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The BelTel

ByBelfast Telegraph
590 episodes

Podcast Summary

The BelTel brings you some of Northern Ireland's top journalists, Allison Morris, Sam McBride and Suzanne Breen to name but a few, giving you the inside stories behind what is in the news. Presented by Ciarán Dunbar, the Bel Tel investigates, debates and informs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#1

‘I had 9 death threats in under a year’: Life as an NI Journalist under threat

Northern Ireland is officially the most dangerous place in the UK to be a journalist. A new report published by Amnesty International this week says that journalists here are working in a ‘climate of fear’ with numerous death threats against them. The report says that there have been over 70 incidents of threats or attacks against journalists since the start of 2019. Olivia Peden is joined by Allison Morris and Ciaran Barnes to uncover what working as a journalist under threat in Northern Ireland is really like. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-06-03•33mins
#2

Meet the Macrons: ‘Slapgate’, controversies and bizarre conspiracy theories

Social media became alight this week after French president Emmanuel Macron was caught on camera seemingly being slapped by his wife Brigitte. An awkward smile and wave when he realised the slap had been noticed just fuelled the rumours. The couple, who met when Brigitte Macron was then 15-year-old Emmanuel’s drama teacher, have long fascinated the public. The First Lady has also been subject to one of the most bizarre conspiracy theories out there. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Paris-based Journalist Catherine Field. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-06-01•31mins
#3

Gerry Adams wins his defamation case against the BBC

A jury in Dublin has awarded Gerry Adams €100,000 in damages. The former Sinn Féin leader won his High Court defamation action against the BBC on Friday morning. It followed a five-week defamation trial. The jury agreed with Mr Adams that a BBC Spotlight programme, defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson – he has always denied any involvement. Mark Tighe reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-30•20mins
#4

Referees ensure UVF’s Winkie Irvine given lenient sentence for firearms charges

UVF commander Winston ‘Winkie’ Irvine has been jailed after being caught with guns. He was sentenced to 30 months with half served on license after being caught with weapons and ammunition in the boot of his car. The judge said Irvine’s work as a ‘peacemaker’ meant that the minimum five-year tariff was inappropriate after glowing references from high-profile government and security officials were heard in court. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-29•47mins
#5

Lucid Talk polling: Kneecap, Sinn Féin, Irish signs and what is a woman

The latest Belfast Telegraph Lucid Talk polling shows sharp divisions on some touchstone societal issues. Among the issues surveyed in the latest poll were whether rap band Kneecap should be banned from performing at Belfast Vital, assisted dying and the Supreme Court’s ruling on gender and defining what a woman is. In terms of party political support, the poll reveals the DUP are still in a rut and that power in Stormont is taking the shine off Sinn Féin. Ciarán Dunbar joined by the Belfast Telegraph’s political editor Suzanne Breen. If you enjoy The BelTel, please leave us a review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-27•42mins
#6

Kincora: Lord Mountbatten, MI5, William McGrath and Tara – the search for the truth

Kincora was a home for vulnerable boys in east Belfast – but controlled by paedophiles. It was a place where dozens of boys and teenagers were abused. It was run by William McGrath, a leading loyalist. McGrath has long been believed to have been an MI5 agent – and the agency has long been accused of endeavouring to cover up what happened. But perhaps the most shocking allegation to come out of the home – some of the victims believe that they were abused by Lord Mountbatten - a mentor to King Charles. Chris Moore’s new book is entitled Britain’s Shame – Mountbatten, MI5, the Belfast Boys’ Home Sex Abuse Scandal and the British Cover-Up. He joined Ciarán Dunbar in the studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-25•43mins
#7

Gerry Adams’ BBC defamation trial: Jury hears final arguments

A jury in a Dublin court has heard a third week of evidence in the Gerry Adams defamation trial. The former Sinn Féin leader is suing the BBC over a claim made in a Spotlight program – that he gave the go ahead for Dennis Donaldson to be murdered. Gerry Adams vehemently denies any involvement in the killing. Mark Tighe joined Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-23•17mins
#8

