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What does a United Ireland really mean — and what would it take to get there?
In this episode of Stormont Sources, investigative journalist Sam McBride joins David, Tim, and Michael McKernan to discuss his new book co-written with Fintan O’Toole, which presents both sides of the Irish unity debate.
🟦 For the Union:
McBride explains why unionism still benefits from the status quo — and why, despite Brexit, many in the Republic may prefer to keep things as they are.
🟩 For Irish Unity:
He also outlines the emotional and economic appeal of a new Ireland — “a revolution without bloodshed” — and why younger generations might see unification as an exciting chance to start fresh.
💬 Topics include:
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This week on Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan dive deep into two major Stormont flashpoints.
💷 First, the Stormont monitoring round — Ministers scrambling for cash to plug pay gaps.
🗳️ Then, sparks fly on X/Twitter:
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Opposition Leader Matthew O’Toole clash over the idea of extending Irish presidential voting rights to Northern Ireland.
Is this a breach of the Good Friday Agreement or just a culture-war distraction?
🎙️ Stormont Sources takes you behind the scenes of Northern Ireland politics — with insight from former party insiders.
📺 Watch more episodes & subscribe for weekly analysis of the Executive, opposition, and all things Stormont.
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Northern Ireland’s political podcast Stormont Sources is back — and this week, David McCann, Tim Cairns, and Michael McKernan unpack the biggest stories in NI politics.
🏛️ Main topics:
From the legacy of the Good Friday Agreement to the rise of the TUV and DUP’s internal liberal wing, David, Tim and Michael dive deep into the identity crisis at the heart of unionism.
🎧 Listen to the full episode: StormontSources.com
📺 Watch more clips: @StormontSources
💬 Join the conversation: Comment below — does the UUP still have a future?
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The Stormont Sources Podcast takes you inside politics and policy-making in Northern Ireland.
This week, David McCann, Tim Cairns, and Michael McKernan dive deep into:
🎙️ Featuring insight, debate, and some sharp humour from three former political insiders.
🔔 Subscribe for more Northern Ireland political analysis and behind-the-scenes insight from Stormont Sources.
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In this episode of Stormont Sources:
1️⃣ SDLP Conference & Strategy – Clare Hanna sets out her vision, targeting the Alliance Party, moving the unity debate from “conversation” to “action,” and focusing on health, housing, and institutional reform. Can the SDLP recover ground ahead of the next election?
2️⃣ Irish Language Row at Belfast City Council – Sinn Féin push for bilingual branding on vehicles and uniforms, DUP call it “madness,” Alliance search for compromise, and unionists threaten legal action. Is the Irish language being “weaponised”?
3️⃣ School Uniform Costs Bill – With families spending nearly £1,000 per child, DUP Minister Paul Givan promises affordability. But will the new bill actually cut costs, or just water down the issue?
📌 Subscribe for more Stormont analysis on podcast apps and on YouTube.
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The race to become the next President of Ireland is officially underway. Catherine Connolly, Heather Humphreys and Jim Gavin are confirmed as candidates, but already controversy is shaping the contest. In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan ask whether Sinn Féin’s decision to back Catherine Connolly — rather than fielding their own candidate — is a clever tactical move or a major political risk. We explore how Connolly’s past comments on Hamas may affect her credibility, what Heather Humphreys’ background and Orange Order links mean for her chances, and whether Jim Gavin can extend his appeal beyond Dublin. The panel also reflects on lessons from Sinn Féin’s failed 2018 presidential run, how transfer votes will be crucial, and whether this could turn out to be a low-key contest despite the high stakes.
The conversation then turns to the DUP’s 2025 party conference, where leader Gavin Robinson unveiled his “Stormont or Starmer” message. We break down what Robinson is trying to achieve with this new framing, how it plays with grassroots unionists, and whether it can withstand the challenge posed by Jim Allister and the TUV. From unionist unity to the DUP’s stance on Israel and Gaza, and from big contradictions in Robinson’s pitch to the question of his long-term vision for unionism, we analyse what this conference tells us about the future direction of the DUP.
If you want to understand the dynamics shaping both the Irish presidential election and the DUP’s strategy in Northern Ireland, this episode has you covered.
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US President Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK has sparked political controversy in Northern Ireland. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly is attending, but First Minister Michelle O’Neill has refused, citing Trump’s stance on Gaza.
In this episode, we debate:
With sharp analysis from Michael McKernan, Timothy, and David, we unpack the political, diplomatic, and electoral stakes.
👉 What do you think: Was O’Neill right to boycott? Send us your thoughts on email: hello@stormontsources.com
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Stormont Sources is back with an Ask Us Anything special, answering your questions on the future of Northern Ireland politics.
