Stormont Sources

In this episode of Stormont & Sources, David McCann and former SPADs Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan dive into a massive week in British and Irish politics.

First, the team reacts to the shocking news from Westminster: the resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer less than two years into his term. What does this mean for the future of the Labour government, and will Andy Burnham be the next Prime Minister?

Then, SDLP Leader and MP for South Belfast and Mid Down, Claire Hanna, joins the podcast. She discusses the SDLP’s major event exploring the future of these islands and preparing for potential constitutional change. We challenge her on what this conversation means for unionists, the reality of persuading voters in the Republic of Ireland, and why the SDLP believes Northern Ireland must work in the here-and-now while keeping an eye on the horizon.

Finally, the guys debate cross-border infrastructure, the Stormont budget crisis, and make some bold predictions for Scotland's big football match...

💬 Have your say: What are your thoughts on Keir Starmer's resignation? Is the conversation around a New Ireland moving too fast, or is it prudent planning?
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The former leader of the DUP and Lagan Valley MP, Jeffrey Donaldson, has been found guilty of all 18 historical sex abuse charges, including rape, by a jury at Newry Crown Court.

In this special episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, hosts David McCann and Tim Cairns are joined by Alison Morris, Crime Correspondent for the Belfast Telegraph. Alison was one of only 10 journalists allowed inside Court throughout the four-week trial.

She describes the courtroom drama, the "velvet glove assassin" cross-examination by the prosecution, the secret bugging of Donaldson’s car, and the historic "trial of facts" involving his wife, Eleanor Donaldson. We also look at the massive political fallout for the DUP and the wider implications across Northern Ireland politics.

If you find this episode insightful, please consider liking, subscribing, and sharing to help support independent political analysis in Northern Ireland.

📌 SUPPORT SERVICES & RESOURCES:
If you or someone you know has been impacted by historical sexual abuse or any of the themes discussed in this podcast, please reach out for support:

• Nexus NI: https://nexusni.org/
• Women's Aid NI: https://www.womensaidni.org/
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From the gridlock on major infrastructure projects like the A5 and wastewater planning to the political infighting over the Good Jobs Bill and the biomethane transition, we ask: how do we shift the focus from rigid bureaucratic process to actual economic outcomes?

In this episode of Stormont Sources, host David McCann is joined by regulars Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan to talk to the former Executive Minister and Managing Director of Confluence Consulting, Simon Hamilton.

We also join the debate to reflect on how today's mandatory coalition compares to the "glory days" of shared endeavor.

Topics covered in this episode:
-The Confluence Consulting Report
-Why NI Business Leaders Have Lost Faith in Devolution
-Inward Investment vs. The Civil Service Confidence Crisis
-Process vs. Outcome: Why Stormont Moves So Slowly
-The 1% Delivery Stat: Why Major Infrastructure Has Ground to a Halt
-The Good Jobs Bill: Why Employers Are Worried
-The Biomethane & Energy Transition Roadblocks

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

This week, the panel breaks down the massive public fallout over the Scarva Gaza march protests and the growing executive gridlock surrounding the "Good Jobs" Employment Rights Bill.

As summer approaches, localised flashpoints are exposing deep rifts within Stormont. Did DUP MP Carla Lockhart provide crucial leadership on the ground at Scarva bridge to prevent a volatile situation from escalating, or are unionist politicians simply "damned if they do, damned if they don't" by political rivals?

The team also turns their attention to the legislative logjam inside the Executive. With Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald facing intense pressure from the DUP to "split the bill," the panel debates whether the long-awaited Good Jobs Bill is effectively dead or if a compromise can be reached to save its most popular worker provisions.

Topics Covered:
-The Scarva Gaza March Clashes & Counter-Protests
-Political Fallout and Leadership of DUP MP Carla Lockhart
-The "Summer Hate Fest" & Rising Summer Tensions
-The Stalled Good Jobs Bill in the Executive

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

Sinn Féin has officially launched its proposals to radically reform the Northern Ireland Assembly. Once the biggest skeptics of changing the rules, why has the party firmly embraced reform now?

In this episode of Stormont Sources we sit down with Sinn Féin MLA and Deputy Chair of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee, Pat Sheehan, to dive deep into their 6 new proposals—including ending mutual vetoes on Executive formation, changing how the Speaker is elected, and handing greater fiscal powers over to Stormont. Is this a genuine path forward, or is the DUP being politically isolated?

Topics covered:
Doug Beattie Resigns From the UUP
Sinn Féin’s Journey to Reforming the Assembly
Is Mary Lou McDonald Blaming the DUP for Lack of Delivery?
The 6 Reform Proposals: Vetoes, Speakers, & the Justice Minister
Curbing the Power of the Stormont Speaker Explained
Should Stormont Have Income Tax Powers Like Scotland?
The "Other" Designation Problem: Are Some Votes Worth Less?
Paul Givan vs. Pat Sheehan: The School Inspection Bill War
The Restrictive Practices Controversy & The Uniforms Bill
Will the Legislation Pass?

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