Martin McGuinness and the story of the Provisional IRA in Derry

Support for the IRA in Derry grew in the wake of the civil rights campaign – and the authorities response to it and soared in the aftermath of Bloody Sunday. But atrocities such as Claudy Bombing and the murder of Patsy Gillespie, saw that support fall. The history of the IRA in the city was dominated by Martin McGuinness, later a key advocate of the peace process. Jon Trigg is a former British soldier, his new book is ‘Death in Derry: Martin McGuinness and the Derry IRA’s War Against the British’. He spoke to Ciarán Dunbar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-22•32mins

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#9

EXTRA: Kneecap's Mo Chara faces charge under terrorism act over Hezbollah flag

When west Belfast rapper Mo Chara, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, of Kneecap allegedly displayed a Hezbollah flag on stage in London, he didn’t just spark controversy – he triggered a UK terrorism investigation and has now been charged. The group says it’s political policing: the UK authorities says it’s national security. Dave Hanratty speaks to Enda Brady. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-22•16mins
#10

Former PSNI officer challenges ‘Sean’ allegations of anti-Catholic sectarianism in the force

One of the PSNI’s first Catholic recruits, told the Belfast Telegraph he had faced sectarianism, including references to “Fenian b******s”. Despite Chief Constable Jon Boutcher saying the allegations will not be investigated by a court or by the PSNI. ‘Sean’s’ solicitor says he’s standing by everything he’s alleged but has dropped threatened legal action. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph’s Northern Ireland Editor Sam McBride who broke the story, and former senior PSNI Officer Jon Burrows, who strongly disputes the claims. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-20•34mins
#11

Bryson, McKay and O’Hara misconduct trial to begin in Belfast – Allison Morris reports

Loyalist Jamie Bryson, former Sinn Fein MLA Daithi McKay and party member Thomas O’Hara will be standing trial at Belfast Crown Court charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office. All three deny the offences. The charges relate to a meeting of the Stormont Finance Committee in September 2015, which Mr Bryson gave evidence to, during a review of the sale of the Nama property loan portfolio in Northern Ireland. Belfast Telegraph’s Crime Correspondent Allison Morris joined Ciarán Dunbar me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-18•33mins
#12

Gerry Adams defamation case: BBC vigorously defends its journalism

The former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams is suing the BBC over allegations made in a Spotlight programme that he sanctioned the murder of Denis Donaldson – an allegation he vehemently denies. The BBC were the centre of attention this week as the case against the broadcaster in a Dublin court continues. Sunday Independent journalist Mark Tighe spoke to Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-16•22mins
#13

Skortgate: The ‘totally absurd’ row over what Camogie players wear

Camogie players have criticised the sport’s association for kit rules deemed as ‘archaic’. Traditionally, camogie players have worn skorts in their kit, but players are now asking for the choice to wear shorts. Following widespread disruption over the issue, a vote is due to take place next week. Are camogie skorts sexist, or just a harmless tradition? Olivia Peden is joined by the Belfast Telegraph reporters Niamh Campbell and Jessica Rice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-15•25mins
#14

Starmer’s “island of strangers” migration crackdown and what it means for NI

Sir Keir Starmer has set out plans to reduce migration saying high figures have caused “incalculable” damage to British society. He says Britain risks becoming an “island of strangers” without better integration. But what will these plans mean for Northern Ireland? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by David McCann and by Enda Brady. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-13•27mins
#15

Gerry Adams accused BBC barrister of trying to persuade a jury he has “no reputation whatsoever”

Gerry Adams has been under cross-examination in Dublin. The former Sinn Féin leader has taken a defamation case against the BBC. He claims a Spotlight programme defamed him - by alleging he sanctioned the murder of Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson months after admitting his role as a police and MI5 agent for 20 years – Mr Adams denies any knowledge of the killing. Mark Tighe has been covering the case for the Sunday Independent, he joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-10•24mins
#16

Séamus Ruddy: The Newry man ‘disappeared’ by INLA in Paris

Séamus Ruddy was 33 when he was abducted, tortured, shot dead and buried in secret in northern France by the INLA in 1985. A former member of the IRSP, His killers believed he knew the location of an arms dump in northern France. The murder became part bloody schism within the INLA that left over a dozen men dead. After an extensive family campaign his remains were found in a forest in May 2017. Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-08•33mins
#17

Conclave: White smoke and dark secrets, Catholic cardinals are choosing the next pope

In centuries past, the word 'conclave' meant Catholic cardinals were literally locked away until a new pope had been elected. Today, it's the world that's locked out, as people await the unmistakable white smoke. In this episode, we lift the veil on the politics, power and prayers involved in electing a new pope. Why are phones confiscated? Who really pulls the strings? And who is the cardinal who has been banned from Conclave? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-08•27mins
#18

