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Two years after devolution returned, has the Stormont Executive actually delivered for Northern Ireland? David McCann is joined by former Special Advisers Tim Cairns (DUP) and Michael McKernan (SDLP) to assess the record of the O’Neill–Pengelly Executive — from childcare and health waiting lists to major project delays, civil service power, and whether Stormont ministers are really in control. They debate: Has the Stormont Executive achieved anything significant?Why major Northern Ireland projects keep stallingAre civil servants running departments instead of ministers?Is Stormont about to rush bad legislation before the next election?Why the political tone at Stormont is deterioratingThe controversial suspension of TUV MLA Timothy GastonDid the Assembly overreact — or is political conduct getting worse?With the next Assembly election approaching, is Stormont finally finding its footing — or drifting again? PLUS: Inside discussion on how policy really gets made behind the scenes in Northern Ireland departments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Michael McKernan and Tim Cairns analyse the two stories dominating Stormont this week — from a revealing LucidTalk poll to the political fallout over Gordon Lyon's controversial Facebook post. - The LucidTalk poll explained: winners, losers and warning signs - Why Alliance and the SDLP are fighting - What Jon Burrows’ leadership means for the Ulster Unionist Party - Has the Is pre-election phase already begun at Stormant? - And did Gordon Lyons' Facebook post really cross the line? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Stormont broken — or can it still be fixed? In this episode of Stormont Sources, Alliance MLA for South Belfast Kate Nicholl delivers one of the most candid insider accounts yet of life inside the Northern Ireland Assembly. Kate reflects on: Entering Stormont during collapseBalancing politics, motherhood, and public serviceWhy Assembly politics feels “nasty” and directionlessThe toll dysfunction takes on public trustWhy committees work — but the Chamber often doesn’tStructural reform, data-driven policy, and long-term thinkingWhether she will run again in the next Assembly electionWe also debate: 🔹 Unionist Unity — can the DUP, UUP and TUV really cooperate?🔹 Gavin Robinson’s olive branch to new UUP leader John Burrows🔹 Whether a single unionist Westminster party is realistic🔹 Succession planning inside the DUP🔹 Why Stormont struggles to deliver legislation🔹 Listener questions on committees, scrutiny and reformWith David McCann, Tim Cairns (former DUP Special Adviser), and Michael McKernan (former SDLP Special Adviser), this episode goes deep inside the personalities, structures and failures shaping Northern Ireland politics. 📌 Stormont Sources is Northern Ireland’s most-listened-to political panel podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann and former special advisers Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan break down the biggest political stories at Stormont. 🎙️ In this episode: Is Jon Burrows set to become UUP leader unopposed?Would a UUP leadership contest help or harm unionism?Is so-called “liberal unionism” finished in Northern Ireland?Can John O’Dowd’s multi-year Stormont budget survive executive opposition?Are cuts to health and education unavoidable?Should the Ulster Banner be replaced at the Commonwealth Games? We unpack the real power struggles inside the Ulster Unionist Party, the growing budget crisis at Stormont, and why symbols and flags still dominate politics in Northern Ireland in 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, John Burrows discusses his candidacy for the leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) and his vision for the future of unionism in Northern Ireland. He emphasizes a fact-based approach to politics, moving beyond traditional ideological labels, and advocates for a strong unionist position. Burrows addresses key social issues, including assisted dying and equality, and expresses a commitment to engaging in the constitutional debate surrounding the union. He outlines his policy differences with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and stresses the importance of collaboration within the executive. Education reform and the need for an integrated society are also highlighted as critical areas for development. **** Click stormontsources.com to listen and for all of our episodes Welcome inside politics in Northern Ireland. Listen to the podcast which brings you analysis, insight and experience from Stormont. Join journalist, David McCann, plus Tim Cairns, a former Special Advisor to Peter Robinson and Head of Policy for the DUP and Micheal McKernan, a former Special Advisor in the SDLP worked in the Executive from 2007-2016. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Sources Podcast hosts come together for a special New Year 2026 UK politics preview, analysing what could be the most volatile year in British politics for a generation. With local elections in England, Scottish Parliament elections, Senedd elections in Wales, and mounting pressure on the Northern Ireland Executive, this episode explores how the rise of Reform UK, growing voter fragmentation, and Labour’s governing challenges could reshape the UK’s political map. 🎙️ Featuring voices from: Whitehall Sources Holyrood Sources Stormont Sources Senedd Sources 🔍 In this episode: Is Reform UK becoming a permanent force in British politics? Can Keir Starmer’s Labour government survive a brutal May election? Why the Greens and Gaza independents are threatening Labour in cities Will SNP dominance in Scotland finally crack — and if so, who replaces them? Could Plaid Cymru lead Wales for the first time? How stable is Stormont, and could it collapse again before 2027? What a fragmented UK means for the future of the Union This is essential listening for anyone trying to understand UK elections 2026, Nigel Farage’s influence, Labour’s political future, and the growing instability across Britain’s devolved governments. 