Episodios

  • Irish Unity Cooperation and Budget Proposals... with Claire Hanna

    Irish Unity Cooperation and Budget Proposals... with Claire Hanna
    May 22 2025
    In this episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, David McCann, Tim Kearns, and Michael McKernan discuss various political topics affecting Northern Ireland, including reflections on past political leadership, the recent UK-EU reset, the DUP's cautious stance on new agreements, and the controversial topic of compulsory voting. The trio are also joined by Claire Hanna, the leader of the SDLP, who chats about the party's alternative budget proposal and critiques the current executive's handling of budgetary issues. She emphasises the need for more powers to be devolved to Northern Ireland and explores the potential of a Northern Ireland National Investment Bank. The discussion also touches on the importance of infrastructure projects and the need for a more ambitious economic policy.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    58 m
  • Immigration, Anglo-Irish relations and Eurovision

    Immigration, Anglo-Irish relations and Eurovision
    May 15 2025
    In this episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan cover a number of topics. Firstly, they discuss the performance of the Labour government in Northern Ireland, focusing on Keir Starmer's recent policy announcements, particularly regarding immigration and Anglo-Irish relations. The conversation explores the implications of these policies for Northern Ireland's political landscape, the concerns surrounding immigration, and the perspectives of unionists on the Labour government's approach. They also reflect on your questions from last week before looking into Labour's legacy in Northern Ireland and the current dynamics under Sir Keir Starmer's leadership. Finally, the chat turns to the Eurovision Song Contest, exploring its political implications and the controversies surrounding participants like Israel. The speakers reflect on the intersection of music, national identity, and politics, emphasising the need for Eurovision to remain a celebration of diversity and unity despite its political undertones.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    44 m
  • Q&A Special

    Q&A Special
    May 8 2025
    In this episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, David, Tim and Michael take your questions! They look into the complexities of Northern Ireland's political landscape, focusing on the role of opposition in Stormont, the media's reaction to political controversies, and the economic challenges facing the region. They discuss Tim's recent viral moment on social media, highlighting issues surrounding a lack of nuance in political debate. The conversation also touches on the need for reform in the structure of opposition to the government, emphasising the importance of resources and support for a functioning democracy. Finally, they explore the economic realities of Northern Ireland, including its reliance on Westminster funding and the necessity for a more sustainable economic model. The hosts also consider the concept of an independent Northern Ireland, and the roles of the Irish presidency and the British monarchy.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    56 m
  • Kneecap Controversy and Infrastructure Issues

    Kneecap Controversy and Infrastructure Issues
    May 1 2025
    This week, David, Tim and Michael look into the controversy surrounding the band Kneecap, exploring the political reactions to their statements, the cultural impact of their music, and the potential consequences of their actions. The discussion highlights the polarised views on Kneecap, the complexities of cultural accommodation in Northern Ireland, and the challenges of free speech in the context of provocative artistic expression. The presenters also have a discussion about the ongoing infrastructure challenges in Northern Ireland, highlighting the inefficiencies in the planning system and the political dynamics that hinder progress. Finally, the conversation shifts to Canadian politics, analyzing the recent election outcomes and the implications for future political landscapes in both Canada and Northern Ireland.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    59 m
  • Unionist Reaction to the Death of the Pope

    Unionist Reaction to the Death of the Pope
    Apr 24 2025
    In this episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, David, Tim and Michael discuss the political reactions to the death of Pope Francis, focusing on the evolving attitudes of unionist parties in Northern Ireland, including the DUP, TUV, and UUP. The conversation then shifts to Aontú's proposal for a private members’ bill that would allow for Irish citizens in Northern Ireland to vote in Irish presidential elections, examining the political implications and challenges of such a move both in the North and the South.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    47 m
  • The "Rory McIlroy" Voter and the Border Poll

    The "Rory McIlroy" Voter and the Border Poll
    Apr 17 2025
    In this episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, the hosts consider the concept of the 'Rory McIlroy voter' and explore the implications of identity politics in Northern Ireland. They discuss the emergence of a soft unionist voter, the role of political parties in courting this demographic, and the challenges faced by pro-reunification parties in articulating a vision for constitutional change. The conversation also reflects on the failed political experiment of NI21 and its relevance to Northern Irish politics today. The conversation looks into the evolving political landscape of Northern Ireland, focusing on voter disengagement, the rise of parties like the Alliance and SDLP, and the implications of this on Irish unity. David, Tim and Michael also discuss the contrasting views of current and former Taoiseachs on the constitutional question, emphasising the need for reconciliation and outreach to unionist communities. The dialogue highlights the challenges and opportunities in fostering a united Ireland while addressing the fears and concerns of various groups.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    49 m
  • Gavin Robinson's First Year, Brexit, and Trump's Tariffs... with Lee Reynolds

    Gavin Robinson's First Year, Brexit, and Trump's Tariffs... with Lee Reynolds
    Apr 10 2025
    In this episode of Stormont Sources, David, Tim and Michael reflect on Gavin Robinson's first year as leader of the DUP with former SPAD Lee Reynolds, discussing the challenges Robinson has faced. The conversation moves onto the impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland, the strategic decisions made by the DUP, and the internal dynamics of the party. They also explore the need for a rebranding of the DUP and the importance of engaging with a broader unionist narrative, while addressing cultural and identity issues in politics. The hosts also explore the impact of President Trump's tariffs on the UK and Ireland.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    53 m
  • Irish language signs and cultural tensions

    Irish language signs and cultural tensions
    Apr 3 2025

    In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Cairns, and Michael McKernan are joined by Cara Hunter to discuss abuse faced by MLAs, as well as her controversial tweet about Irish language signs at Grand Central Station.


    Plus, the discussion transitions into the broader theme of welfare reform in Northern Ireland, focusing on the recent changes proposed by the UK government, the assembly's response and the relationship between the SDLP and Labour is complex and not as intertwined as perceived.


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