Kew Files: Sam McBride on what secret files reveal about David Ervine, Gerry Kelly and the UDA

Why did supposed peacemaker David Ervine threaten to “bomb the **** out of Dublin”, why did the British Government allow the UDA to be a legal organisation for so long, and what does Gerry Kelly think of claims that he was put in charge of restructuring the IRA? The Belfast Telegraph’s Sam McBride found the answer to those questions in secret files at the Kew Archives in London; He joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-06•46mins
#19

Meet the ‘freemen of the land’ who believe they are above the law

A Co Down man charged with raping and falsely imprisoning a woman has been on the run for almost two years after refusing to attend his trial, claiming to be a freeman of the land. It’s “false philosophy that is all too frequently before the court,” is the view of Newry judge Eamonn King about the so-called ‘freeman’ defence. What is this all about? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph crime correspondent, Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-04•32mins
#20

Kneecap: Terror cops confirm 'grounds for further investigation', politicians push for bans, musicians rally

Rap band Kneecap maintain they have "faced a coordinated smear campaign" in recent days over their pro-Palestinian stance. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch wants the band banned and almost all MPs want Glastonbury to ditch them. Anti-terror police are investigating them. Where and when will these controversies end? Belfast Telegraph reporter Kurtis Reid joins Ciarán Dunbar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-01•30mins
#21

Officials say minister wrong to suggest opinion polls will trigger Irish border vote – who is right?

The Northern Ireland under-secretary of state Fleur Anderson has said publicly that opinion polls will determine if and when a referendum on Irish unity is called. It’s never been exactly clear what would trigger a poll on a united Ireland – so has she overstepped the mark, made a mistake or actually let the cat out of the bag. And who are this middle-ground who have the magic votes? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Professor Jon Tonge from the University of Liverpool and political commentator Ursula Savage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-29•28mins
#22

Austin Stack: ‘The IRA couldn’t admit my father’s murder was sanctioned because of political repercussions’

Brian Stack was the chief officer in the maximum security Port Laoise prison, which housed IRA members. In March 1983, he was gunned down by the IRA in Dublin after attending a boxing match – he succumbed to his wombs 18 months later. Austin Stack has long fought for the truth and for justice for his father, meeting with Sinn Féin and IRA officials, including Gerry Adams, to try and get to the bottom of the killing. He joined Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-27•32mins
#23

Sallins Train Robbery: Osgur Breatnach, a false confession, the Garda 'Heavy Gang', and convicted by a sleeping judge (Part 2)

The Sallins train robbery was one of the most daring and lucrative heists in the history of the Irish State. And for Osgur Breatnach, a journalist and activist, it was the beginning of an ordeal that haunts him to this day. He was arrested that morning in 1976, as one of six accused of carrying out the robbery. One week before Christmas of the same year, he and his co-accused were brought into the Special Criminal Court and charged with the crime. It would become one of the most dramatic and longest-running criminal trials in the history of the State. In the final episode of this two-part documentary special, Kevin Doyle revisits the Sallins Train Robbery, speaking to Osgur Breathnach about the trial of the ‘sleeping Judge’, living with PTSD, and why he feels a public inquiry is justified for he and his co-accused. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-24•35mins

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#24

Sallins Train Robbery: The IRSP members wrongly imprisoned for IRA heist (Part 1)

On the night of March 30th, 1976, a gang of armed men held a family hostage in rural County Kildare and derailed a mail train carrying the equivalent of over €1 million in cash and valuables. It was one of the most audacious robberies in the history of the Irish state—but today, it is remembered for very different reasons. What followed was one of the longest and most controversial trials in the history of the Irish state—one that would see IRSP menber Osgur Breathnach’s conviction overturned, but not before spending 17 months in Portlaoise prison. The IRA would later claim responsibility for the Sallins robbery, and nearly five decades on, Osgur is still seeking justice for his treatment in the Bridewell Garda station and wrongful conviction. Host; Kevin Doyle. Guest; Osgur Breathnach Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-22•34mins
#25

What is Micheál Martin saying (or not) about a United Ireland?