📌 Subscribe for weekly insider analysis from Westminster, Holyrood, Stormont and the Senedd. **** Click stormontsources.com to listen and for all of our episodes Welcome inside politics in Northern Ireland. Listen to the podcast which brings you analysis, insight and experience from Stormont. Join journalist, David McCann, plus Tim Cairns, a former Special Advisor to Peter Robinson and Head of Policy for the DUP and Micheal McKernan, a former Special Advisor in the SDLP worked in the Executive from 2007-2016. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll joins Stormont Sources for one of the most candid political interviews of the year. In this final episode of Stormont Sources for 2025, host David McCann, alongside Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan, speaks to Gerry Carroll MLA about: 🔴 Gaza and the Palestine debate at Stormont 🔴 The controversial tweet that made him a lightning rod 🔴 Sinn Féin, Brexit and the EU referendum fallout 🔴 Why the radical left has struggled to grow in Northern Ireland 🔴 Housing, Lough Neagh and working-class politics 🔴 Unionism, nationalism and the constitutional question 🔴 Ukraine, NATO and EU militarisation 🔴 Whether Stormont can ever deliver real change This episode explores 10 years of People Before Profit in Stormont, the limits of devolved power, and why Northern Ireland politics remains so polarised. 🎧 Stormont Sources takes you inside Stormont and the decisions shaping Northern Ireland. 📩 Get involved WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (start with Stormont) Email: [email protected] 👍 Like, subscribe & turn on notifications for weekly Northern Ireland politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Stormont Sources Christmas Special, where David McCann, Michael McKernan and Tim Cairns review the political year in Northern Ireland. In this end-of-year episode, the panel hands out the Stormont Sources Awards, debating: • MLA of the Year – including John O’Dowd, Emma Little-Pengelly, Matthew O’Toole and Timothy Gaston • Party of the Year – why all three agree the TUV had a breakthrough year • Worst Performing Party – Alliance’s difficult year in government • Biggest Political Moment of 2025 – from Sinn Féin’s White House boycott to parliamentary privilege drama • Under-reported Stories – integrated education court rulings, anti-poverty strategy failures, and unionist realignment • Unionism’s Future – DUP, UUP leadership tension, John Burrows, Robbie Butler and cooperation pressures • Stormont Sources Highlights – behind-the-scenes reflections on interviews, viral moments and political rows The episode closes with festive humour, Christmas negotiations nostalgia, and a reminder of Stormont’s most surreal moments — including DUP MLAs singing Christmas carols during all-night talks. 🎄 A must-listen for anyone following Northern Ireland politics, Stormont, or the road to the 2026–27 elections. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest University of Liverpool poll paints a troubling picture for Stormont’s governing parties, with Sinn Féin and the DUP both losing ground, smaller parties rising, and the combined dominance of the two biggest parties falling below 45%. In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann is joined by Tim Cairns (former DUP Special Adviser) and Michael McKernan (former SDLP Special Adviser) to break down what the poll really means for the 2026 Assembly election, unionism, nationalism, Alliance, the Greens, TUV, and People Before Profit. The panel also digs into: Why a multi-year Stormont budget looks unlikely before ChristmasHow a £400m overspend is already locked inThe looming crisis around public sector pay parityWhether Stormont’s month-long Christmas recess is storing up bad legislation later in the mandateWhy Northern Ireland’s law-making process is producing poorly scrutinised lawsWith Stormont facing shrinking legislative time, stalled reform, and rising voter frustration, this episode asks a blunt question: Is devolution delivering? 📌 Subscribe for weekly analysis of Northern Ireland politics 📩 Join the mailing list: stormontsources.com 📺 Watch full episodes & clips on YouTube 🐦 Follow and comment on X & TikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Belfast’s night-time economy is in trouble — and this deep-dive explains why. In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan are joined by Belfast Night Czar Michael Stewart. We explore the Hill Street “gateway issue”, why businesses are walking away from Belfast, the impact of poor transport, policing, licensing laws, planning failures, dead zones, and what political leadership needs to do now. From the collapse of footfall to bars struggling to stay open, we break down the real structural problems damaging Belfast’s economy – and the bold solutions needed to revive the city centre. If you care about Belfast, night life, regeneration, public safety, or the local economy, you must listen to this. The hosts then tackle the leading political issues of the week in Northern Ireland politics, principally the chance of an agreement over multi-year budget agreement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan challenge the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on the biggest questions facing Northern Ireland: Why does the Treasury say NI already receives 124% of assessed need? Is Stormont spending too much — or is the funding model broken? What happens if the Executive can’t plug the £400m overspend? Should Stormont raise its own revenue for the first time? Why does NI’s health service spend more but deliver worse outcomes? Will Labour change the rules on a border poll? Should Stormont’s institutions be reformed — and will the UK government lead that conversation? What does the Budget really mean for public services, tax powers and the wider economy? After speaking with Hilary Benn, the team are joined by Ann Watt from Pivotal, who expertly breaks down the implications of Budget 2025, the long-term structural problems in NI’s finances, and the urgent need for a multi-year financial plan. This episode cuts through headlines and political noise to explain what’s actually happening, what comes next, and what it means for people across Northern Ireland.

