McIlvenna has been found guilty of her murder but could be out in just 17 years despite having a lengthy criminal record. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Kurtis Reid, who was in court.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The shock divorce of Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford have left viewers to wonder where it all went wrong for the TV double act.  It’s not the first showbiz conflict Holmes has been involved in, after he was one of the loudest voices amid Phillip Schofield's high-profile ITV departure.Tabitha Monahan is joined by Belfast Telegraph features editor Áine Toner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The trial of three men charged in relation to the murder of Lyra McKee has begun. The 29-year-old died after being shot in the head by a new IRA gunman in the Creggan area in Derry in April, 2019. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Kurtis Reid, who was in court.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On 4th July, Northern Ireland’s 18 parliamentary constituencies will decide who they will send to Westminster. A number of constituencies will see change in July, including Jeffrey Donaldson’s Lagan Valley seat. Meanwhile, PM Rishi Sunak’s plans to reintroduce national service have been seen by some as the wrong move for attracting younger voters. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by lecturer and political commentator David McCann and former DUP Spad and commentator Lee Reynolds.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

IRA decommissioning was an historic political event that has been clouded in secrecy for decades. Files uncovered by the Belfast Telegraph, in The National Archives at Kew, have revealed new details about how the road to decommissioning weakened first minister David Trimble, fueled the rise of the DUP, and almost collapsed the Good Friday Agreement. They also reveal how foreign spy satellites played a part in getting the IRA to destroy their weapons. Sam McBride joins Ciarán Dunbar with his findings from the Kew Files.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In February 2022, business consultant Brendan Murphy was living in Irpin, a small city near Kyiv. That month, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Irpin as one of their initial targets. Brendan wrote ‘War in Ukraine: An Irishman’s Journey’, to tell the story of his family’s escape from Ukraine and his experience of the country. He spoke to Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Outside a rainy Downing Street yesterday, Rishi Sunak set the date for the summer general election for the 4th of July. He says it is now time for Britain to choose its future, whilst Labour leader Keir Starmer says it’s time for change. Why has it been set for July, can the conservatives avoid a wipe-out, and what surprises can be expected during this campaign? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Chris Hopkins, Political Research Director at Savanta, a market research consultancy based in London.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Belfast Telegraph’s latest LucidTalk polling reveals opinions on whether Sir Jeffrey Donaldson should resign as an MP, party support, and how well the public feel think political leaders are doing. It also polls opinion on whether DUP founding member Wallace Thompson is right to think a United Ireland is inevitable. Host: Ciarán Dunbar. Guests: Bill White, Alex Kane, and Ursula Savage.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ulster Rugby player Paddy Jackson, who was one of the key people at the Belfast rape trial of 2018, has expressed his concerns over a proposed six-episode TV series that will dramatise the court case that rocked Northern Ireland. The trial, where Jackson and fellow Ulster rugby player Stuart Olding were found not guilty of the charges against them, has a problematic legacy in Belfast and beyond. Fionnán Sheehan is joined by Special Correspondent with the Irish Independent Ellen Coyne.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathan Creswell was a showjumper, philanderer, abuser, and eventually, a murderer. He murdered a young woman, Katie Simpson, claiming she took her own life. The PSNI initially believed him, despite his previous criminal record, which included assaulting his ex-partner and threatening to put her into a bath of bleach. Two days into the murder trial he took his own life. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Sunday World’s Steven Moore and Court Reporter Tanya Fowles – who from the beginning was determined Creswell wouldn’t get away with murder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arlene Foster has been accused of deflecting questions at the Covid Inquiry. The former first minister was grilled about her role during the pandemic. In questioning by barrister Clair Dobbin, Mrs Foster said she has “deep regret” over the executive’s response during the early days of the outbreak. Belfast Telegraph’s Northern Ireland editor Sam McBride joins Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill has apologised for attending the funeral of IRA leader Bobby Storey at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. She had long said she would never apologise for being at the funeral.  Sam McBride reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The PSNI had journalists they considered “troublemakers” under surveillance. It’s led to the force being accused of acting like the Stasi.  But who was being spied on? Why and how?  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph’s security correspondent, Allison Morris and solicitor Niall Murphy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Covid-19 pandemic was an unprecedented event all over the world. NI Officials and ministers are now under scrutiny as they appear before the Covid-19 Inquiry to account for the decisions they made. The Belfast Telegraph’s Sam McBride is following the inquiry. He tells Ciarán Dunbar what it has revealed about Northern Ireland’s politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During the troubles, South Armagh became known as ‘Bandit Country’ - a heartland of paramilitary activity. The Provisional IRA’s notorious south Armagh brigade took the lives of hundreds of people, including British soldiers, RUC officers and civillians, whilst being widely accused of smuggling across the Irish border. Journalist Toby Harnden, author of ‘Bandit Country: The IRA and South Armagh’ joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the murder of Adrian Donohoe, the main suspect Aaron Brady boarded a one-way flight to America. He had no intention of ever returning to Ireland. His departure instigated an international police investigation that would span multiple years, resulting in a murder trial plagued with dirty tricks and witness intimidation.    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What goes in to catching a garda killer?  