Taoiseach Micheál Martin says that he is “not planning” for a 2030 border poll. He’s currently promoting his Shared Island Initiative – which some unionists fear is a trojan horse for Irish unity but others are comfortable with. Republicans have always been distrustful of the Fianna Fáil leader. Sam McBride recently sat down with the Taoiseach, producing an interview that has sparked debate, satisfaction, and anger - has Micheal Martin really ruled out unity?He joins Ciarán Dunbar to interpret what the Taoiseach thinks of a united Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-20•41mins
#26

‘Every one of them looks like someone’s grandfather’: Belfast pensioners sentenced for running grooming gang

Belfast pensioner Oliver MacCormack has been handed a seven-year sentence for exploiting vulnerable young women by plying them with heroin and forcing them to work as prostitutes. Three other men have already been sentenced as part of the same investigation, the oldest of which being 79. Some question whether the sentences handed out to the gang was stiff enough. Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-17•30mins
#27

The National Front, Tartan gangs and Combat 18: Loyalism and the far-right

How successful were far-right attempts to influence loyalism and how deep do radical right links with loyalism go today? From the National Front to Combat 18, the English far-right has tried to colonise loyalism but how successful were they? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Aaron Edwards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-15•31mins
#28

Rory McIlroy achieves sporting immortality with Masters victory

On Sunday night at Augusta National, Rory McIlroy defeated Justin Rose in a heart-stopping playoff to win the Masters for the first time in his career. The Holywood man has become the sixth person to complete a career grand slam. In a special edition of the BelTel, Keith Bailie is joined by the Belfast Telegraph’s Chief Sportswriter Steven Beacom and Chief Audience Editor Gareth Hanna. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-14•37mins
#29

Joe Lynskey and Robert Nairac: 'Bodies will never be found’, IRA source admits

Joe Lynskey, one of the Disappeared, was murdered by his IRA colleagues in 1972 and his body secretly buried. Remains recently found in a County Monaghan grave were hoped to belong to him, but the DNA says no. The finding leaves a new mystery - who was the extra body in the plot, and if it wasn’t Joe Lynskey - then whose remains are they? What are republican sources saying about the prospects of finding him now? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph’s security correspondent, Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-13•25mins
#30

'Burn them out': The long history of fascism and the far-right in Ireland

Ireland has long flirted with the far-right – and has had political movements with profoundly antisemitic views. Historian Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc has written a new book - ‘Burn Them Out – A History of Fascism and The Far-Right in Ireland’ investigating the history of fascism in Ireland. He joined Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-10•34mins
#31

Sam McBride: Paul Givan and the case of the missing civil servant

A few months ago, one of Stormont’s most senior civil servants vanished. Mark Browne was the top official in Stormont’s Department of Education. But sources have now told the Belfast Telegraph that Mr Browne and the Education Minister Paul Givan clashed over how to tackle what is now a multi-faceted crisis in Northern Ireland’s education system. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-08•32mins
#32

SSPX Resistance: Who are the group behind masses Catholic Church in Derry says are ‘illicit’?

The Catholic Bishop of Derry has warned of “illicit” masses being held in the city by clergy not recongnised by the hierarchy. Bishop Dónal Mac Keown claims these services are being carried out by an ultra-conservative splinter group of the Society of Pius the Tenth known as SSPX Resistance. SSPX Resistance are certainly uncompromising traditionalists, but the splinter group has been accused of antisemitism and having ties with the far right. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter, Liam Tunney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-06•24mins
#33

Controversial Ballymena ‘brand builder’ Darren Campbell quits after months of controversy

The owner of a controversial Ballymena based ‘brand building’ company has announced its closure. FBA Brand Builder was run by 34-year-Darren Campbell – he charged clients for his guidance on selling products to the US Market on Amazon. The Belfast Telegraph has revealed some questionable practices, including encouraging clients to lie on credit card applications and facilitating paid amazon reviews. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph’s Liam Tunney, who broke the story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-03•29mins
#34

Trump's tariffs: 'Brexit means NI could pay more for some goods if we're stuck in the middle of a trade war'

In a speech on America’s so-called ‘Liberation Day’, Trump accused the global community of stealing American jobs and ‘ransacking’ US industry. The President has imposed tariffs of 20% on goods from the EU, while goods from the UK, including NI, will be subject to a 10% tariff. What do the tariffs mean for Northern Ireland, how has Brexit changed our situation, and could the tariffs start a global trade war? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph Business editor Margaret Canning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-03•19mins
#35