Rachel Reeves has delivered her second Budget as Chancellor — but what does it actually mean for Northern Ireland? In this week’s episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan break down the major spending announcements, from the headline £370m funding uplift to debates around multi-year budgets, revenue-raising powers, and the future of Stormont’s finances. We also analyse the UK Covid Inquiry’s damning report on Northern Ireland’s pandemic response, including accusations of “chaotic decision-making”, political dysfunction inside the Executive, and the differing reactions from the DUP and Sinn Féin. Plus: your questions — including whether the SDLP and Sinn Féin could ever merge, and whether the Irish language has been “weaponised”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan take a trip down memory lane. From the 40th anniversary of the Anglo-Irish Agreement to the notable leadership changes within the SDLP and DUP, our discussion uncovers the lasting impact of these events and their implications for today’s politics. 📱 Join the conversation: WhatsApp us at 0333 404 6507 (use the word Stormont) Email: [email protected] Follow us on X, Instagram, and Facebook → @StormontSources 🎧 Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment below with your thoughts on whether the DUP and UUP could ever unite. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Michael McKernan, and Tim Cairns go deep inside the latest debates shaking unionism in Northern Ireland. 💬 Main topics: Could the DUP and UUP merge? Or is cooperation between unionist parties still impossible?The real story behind Doug Beattie and Jeffrey Donaldson’s secret talks.How Jim Allister’s return in 2004 reshaped unionist politics — and created lasting tensions within the DUP.What the TUV’s rise tells us about the future of unionism.Plus, listener questions on SDLP strategy in South Belfast, whether Claire Hanna’s vote can deliver two Assembly seats, and more.Tempers flared at Stormont this week as Paul Givan narrowly fended off a vote of no confidence. Relations inside the Northern Ireland Executive have hit a new low — and the DUP’s decision not to attend Catherine Connolly’s presidential inauguration has raised fresh questions about political cooperation. Are we heading for another Stormont collapse? Or will the Executive limp on until the next election? With behind-the-scenes stories from Tim Cairns, former Special Adviser to DUP First Minister Peter Robinson, and Michael McKernan, former SDLP adviser, this episode offers rare insider analysis on how Stormont really works. 📱 Join the conversation: WhatsApp us at 0333 404 6507 (use the word Stormont) Email: [email protected] Follow us on X, Instagram, and Facebook → @StormontSources 🎧 Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment below with your thoughts on whether the DUP and UUP could ever unite. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, host David McCann is joined by regulars Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan to discuss the intersection of art and politics with guests Colin Davison and Mark Carruthers. The conversation is based around their new book, "12 Paintings- Converstations with Mark Carruthers” which features portraits of prominent political figures. The discussion delves into the personal and professional relationships between the artists and their subjects, the impact of Northern Irish identity on their work, and the broader themes of human experience and political history captured in their art. The episode also touches on the significance of Belfast and the role of art in reflecting and shaping societal narratives. 🎨 From Bill Clinton’s quiet reflection to John Hume’s humanity, Queen Elizabeth’s historic handshake with Martin McGuinness, and the grief of victims in Silent Testimony, Davidson’s portraits capture the people and moments that have shaped modern Northern Ireland. They discuss: The friendship between Davidson and Carruthers that inspired 12 Paintings The stories behind portraits of George Mitchell, David Trimble, and Ian Paisley How Belfast’s beauty and trauma shape Davidson’s art The Queen’s reaction to her own portrait The ongoing challenge of depicting Northern Ireland’s divided identity through art Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.