Stormont Sources

• A deep dive into Belfast's Nightlife with Night Czar Michael Stewart

  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.

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• Hilary Benn on the Budget Crisis, Border Poll & Stormont Reforms

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

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• Was NI's Covid Response a Disaster? Plus, Reeves's Budget

  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.

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• The Anglo-Irish Agreement: 40 Years On

  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] 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.

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• The Executive's Chances of Survival... and a Unionist Merger?

  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] 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.

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