In January 2013, Detectives Joe Ryan and Adrian Donohoe from Dundalk garda station were tasked with escorting credit union takings across Cooley Peninsula, on the border with Northern Ireland. The men were ambushed and Garda detective Donohoe was shot dead. What followed was the largest murder investigation in the history of the Irish state. Aaron Brady, a tug from Crossmaglen, was the lead suspect from early in the case. He later vanished. 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”. The former BBC political editor Stephen Grimson later became the head of Stormont’s press operations. He passed away last week following a long illness. Last year, Belfast Telegraph’s Northern Ireland Editor Sam McBride sat down with Grimason to discuss his extraordinary career. This episode originally aired on 5th April 2023.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Saturday's Irish Cup Final sees Cliftonville play Linfield at a sold-out Windsor Park. It’s set to be one of the most eagerly anticipated cup finals in a generation, however, safety concerns from both teams have led to a security bill of £50,000. Keith Bailie is joined by Belfast Telegraph chief sportswriter Steven Beacom, ex-Linfield manager David Jeffrey and Belfast Telegraph sports reporter Conor McLaughlin.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Loyalism stood triumphant. The Ulster Workers Strike succeeded. It brought down the Sunningdale executive, the council of Ireland binned, power-sharing shelved . It seemed like total victory. But was it? In the final part of a three-part series, Ciarán Dunbar looks at the long-term legacy of Sunningdale Agreement and the Ulster Workers Strike – and asks, who really won?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Northern Ireland had never seen the like of the Ulster Workers Strike – a rebellion against the state – by loyalists.  The strikers wanted an end to the Sunningdale power-sharing executive and everything that went with it. It was mostly peaceful but was punctuated by the bloodiest day of the Troubles – the Dublin Monaghan bombings. In Part 2 of a three-part series – Ciarán Dunbar looks at how the Ulster Workers Strike began, and why.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1973 the ‘Sunningdale Agreement’ established power-sharing in Northern Ireland, preceding the Good Friday Agreement or Belfast Agreement by 25 years. It even had an All-Ireland dimension. But it met with a backlash and was brought down by the Ulster Workers Strike. In the first part of a three-part series, Ciarán Dunbar explores the Sunningdale Agreement and its workings – and asks if it ever had a chance?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael O’Loughlin was arrested in Co Down in 2020 as part of a Europe-wide crackdown on organised crime. He was one of the first criminals arrested in the Encrochat hacking scandal. But why is the career criminal now pleading guilty to the charges against him?  Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guest: Allison Morris Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson have appeared at Newry Magistrates Court to face historical sex charges. He was escorted into the court by the PSNI amid chaotic scenes. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Liam Tunney and crime correspondent Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Madden and Ursula Savage join Ciarán Dunbar to discuss the week in politics. Colonel Tim Collins has been in the news after branding the Alliance Party ‘pro-nationalist'. The former soldier will be standing for the UUP in North Down in the next general election. As a possible general election looms, Health Minister Robin Swann sets sights on South Antrim's seat while questions arise over whether or not Naomi Long will campaign for East Belfast. The issue of Irish bilingual signs continues to cause controversy in Belfast.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Graham Eve boasts a military career which spanned over 8000 miles. A member of the 2nd Parachute Regiment in NI he witnessed 16 of their men being killed in the Warrenpoint ambush in 1979. His service later carried him to the Falkland Islands, where scenes got even bloodier. The former Paratrooper and gun team commander joins Olivia Peden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Stone is one of the most notorious gunmen of the Troubles. Known in loyalist circles as a gun for hire, he murdered 3 people at an IRA funeral in Milltown Cemetery, west Belfast. Following his release from prison in 2000, he carried out a foiled attack on Stormont which he claimed was ‘performance art’. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sunday Life editor Martin Breen and former Belfast Telegraph editor Ed Curran. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The arrest of DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson at the end of last month came as a shock to those in the party and beyond. Although he is now an independent MP, questions now have to be answering about who the DUP will stand in the general election. Donaldson’s resignation could prove an opportunity for the Alliance Party to gain a seat in Lagan Valley. Belfast Telegraph’s political editor Suzanne Breen joins Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the death toll in Gaza reaches 35,000, there has been a dangerous spike in tensions across the Middle East. In a serious escalation of the crisis in the region, Iran made its first ever direct attack on Israeli soil on Saturday, sending hundreds of drones and missiles across the desert, the majority of which were intercepted by the Iron Dome system. But as the West urges restraint, is a larger conflict in the region on the horizon? Host: Fionnán Sheehan. Guests: Declan Power and Claire Herriott  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Kew Files have revealed some of Northern Ireland's hidden secrets on unionism and loyalism. In part 2 of a 2-part special of the BelTel, Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride to discuss the Kew Files and what they can tell us about Ex-DUP leader Peter Robinson, Ulster Resistance and the paramilitary activity the UK Government suspected Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly's father, Noel Little.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thousands of declassified files on Northern Ireland and the troubles have been deposited, not in Belfast, but in the Kew Archives in London. In part 1 of a 2-part special of the BelTel, Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride to discuss the Kew Files and what they tell us about Martin McGuinness, the IRA and the SDLP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nationalists continue to campaign for planning a united Ireland, but Unionists seem assured it’s a pipe dream – where does the truth lie – or is it impossible to say? Is a United Ireland a realistic prospect or pure fantasy, inevitable or impossible? David McCann and Owen Polley join Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prolific republican gunman Gerard ‘Hucker’ Moyna has died aged 69. He has been linked to several murders – including that of Shankill Butcher Lenny Murphy. He was also believed to be involved in the killing of solicitor and unionist politician, Edgar Graham – as well as IPLO spokesman, Jimmy Brown.  Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Globe-trotting Private Investigator Ian Withers reflects on his extraordinary career, from speaking to Gerry Kelly in prison after the 1973 Old Bailey bombing, tracking the IRA’s Hyde Park bomber with a bluffed phone call and being arrested on suspicion of the murder of an exiled politician from the Seychelles. He joins Andrew Madden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Northern Ireland Politics were thrown into chaos at the weekend when Jeffrey Donaldson resigned as DUP leader. He’s been charged with historical sex offences, while his wife Eleanor Donaldson has been charged with aiding and abetting. With a general election looming, can the DUP survive this crisis? Allison Morris and Sam McBride join Olivia Peden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mitchell’s farm was the base of the ‘Glenanne Gang’, a mix of loyalist paramilitaries and rogue members of the security forces. The ‘Glenanne Gang’ were responsible for up 120 murders including the Dublin Monaghan bombings, the Miami Showband massacre, and scores of other sectarian killings. Martin Breen has had a run in with Mitchell, he explains what happened. This episode originally aired on 20th October 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has resigned as DUP leader after being charged with historical sex offences. The Belfast Telegraph’s Northern Ireland editor Sam McBride explains the implications of this political earthquake to Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Hurst worked with the British Army’s ‘Force Research Unit’ during the Troubles. He later exposed Freddie Scappaticci as the agent known as Stakeknife. Controversially, he also maintains former IRA leader Martin McGuinness was compromised, even claiming he protected Scappaticci. He gives his version of events to Ciarán Dunbar  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Galvin and Andrew Madden join Ciaran Dunbar to explain who Simon Harris is and what he might mean for Northern Ireland. And with Sinn Féin being heckled from both the right and the left, we ask what it might mean electorally.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sixteen year old Megan McAlorum’s body was found in a Dunmurry forest in 2004 after a night out. Her body was found with 54 fractures to her skull, among other injuries. Thomas Purcell, who claimed to be 16 at the time, brutally killed her after picking her up from a west Belfast bar. He died in a road crash in Oxford earlier this month. Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As editor of The Derry Journal during the Troubles, Pat McArt found himself a trusted critic and counsellor to political giants like Martin McGuinness and John Hume. His new book, ‘War, Peace and the Derry Journal’ chronicles Derry’s devastation during the troubles and the city's move towards peace. He joins Belfast Telegraph Derry reporter Garrett Hargan.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

*A warning, today's episode contains details of domestic violence which listeners may find upsetting*   Terrorist, garda killer and prolific wife beater, Pearse McCauley’s long litany of convictions have established him as one of Ireland’s most dangerous criminals for over 30 years. The IRA man made the headlines in the early 1990s for a daring escape from an English prison, but his shooting of a garda in 1996, would wrap his name in infamy.  Host: Tabitha Monahan, Guest: Alison Morris   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The TUV have hooked up with Reform UK but what is in this arrangement for both parties and who is Reform UK anyway? And Sinn Féin went to America despite of pressure from the left to boycott the visit, due to US support for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Sam McBride joined Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rose Dugdale died in her sleep in a Dublin nursing home yesterday morning at the age of 83.She was the former debutante who once curtseyed to Queen Elizabeth, only to rebel against her wealthy upbringing and become an expert bomb-maker in the Provisional IRA. Fionnán Sheehan is joined by journalist Liam Collins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russia’s army has made some advances in eastern Ukraine, forcing the Ukrainians onto the back foot. The pope has controversially called for Ukraine to raise the “white flag”. How bad are things for Ukraine, what would Russia’s peace terms be, and what would life be like in a Russia-ruled Ukraine? Trinity College teaching fellow Conor Daly and security consultant Philip Ingram join Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An armed German terrorist has been captured after 30 years on the run – but the manhunt for others continues. Daniela Klette is one of three members of the “third generation” of the notorious urban guerrilla Red Army Faction (RAF) who had been in hiding since the 1990s. We look at the terror campaign by Germany's Baader-Meinhof Gang, whose members killed more than 30 people in the 1970s and ’80s and ask if the organisation is having a resurgence? Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Guest: James Jackson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eamonn Mallie is one of NI’s best-known journalists. The south Armagh man has been a leading radio and television reporter since 1975, covering much of the Troubles and subsequent peace process.  The veteran journalist discusses his memoir with Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Labour general election victory means Sir Keir Starmer, who has a long history with NI, would become Prime Minister. Once in favour of a united Ireland, he’s now strongly unionist – would he rule out a border poll?  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride and Bill Bowring. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite tough firearms laws, the UK has seen several horrific gun massacres. Hungerford, Dunblane, and the Cumbria shootings, to name but a few. They were mass killings, carried out by a single man, who finally took his own life. Craig Jackson is a professor of psychology and performs ‘psychological autopsies’ on the mass killers responsible for Hungerford and Dunblane on stage. He spoke to Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Cillian Murphy keeps his fingers crossed for an Oscar win, the Academy Awards looks forward to celebrating its 95th anniversary. However, Hollywood’s biggest night isn’t always without controversy and scandal. From violence to nudity and political protests, we look at the most shocking moments from the Academy Awards history. Host: Fionnán Sheehan. Guest: Dave Hanratty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Due to the rise of platforms like OnlyFans, Sex work has been subject to a media frenzy in recent years. The issue has long been met with outrage by religious groups and radical feminists alike, who believe that the trade exploits women. But a bill created by the DUP, which made paying for sexual services illegal, has only convicted one person in under a decade. Olivia Peden is joined by adult actress and OnlyFans content creator Meghan O’Neill, along with Belfast Telegraph columnist Fionola Meredith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More Alliance members would now vote for Irish unity than to remain in UK. Almost 38% of Alliance members said they would vote for a united Ireland. So has Alliance fundamentally changed and will it be forced off the constitutional fence? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Jon Tonge and Suzanne Breen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than £2 million is missing after a string of ATM thefts carried out by the same notorious Co Antrim gang. They got away with it for two years encouraging many copy-cat raids. But after robbing an ATM machine beside a PSNI station – they got caught and banged up. But most of the money was never found. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WARNING: This episode of the BelTel contains graphic details which some listeners might find disturbing. Daniel Allen admitted killing an entire family, including two children in Fermanagh in 2018. The Gossetts were a reclusive – constantly on the move to avoid social services. Denise Gossett begun a relationship with Allen after they met on a BDSM forum. Just two years later he killed her, her children and her grand-daughter. Kurtis Reid spoke with Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Smyth has been found not guilty of killing Eamon Fox (41) and 24-year-old Gary Convie. Mr Convie and Mr Fox were in a parked car awhen they were shot dead in May 1994. Mr Justice O'Hara said it could not be proven beyond reasonable doubt that Smyth was the gunman. Allison Morris reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The proposed new stadium at Casement Park in west Belfast is hoped to be part of the 2028 Euros but that has enraged some Northern Ireland fans. Meanwhile, a Stormont row brews over the rising costs. Sinn Féin place major importance on rebuilding the GAA stadium while unionists question its funding.  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Liam Tunney and Keith Baille. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amanda Brown has written a book, ‘No peace until he’s dead’, explaining what former Irish rugby star Tweed did to her and her family. Davy Tweed was a popular, well-liked, successful man in public.But he was also a violent wifebeater and a paedophile who prayed on his relatives, . Amanda tells the BelTel that she has spoken out to make sure that Davy Tweed’s abuse is never forgotten.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

County Tyrone’s Conor Bradley has been described as the most exciting footballer to emerge from Northern Ireland since ‘60s legend George Best. The Liverpool ace has taken the Premier League by storm in recent weeks, with his surging runs down the right-flank winning the hearts of the Anfield faithful. How did he get here, and what’s next? Belfast Telegraph sports Journalist Keith Bailie is joined by Ulster Herald sports journalist Tommy Nethery and Belfast Telegraph chief sportswriter Steven Beacom.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The word ‘shocking’ gets bandied about loosely these days, but videos and photographs that have circulated after an X-rated Valentine's weekend event in Belfast have caused anger, scandal and even fury in some communities - but for many others it's just a private bit of fun. Host: Fionnán Sheehan, Guests; Niamh Campbell, Kirsty Blake Knox and John Woodward, manager of the controversial Pleasure Boys  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The results of the latest Belfast Telegraph LucidTalk poll are in. Support for the DUP has slightly weakened, while support for Sinn Féin First Minister Michelle O’Neill is at an all-time high. And we reveal the level of support there now is for a United Ireland. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by head of LucidTalk Bill White, Political commentator Alex Kane, and Belfast Telegraph reporter Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would you know disinformation if you saw or heard it? And might you be seeing it now in the U. S. on topics such as immigration around the Texas border? If you are seeing this, might any of it be influenced by actors such as Putin's Russia? On this week’s episode of The Big Tech Show, Adrian talks to David Gilbert, a reporter for Wired.com who specialises in investigating disinformation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The question of whether humanity stands alone in the universe is one of the biggest questions there is. Is there life beyond earth, and if there is, is it intelligent life? Can the evidence of UFOs and alien contact be trusted? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Astrobiology Professor David C. Catling, and Sunday World reporter Níall Feiritear, who has had an experience that has convinced him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Health, education, and roads are just some of the areas Stormont needs to spend big on. But now the exchequer has ordered the Executive to raise £113 million. How could ministers achieve that and is NI poorly funded in comparison with Scotland and Wales?  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Margaret Canning, Kurtis Reid and David McCann.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I certainly could find nothing that led me to believe in Ian Bailey’s guilt.” That’s according to a retired UK senior forensic officer who has investigated the murder case of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. Bridget Chappuis was in communication with Bailey right up to the day before he died, not with the aim of proving his innocence, but with the hope of finding the truth about one of Ireland’s most notorious unsolved murder mysteries. Host: Kevin Doyle , Guest: Bridget Chappuis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Republic of Ireland has found itself as a European outlier in its broad public support for Palestine throughout the ongoing war in Gaza. With the annual St Patrick's day visit to Washington around the corner, will the government use the opportunity to advocate for peace? Will Sinn Fein boycott the visit? And how do acts of solidarity impact the conflict people are outraged by? Tabitha Monahan is joined by Ellen Coyne and Hugh O'Connell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the murder of Ian Ogle in 2019, the PSNI felt the pressure and resolved to strike a blow against UVF cocaine dealers – that operation has seen a raft of convictions. Who are the kingpins, the enforcers and the bookkeeper behind the drug trade in east Belfast? Sunday Life reporter Ciaran Barnes joins Ciarán Dunbar.