Internment without trial: ‘The single biggest mistake that the British state makes in the Northern Ireland conflict’

Internment was a key event in the history of the Troubles; In an effort to deal with increasing violence Stormont and the British Government decided to introduce internment. Almost 2,000 people were interned up until its end in December 1975 – imprisoned without a fair trial. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Dr Peter McLoughlin and by Dr Martin McCleery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-01•38mins
#36

Secret JFK Files reveal how the CIA spied on Irish and British intelligence services

The assassination of US President JFK in November 1963 shocked the world and has inspired conspiracy theories for over 60 years. President Trump has ordered the release of classified files from the period, which have revealed that the CIA kept files on both Ireland and the UK’s military intelligence services, despite being close allies. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Abdullah Sabri and Ulster University lecturer in international history Dr Robert McNamara. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-03-30•31mins
#37

One year on, Jeffrey Donaldson’s shock resignation and its impact on the DUP

One year ago, 29th of March, journalists began to realise that a massive political story was breaking - -the DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson had deleted his website and social media accounts. Then a statement emerged from the DUP, Donaldson had resigned and had been suspended from the party after being charged with historical sexual offences. Jeffrey Donaldson’s wife, Eleanor Donaldson, was also facing criminal charges – all of which they both strenuously denied. How did that day play out, what was the DUP reaction and how have they DUP handled it since? Belfast Telegraph Political Editor Suzanne Breen joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-03-28•32mins
#38

Sam McBride: Secret files suggest Robert Nairac was meeting with an informant before disappearance

Captain Robert Nairac was meeting an informer when he was abducted and murdered, secret military documents indicate. Those files, discovered by the Belfast Telegraph’s Sam McBride, also show that the Ministery of Defence was desperate that that fact would not be revealed, so desperate that it would rather his killers walked free from court than answer questions about what he was up to. Robert Nairac was murdered and secretly buried by the IRA in 1977. Since his disappearance, he has become a mythical figure shrouded in secrecy and rumour. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride to reveal some of what he has found in London’s Kew archives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-03-26•49mins
#39

The MAGA Manosphere: Why are Conor McGregor and the UFC punching right?

From Conor McGregor to Andrew Tate, why are fans and prominent figures in the MMA and sports-combat world embracing extreme politics? Are teenage boys in the sights of the far right? And what threat does the manosphere pose to society?Host: Ellen Coyne Guest: Dave Hanratty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-03-25•32mins
#40

Flights from hell: Do we need to clamp down on alcohol at 30,000ft?

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary wants a two-drink airport limit as his airline threatens a clampdown as it tries to recover losses against disruptive passengers. Many of us simply love ‘airport pints’ but alcohol is a major source of trouble on planes. There have been a plethora of incidents involving air rage and disruptive passengers in recent years, some resulting in criminal convictions and even emergency landings. Belfast Telegraph reporter Kurtis Reid and Belfast Telegraph columnist Fionola Meredith join Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-03-24•37mins
#41

Portadown teacher Niamh Farrell denies being ‘GAA catfish’ as she wins an injunction against Dublin school

Dublin secondary school Coláiste Éanna has been embroiled in controversy after it was claimed online that one of its teachers is the notorious GAA catfish. Teacher Niamh Farrell denies being the catfish who deceived at least 40 people, including multiple Ulster GAA players. But an investigation at the school found that she confided in its principal that she was the catfish. She has now won an injunction to stop the school disciplining her. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Irish Independent’s Ellen Coyne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-03-21•29mins
#42

How Basil McCrea's career and party ended in utter chaos | NI21 (Part 2) - the downfall

NI21 appeared to many as a great idea. But the enthusiasm and positivity did not last long and the party’s collapse into chaos was a spectacular one. Just a day before the party’s first electoral test in 2014 – the party decides that they are now agnostic on the issue of the border, it was then torn apart by controversy and infighting. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride to talk about how the wheels came off NI21, where the party’s leaders are now, and if a liberal unionist party could ever work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-03-19•26mins
#43

How two UUP MLAs broke away to find a new 'confident' path for unionism | NI21 (Part 1) - the rise

