Stormont Sources

Are the wheels coming off the Stormont institutions?

In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann and Tim Cairns break down the latest high-stakes political clash between Sinn Féin and the DUP. Following warnings from Sinn Féin’s Conor Murphy that reform is urgently needed, DUP Leader Gavin Robinson offered a fiery and memorable response: "Tighten your nuts!"

We dive into whether Stormont can survive until the next election, the political optics of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast, recent polling shifts, and how new Secretary of State Chris Bryant performed during his first media outing.

Topics Discussed:
- Fleadh Cheoil Highlights
- Wheels Coming Off" vs. "Tighten Your Nuts": Murphy & Robinson Clash - DUP vs. Sinn Féin Polling Drops & Political Pressure
- Will Stormont Collapse Before the Next Election?
- Sinn Féin’s Strategy & Executive Department Choices
- New Secretary of State Chris Bryant: "Checklist, Not Checkbook"
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Doug Beattie reflects on his dramatic exit from the UUP, addressing internal party friction, historic tweet controversies, and what he describes as a "toxic environment" prior to his departure. Now charting his path as an Independent Unionist, Beattie looks back at his 13 years in politics, from guarding Spandau Prison and Cruise Missiles in his military days, to leading the UUP, representing the party at royal milestones, and navigating party selection battles.

He opens up about his leadership decisions, whether the UUP is a party that can actually be led, and his plans to contest the upcoming Assembly and Council elections.

Topics discussed:
• Doug Beattie's departure from the UUP
• Internal party culture
• The resignation controversy
• A "Union of People" vision
• Electoral prospects in Upper Bann
• Future election plans
• Working with other independents
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Andy Burnham has officially become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, marking the country’s 7th PM since 2016.

Join host Calum Macdonald live from Downing Street on this special episode of The Sources Podcasts as we break down every moment of this historic handover of power. From Keir Starmer’s departure speech to Andy Burnham’s note-free address to the nation, we cover the immediate reactions, political strategy, and shock Cabinet appointments shaping the new UK government.

In this episode:
- Keir Starmer’s final speech and exit to Buckingham Palace.
- Andy Burnham’s vision: Ending rough sleeping, re-industrialisation, and cost-of-living relief.
- Expert analysis with Patrick Maguire (The Times), Cathy Newman (Times Radio/Sky News), Anna Mikhailova (Times Radio), Peter Cardwell (Talk), Alexander Brown (Daily Mirror), Stefan Boscia (The Times), Andrew Quinn (The Scotsman), and Kate Ferguson (Sun on Sunday).
- Breaking Cabinet Announcements: John Healey as Chancellor, Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary, Shabana Mahmood as Home Secretary, and Louise Haigh as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

💬 What do you think of Andy Burnham's new Cabinet? Will his 10-year plan stabilise UK politics? Let us know

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Are Northern Ireland's main executive parties failing on LGBTQ+ equality and environmental action?

In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Kearns, and Michael McKernan sit down with Green Party NI Leader Mal O'Hara for an unfiltered deep-dive into Northern Ireland politics.

Are Northern Ireland's main executive parties failing on LGBTQ+ equality and environmental action?

Topics discussed:
• Why Stormont executive parties were banned from marching in Belfast Pride.
• Recent polling numbers indicating a potential Green Party comeback.
• Why the NI Greens refuse to take a binary side on the Border Poll / Constitutional question.
• Mal O'Hara’s direct pitch to former DUP and Alliance voters.
• A sharp critique of Alliance ministers on Lough Neagh, Justice reform, and the Programme for Government.

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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.
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In this episode, David McCann, Tim Cairns, and Michael McKernan dive headfirst into a turbulent week for the Alliance Party. Was a retracted graphic featuring a tattered Linfield FC really a big deal? And why did Sorcha Eastwood's attendance at a 12th July bonfire cause such a social media stir?

We ask where the Alliance Party is trying to get to as a political organisation.

Plus, we are halfway through the political year! The team hands out report cards for Stormont’s ministers and party leaders.

Who is quietly getting a grip on their department, who is facing overwhelming adversity, and why does the Executive still not have an agreed budget?

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