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Stormont Assembly and the executive are back in action, although there have been some obstacles on the way. Sinn Fein expressed their surprise at the DUP’s pick of the education ministry, TUV’s Jim Allister has said he will be a ‘thorn in the side’ of the Assembly, and the SDLP have suspended an MLA over a helicopter trip to Wexford. How has the return gone so far and what lies ahead? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride, political commentator David McCann and Irish language activist, Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just before 6pm on 2nd June 1994 an RAF Chinook helicopter leaves from Aldergrove. On board are 25 key intelligence officers including members of the army, MI5 and the RUC. Although set for Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, they never make it, crashing into the Mull of Kintyre. Why did they crash? was there a cover-up? and why was the cream of UK intelligence travelling on an aircraft which the RAF had concerns over? Belfast Telegraph reporter Andrew Madden joins Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The death of Ian Bailey in Cork leaves many unanswered questions in the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. Irish Independent journalists Senan Molony and Ralph Riegel share their meetings and stories with Ian Bailey over the past 27 years.Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Senan Molony & Ralph Riegel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It seems that Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has won the battle - the DUP leader is taking the party back to Stormont after securing a new deal with the government. Is it a good deal? has Sir Jeffrey achieved his goals? and where does anti-agreement unionism go from here? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Liam Tunney and commentator Owen Polley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has convinced the majority of the DUP that it’s time to restore power sharing. Following a bizarre evening of social media leaks, protests and secret meetings, the party leader made the announcement in the early hours of the morning. Is Sir Jeffrey’s leadership in a stronger position than before, how are Loyalist voters feeling, and who is Jamie Bryson’s ‘mole’? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Allison Morris and political commentator and lecturer Jon Tonge.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

West Belfast group Kneecap regularly court controversy – but is that just part of their act? Singing mostly in Irish about drugs, the DUP and social exclusion the band have made a film about themselves starring Michael Fassbender. It has attracted rave reviews, but some victims of republican violence perceive the band to be glorifying republicanism. But what’s the band really about? Niamh Campbell is joined by Liam Tunney and Dave Hanratty while Olivia Peden spoke to ex-PSNI officer Jon Burrows. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Immigration has become a big talking point in the Republic of Ireland in a very short space of time - and it's likely to become a key electoral issue. The main opposition party, Sinn Féin, is widely tipped to win forthcoming elections. So where does Mary Lou McDonald and her party stand on the issue of the moment, and could they make a move to the right if that's what voters want? Host; Tabitha Monahan, Guests; Gabija Gataveckaite & John Downing  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a passionate speech earlier this week Jeffrey Donaldson said threats wouldn’t stop him from engaging with the UK government. Is the DUP leader ready to face down his opponents or will he continue to condemn the Windsor Framework and to boycott Stormont? Will his party agree with him or is it set to split? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph Journalist Andrew Madden, along with commentators Sarah Creighton and Owen Polley.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Against a backdrop of a rising far right and war across the globe, Europe goes to the polls in June. Why is Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán seen as the ‘black sheep’ of the EU? How will Trump’s likely return to the White House affect the Union? And as war in Gaza rages on, will the EU stand with Israel no matter what? Shona Murray, Euronews Europe correspondent, joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The body of Portadown woman Margaret Perry was found a year after she went missing, the bodies of three men the IRA itself accused of her murder were found three days later. The IRA also accused them, all members or former members, of being British agents. Why was Margaret murdered? Who were her murderers and did one British agent kill three others?  Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Born in England into immense wealth and luxury, Rose Dugdale turned her back on riches to become a bombmaker, a thief and a terrorist. But why did she abandon her life of privilege for the IRA?Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guest: Liam Collins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prof Jussi Hanhimäki argues the international body is still important, despite the challenges it faces.  But what exactly is the UN? What is its role today?  And with the body impotent in the face of wars from the Congo to Gaza – has the time come for major reform?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was Kitson responsible for enflaming the Troubles or did his own books leave him a convenient scapegoat?  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Edward Burke, a military historian in University College Dublin, and by Fearghal Mac Bhloscaidh, a senior lecturer in History in St Mary’s University college in Belfast.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the story of three long-lost siblings, all abandoned in mysterious circumstances in Lisburn, Dundalk and Drogheda, who unbelievably found their way back to each other many years later. But there could be a fourth ‘foundling’ and they need your help to find them…  Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Catherine Fegan, Helen Ward & David McBride  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kevin Conway, originally from the Lurgan area, was shot dead in Belfast on 9th January. Linked to ‘The Firm’ he was one of three men charged in relation to the murder of Shane Whitla in Lurgan in January 2023. The area has seen several high-profile assassinations in recent years linked to a single dissident republican gunman. Allison Morris reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Described as one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in UK history, between 1999 and 2015 over 700 postmasters and postmistresses were wrongly accused of stealing money from their branches. Some were bankrupted, losing their houses, livelihoods and life savings, and others served prison sentences. It was later revealed the missing money was due to a fault in a computer program. Kurtis Reid joins Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Hume was not just one of the most influential men in Northern Ireland politics, but in Irish history, as the leader of nationalism throughout most of the Troubles. The joint Nobel Peace Prize winner not only stood against violence but saw his once-radical ideas become mainstream. Sam McBride is joined by Stephen Walker, author of The Persuader to discuss John Hume’s life, ideas and legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