NI21 – A party that sought to change the direction of a century of unionist politics but ended in disaster. Two charismatic Ulster Unionist MLAs – Basil Mccrea and John McAllister - quit their party in 2013 for pastures new. But following a last-minute decision to become agnostic on the border, sexual misconduct allegations against its leader, and a host of other fiascos, things quickly fell apart. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride to talk about what NI21 believed in, who the big personalities involved where, and if the party was always destined to end the way it did. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-03-17•31mins
#44

Rosemary Nelson: RUC ‘threats’, Red Hand Defenders and alleged collusion, the murder of a Lurgan solicitor

Rosemary Nelson died in March 1999 after a bomb exploded under her car. The Red Hand Defenders took responsibility. High-profile clients like IRA man Colin Duffy and the Garvaghy Road Residents’ association had made her a target for sectarian animosity. It was alleged she had been threatened by RUC officers. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by co-author of the book, ‘Who Killed Rosemary Nelson?’ Neil Root and Sunday Life editor Martin Breen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-03-14•30mins
#45

On-the-run Magilligan prisoner before courts in Rhode Island after alleged $800,000 scam

An unlawfully at large Magilligan Prisoner with four names is to face a court in Rhode Island. Timothy O’Reilly, also known as Elijah Gavin, Timothy Kelly, or Elijah Thomas, was arrested in New York in January on charges of conning over $800,000 dollars from a 78-year-old woman. He has been on the run since 2022 after failing to return to Magilligan Prison after a temporary compassionate release – at the time he was facing charges over an attempt to trick another elderly woman out of £40,000. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sunday World’s Eamon Dillon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-03-12•23mins
#46

Gerard Conway inquest: 32-year-old disappeared in 2007 – witnesses testimony weaves a complex story

Gerard Conway was last seen in Cookstown in 2007. The 32-year-old father-of-one was recorded on CCTV at a bank in the town on the 25th of January. He was officially reported missing by his family on 13th of February. Despite searches, he has never been seen since. What happened to Gerard remains a mystery, but the coroner is satisfied he is dead. An inquest has heard from family, friends and witnesses. Several of them, believed that there is a possibility that he had been murdered. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Kurtis Reid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-03-10•30mins
#47

PSNI Chief Con denies intrusive surveillance on journalist investigating Noah Donohoe death, Sam McBride reports

The PSNI have broken its silence on claims that it spied on journalist Donal MacIntyre, who is investing the death of teenager Noah Donohoe. The Chief Constable Jon Boucher says that “No Journalistic material was viewed, recorded, or sought by the PSNI”. He says that the PSNI only accessed information that was publicly posted on two X accounts. The PSNI also now denies breaking into the investigative journalist’s car – after they initially refused to comment. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride, who has been following the story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-03-07•23mins
#48

Allison Morris on the New IRA’s potential ceasefire after secret peace talks

The New IRA is in secret peace negations with the British and Irish governments. But the group’s leadership, who were previously arrested in an MI5 sting, is understood to be at loggerheads with hardliners over whether they should abandon their armed campaign. The New IRA is currently the most active of the dissident groups and is responsible for at least seven murders. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Allison Morris, who broke the story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-03-07•32mins
#49

Noah Donohoe: PSNI accused of spying on journalist investigating teen’s death

The tragic and highly unusual nature of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe’s death in 2020, along with criticism of the police search for him, had led to substantial public concern, speculation, and anger. Two years ago, investigative journalist Donal MacIntyre began investigating the disappearance and the circumstances around it. A source has now told the Belfast Telegraph that as Mr MacIntyre began his work, the PSNI moved to put him under significant online surveillance. He says he is “disappointed but not shocked” at the PSNI allegedly spying on him. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride, who broke the story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-03-05•31mins
#50

Martin Dillon: “There’s no evidence for the ‘Say Nothing’ ending” and Mairead Farrell was "addicted to romantic nationalism"

Journalist Martin Dillon disputes the ending of the ‘Say Nothing’ tv show depicting the murder of Jean McConville. In his new book ‘The Sorrow and the Loss: The Tragic Shadow Cast by the Troubles on the Lives of Women’, he writes about people like Caroline Moreland, shot as an informer just weeks before the IRA ceasefire – he believes Martin McGuinness must have known about it. Mairead Farrell killed by the SAS in Gibraltar despite being well-known to the security services also features in the book. Martin Dillon joins Ciarán Dunbar, to talk about his latest work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-03-03•41mins

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