South Armagh republican Colm Murphy died earlier this year 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. 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philip O’Shea is a prolific online predator who lurked behind fake profiles, first coming across as charming friendly and flirty, then going in for the kill in an orgy of cruelty. He forced them to send compromising pictures of themselves to him, blackmailing them not for money but for his own perverted satisfactions.  Sharon O’Neill tells Ciarán Dunbar how he managed to ensnare his victims. 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.   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.  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.Andrew Madden joins Ciarán Dunbar 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.   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.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December is drawing to a close, so it’s time for some seasonal escapism as we consider the humble festive art form that is... the Christmas movie. From heartwarming family classics, terrible turkeys to the downright weird and questionable, there truly is something for everyone on the big and small screen. But are the days of the family gathering around the TV and going through the schedule gone for good?Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guests: Dave Hanratty and Dee Molumby Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Winston Rea, known as Winkie Rea, died aged 72 at the beginning of December. He was the ex-leader of the loyalist terror group, the ‘Red Hand Commando’, and until his death was on trial in connection with two sectarian murders. He denied all 19 terror charges against him. Who was Winkie Rea, what was the Red Hand Commando, and had the ruthless paramilitary man really become a man of peace? Belfast Telegraph’s security correspondent Alison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel's ambassador to the UK has strongly reject the prospect of a future Palestinian state. Tzipi Hotovely told Sky News Israel will not accept a ‘two-state solution’ So – what is Israel’s end game and are they now risking alienating their key ally, the US, as they continue their campaign in Gaza, seeking to destroy Hamas. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Bel Trew, the Independent’s Chief International Correspondent.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is no longer at the prison colony where he was being head. The loss of contact likely signals a Kremlin effort to tighten his isolation while President Vladimir Putin runs for re-election, his spokeswoman has claimed. A constant thorn in Putin’s side, could Navalny still play a role in the future of Russia?  Host: Rory Tevlin, Guest: Jason Corcoran   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Belfast Telegraph’s Northen Ireland editor, Sam McBride, joins Ciarán Dunbar with his assessment of what’s going on at Stormont. Is Sir Jeffrey Donaldson about to jump, and if he does will his party jump with him? The DUP says there’s ‘still some way to go’ in the negotiations on the Northern Ireland Protocol and Windsor Framework – others say the deal is done and we are just haggling over the price.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Considered the richest man in the world, South Africa-born tech moghul Elon Musk is rarely out of the news. His controversial social media statements have made him a villain to some, but a hero to others. A father to eleven children from three women, Musk has also expressed worries of a global population collapse. Who is Elon Musk, where did he come from, and what does he want? Belfast Telegraph Technology Reporter Kurtis Reid joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Glasgow-born Alan Scott led the ‘Causeway Coast Vineyard church’ until June 2017. Having felt called by God, he and his wife decided to take roles in the original Vineyard church in Anaheim California. Scott eventually decided to take the church out of the Vineyard movement, leading a group of members to sue him for 62 million dollars. This has led to reports into his ex-North Coast leadership alleging “public shaming” and “spiritual abuse” of members. Liam Tunney joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Edgar Graham was murdered in broad daylight at Queen’s University on 7 December 1983. A law lecturer and unionist politician, Sam McBride examines his life and legacy and tracks down the colleague accused of setting Edgar up for the IRA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Edgar Graham was just 29 years old when the IRA gunned him down at Queen’s University in Belfast.  The young law lecturer and unionist politician was widely believed to be a future leader of the Ulster Unionist Party. Forty years later, Sam McBride investigates why the IRA targeted him, whether he was set up by a colleague, and where this lost leader of unionism might have led Northern Ireland.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did the IRA split in two, into the Provisionals and the Officials? The so-called ‘Stickies’ abandoned their armed campaign but never their guns – could the Official IRA still exist? Who were the personalities involved in the split and what became of the Workers’ Party?  Ciarán Dunbar spoke to Dr Brian Hanley, co-author of ‘The Lost Revolution: The Story of the Official IRA and the Workers Party’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shane MacGowan has died at the age of 65. From a poetry-fuelled middle class upbringing to the chaotic UK punk scene, MacGowan was an innovator, marrying punk with Irish music, the chronicler of the Irish émigré, and a poet who wrote about love, loss and the chaos of addiction. Fionnan Sheean and John Meagher look at the life he led and thelyrics he wrote. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tullylish is a quiet rural parish, in the east of county Down. But during the troubles, it was known for being part of a ‘murder triangle’. From the 1970s to the mid-90s, over 20 people in the area were killed by paramilitary violence, with the UVF commander Robin ‘The Jackal’ Jackson co-ordinating many of these attacks. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sunday Life editor Martin Breen and Martin Doyle, author of “Dirty Linen” - a book about his experiences growing up in Tullylish.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A mysterious double murder in Co. Longford in 1986 has been tied to Loyalists from Derry. Killed in their kitchen on a cold November night, Marie Murtagh (43) and Tom Taaffe (50) were mysteriously murdered in their farmhouse in the village of Aughnacliffe, Co Longford in 1986. Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Liam Collins, journalist with the Sunday Independent, who reported this gruesome murder at the time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When a restaurant review is published in the Belfast Telegraph, they can often attract a huge number of readers – especially if it is negative!Many dream of being a food reviewer, but what gives them the right to publicly slate local restaurants? What sets an establishment apart? And exactly how disastrous is a bad review for the business? Belfast Telegraph food reviewer Joris Minne joins Ciarán Dunbar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dublin is cleaning up the aftermath of violent scenes following a night of rioting, clashes with Gardaí (Irish police) and looting. The unprecedented scenes followed the stabbing of five people, including three children. What led to the chaos and where do we go from here? Tabitha Monahan is joined by head of news at Mediahuis group, Kevin Doyle, and Irish Independent technology editor Adrian Weckler. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twenty-two loyalists have been convicted in the past 18 months for dealing drugs connected the East Belfast UVF. The UVF’s Shankill Road based leadership has now ‘stood down’ several prominent figures in the notorious east Belfast battalion, to protect ‘transition’ funding. Ciaran Barnes, chief reporter with the Sunday Life, has the latest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam McBride sits down with Military Historian Huw Bennett, author of ‘Uncivil war: The British Army and the Troubles’. The new book deals with how the troubles began, why they escalated so quickly, and the army’s role. The author discusses how the British military learnt to fight IRA guerilla tactics, the its fear of the UDA, and why the military obstructed his access to evidence of the Troubles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For 28 years during the Troubles, it was deemed too dangerous for Linfield to play at Solitude, a football ground in the heart of Nationalist north Belfast. But in November 1998, the Blues finally travelled across the city to play the Reds at Solitude in one of the most significant games in the history of the Irish League football. Belfast Telegraph sports journalist Keith Bailie is joined by Chief Sportswriter Steven Beacom and then-Linfield manager David Jeffrey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eight members of the East Belfast UVF have been told to stand down over links to criminality. Despite this, sources have said there is “no prospect” of a feud within the group, suggesting that a wind-down for the paramilitary group could be on the horizon. Belfast Telegraph security correspondent Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak’s cabinet reshuffle took many by surprise. Suella Braveman gets the boot, ex-PM David Cameron makes a shock return government and a new ‘minister for common sense’ emerges to fight left-wing “wokery”. What is going on in the Tory Party? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by TRT World Presenter Enda Brady.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ciarán Dunbar gets an explanation of authoritarianism from QUB Politics Professor, Lee McGowan. Authoritarian states such as China, Russia, and North Korea are asserting themselves. And even in the west, populism, fascism and hard-left politics seek to undermine representative democracy. What is authoritarianism and why is it gaining ground? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Molly Martens arrived in Limerick in 2008, she seemed like an All-American Girl with the world at her feet. But that public persona - like many of the stories she told about herself - was just a work of fantasy. From mother to monster, from wife to Jason Corbett’s killer, who is Molly Martens?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a former top NIO civil servant, Michael Cameron found himself mixing with paramilitary bosses and powerful politicians. He would go on to marry a DUP MLA and even join the party. Eventually forced to quit work over an illness, he became a playwright. His first play sold out the Lyric Theatre before anyone had even seen it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ashling Murphy, a 23 year old primary school teacher went for a run on the banks of the Grand Canal outside Tullamore, Co. Offaly – she never returned home. This is the story of how Jozef Puska tried to get away with her murder. Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guests: Catherine Fegan and Eimear CotterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David McCann, Alex Kane and Bill White join Ciarán Dunbar to discuss the latest Belfast Telegraph / Lucid Talk polling. Among the subjects discussed, the criteria for a border poll, whether it should need a super-majority and the prickly subject of using Casement Park for Euro 2028.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Belfast Telegraphs Political Editor Suzanne Breen talks with Ciaran Dunbar on Rishi Sunak’s boredom with Northern Ireland and the DUP, the backlash Sinn Fein has received on its stance with Israeli ambassador and the sudden U-Turn after being labelled “sell outs” and why a SDLP MLA is in hot water for becoming a GAA manager.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A compelling new documentary ‘Lost Boys- Belfast’s Missing Children’ has shed new light on the mysterious disappearance of FIVE children at the height of the Troubles. Only one body was recovered. All these tragic cases remain unsolved and unresolved.Were these cases linked? Did sexual predators take advantage of the mayhem for their own twisted perversion? Sharon O'Neill talks about the disappeared to director, Des Henderson and speaks to the only surviving mother of one of the missing boys, Anne Spence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Israelis and Palestinians are two very distinct peoples, but geographically, Israel and Palestine are one and the same territories. How did this come about and is there any hope for the future? Martin Bunton is the author of The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: A Very Short Introduction – he spoke to Ciarán Dunbar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

50 years ago this week, Mountjoy Prison played host to one of the most dramatic escapes in history. It was a Halloween horror show for the onlooking guards as prominent Provisional IRA figures took to the sky. Host: Kevin Doyle. Guest: Liam Collins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Islandmagee is a quiet civil parish on the east coast of Northern Ireland. But in 1711, a newcomer to the area begins to have fits, regurgitates pins and buttons, and suddenly dies. In the weeks following her death, eight woman and one man are found guilty of witchcraft at a local Courthouse – one man is executed. It was the last witchcraft trial in Ireland. Olivia Peden speaks to Dr Andrew Sneddon of Ulster University, and Martina Devlin, the author of “The House where it happened” about this mysterious event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Belfast-born John Bew is Rishi Sunak’s global policy advisor. He’s the key voice informing the PM’s foreign policy and has been seen in close consultation with him in recent weeks. The historian, a son of crossbench peer Lord Paul Bew, is now one of the most influential men at Downing Street. Belfast Telegraph reporter Andrew Madden joins Ciáran Dunbar to profile him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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

Mitchell’s farm was the base of the ‘Glenanne Gang’, a mix of loyalist paramilitaries and rogue members of the security forces. The ‘Glenanne Gang’ were responsible for up 120 murders including the Dublin Monaghan bombings, the Miami Showband massacre, and scores of other sectarian killings. Martin Breen has had a run in with Mitchell, he explains what happened. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Philip O’Shea is a prolific online predator who lurked behind fake profiles, first coming across as charming friendly and flirty, then going in for the kill in an orgy of cruelty. He forced them to send compromising pictures of themselves to him, blackmailing them not for money but for his own perverted satisfactions. Sharon O’Neill tells Ciarán Dunbar how he managed to ensnare his victims.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The man accused of murdering Ballymena woman Chloe Mitchell (21) had absconded to the Ballymena area three times from a secure mental health facility, a court has heard. Chloe has been missing since the 3rd of June. Suspected human remains were found in Ballymena on Sunday. Liam Tunney was in court for the Belfast Telegraph as two mean appeared in relation to the case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam McBride argues that the strength of the Irish Army is a crude barometer of how seriously the Republic takes the possibility of unity. Ireland’s Defence Forces are small, underequipped and getting weaker as more and more service men and women abandon the ranks due to poor pay and conditions. But what about a united Ireland – if loyalism chose to resist it would Ireland’s armed forces be able to deal with that? This is part three of a three-part series. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New files released by the FBI outline a plot to assassinate the late Queen Elizabeth as she visited America. The memos date back to 1983 when the Queen visited California as guest of President Reagan. But this was not the only alleged plot to remove Queen Elizabeth and the future King Charles from the monarchy. Host: Fionnán SheehanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There has been a revolution in the multi-billion-dollar world of golf – and Rory McIlroy is its ‘sacrificial lamb’. The Holywood man had taken a stand against the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, remaining outspokenly loyal to the PGA Tour. But now, behind his back, the feud between LIV Golf, the PGA Tour and DP World Tour has taken a sudden turn. Where does McIlroy stand now? Adam McKendry is joined by Belfast Telegraph journalist Gareth Hanna. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part-two of a three-part series, People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy makes the case for neutrality and against an enhanced military capacity. Ireland has no capability to control or even police the state’s skies and has an extremely limited maritime capability. The cost-of-living crisis has seen hundreds of service personnel leaving and not being replaced. Some argue that the Defence Forces need investment, modern equipment, and more members. However, some others that more call for more military spending is warmongering and will lead to NATO membership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Presenter Phillip Schofield says he has “lost everything” after admitting to an “unwise but not illegal” relationship. And one person in particular – Belfast born bruiser Eamonn Holmes is giving no quarter to his former colleague, and professional rival, making accusation after accusation against the self-confessed serial liar. Host: Ciarán Dunbar. Guest: Aine Toner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phillip Schofield's admission to an affair with a much younger employee on This Morning has opened up a whole new discussion around the ITV show's working environment. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guest: Mel FinnSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugh Callaghan, one of the Birmingham Six, who was wrongly jailed for IRA bombings has died at the age of 93. Why was he framed for the pub attacks which killed 21 people and injured 182? And who really planted the IRA's bombs?Host: Siobhán Magure. Guest: John DowningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Johnny ‘Mad Dog’ Adair was on the top of his game.He was feared by nationalists and ruled the Shankill.Then he lost it all and was forced to flee in the night by his former comrades. The Sunday Life’s Ciaran Barnes tells the story of how Adair lost his power and was banished from Belfast.This podcast was originally published in October 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Johnny Adair once ruled Belfast's Lower Shankill. The UDA commander struck fear into the hearts of nationalists and his loyalist rivals, as he intended.Known as 'Mad Dog', his activities were no secret, he revelled in his status as a hardman and celebrity paramilitary enforcer - but how did he get that power and status?The Sunday Life’s Ciaran Barnes tells the story of how Adair rose to power.This podcast was originally published in October 2022.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.

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.

State Papers from 1999 give a glimpse of what was going on during the Mo Mowlam era of Northern Ireland politics. They reveal the desperate attempts to reach political agreement the previous year including the tensions over the NI secretary’s decision to visit paramilitary prisoners in the Maze. Host: Ciarán Dunbar. Guest: Andrew Madden. 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.

Charismatic, religious, ruthless, cold, Billy Wright was feared by most people but respected by some people for ‘taking the war to the IRA’. Where did King Rat come from, how did he live his life and why did he take others’ lives? Host: Ciarán Dunbar, guest Belfast Telegraph’s security correspondent Allison Morris. Part Two of this podcast will continue the story. 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.