👉 Michael, Tim and David tackle:
This episode dives into the hard questions: is power-sharing holding Northern Ireland back, and what would political reform mean for the future?
📌 Got a question for the next Ask Us Anything? Email hello@stormontsources.com or WhatsApp us at 0333 404 6507.
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly episodes on Northern Ireland politics, power-sharing, Stormont dysfunction, and the future of the Union.
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Stormont is back – and so is the drama.
In this week’s episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Kearns, and Michael McKernan break down a fiery week in the Assembly:
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🎧 Full podcast available on all apps.
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Northern Ireland has one of the highest rates of gambling harm in the UK, yet Stormont has been slow to act. In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann sits down with Philip McGuigan MLA, Chair of the All-Party Group on Reducing Gambling Harm, plus, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan discuss:
🎯 If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling harm, seek help:
Subscribe for more in-depth political analysis: Stormont Sources YouTube Channel
Follow us on X, Instagram & TikTok for clips and updates.
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A new LucidTalk poll, published in the Belfast Telegraph, has shaken up the political landscape in Northern Ireland.
In this deep-dive discussion, we break down:
👉 Why the TUV is gaining ground
👉 Whether the DUP can claw back support before 2027
👉 Naomi Long’s collapse in approval among unionists
👉 The SDLP’s slow recovery under Claire Hanna
👉 Gavin Robinson’s future as a DUP leader
👉 Why some are calling for a DUP–UUP merger
We also look at the lessons from 1998, when fringe unionist parties cut through, and what this poll tells us about the road to the next Assembly elections.
📌 Subscribe for more Northern Ireland political analysis, polls, and in-depth interviews.
🚨 What do YOU think of the latest poll?
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A new Department of Education survey has reignited one of Northern Ireland’s most controversial debates — integrated education. Just 8% of pupils currently attend integrated schools, but campaigners say that needs to change.
Michael McKernan, Tim, and David clash over the numbers, the quality of education, and whether Northern Ireland’s segregated school system is a “quirk of history” that’s long overdue for reform.
We unpack:
PLUS: Donald Trump’s potential tariff war on Ireland’s pharmaceutical sector — and how it could ripple into Northern Ireland.
🎧 Listen to the full Stormont Sources episode now.
Subscribe for political analysis from Belfast, Dublin, and beyond.
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In this episode of Stormont Sources, the team breaks down Michelle O’Neill’s revealing interview with the Belfast Telegraph — and the political shockwaves it’s sent through the Executive Office.
🔍 O’Neill claims to be “in full control” of Sinn Féin’s Northern Ireland team - but is she really? Or is this a thinly veiled swipe at her counterpart, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly?
🎙️ Tim, David and Michael analyse:
👀 Plus: Why John O'Dowd's career turnaround is raising eyebrows, how Andrew Muir is defying pressure, and whether Gordon Lyons is heading toward “gaffe-prone” territory.
📍 Subscribe for more insider analysis of Northern Ireland politics every week.
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This week, David, Tim and Michael look into the complex political landscape of Northern Ireland, focusing on cultural tensions surrounding events like the 12th of July celebrations, the role of leadership in addressing these issues, and the economic implications of cultural events. The discussion also touches on Sinn Féin's economic narrative following Mary Lou McDonald's appearance on Good Morning Britain. They also consider legacy issues and the scrutiny of MLA expenses, highlighting the need for accountability and effective leadership across the political spectrum.
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In this episode of Stormont Sources, the hosts delve into the political turmoil of 2015 in Northern Ireland, focusing on the NAMA trial and the implications of the acquittal of Jamie Bryson and others. They discuss the in-out ministers crisis, the impact of Mike Nesbitt's decision to withdraw from the Executive. The conversation highlights the chaotic political landscape and the challenges faced by various parties during this tumultuous period.
We speak to Jamie Bryson to discuss the lengthy court case he faced, his claims the case was politically motivated, and the implications for the legal system in Northern Ireland. He reflects on his evolving identity from a controversial protester to a legal advocate, emphasising the challenges of navigating political landscapes and public perceptions. The discussion also touches on the cultural significance of bonfires in Northern Ireland and the balance between public safety and cultural expression.
Plus, David, Tim and Michael consider the leadership crisis within the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) following Colin Crawford's resignation. The discussion highlights the party's struggles to find a replacement and the implications of internal disagreements. The second part of the conversation shifts to the potential revival of the Civic Forum, exploring its historical context and the differing opinions on its necessity and effectiveness. And we examine the idea of establishing a second chamber in the Northern Ireland Assembly, weighing the pros and cons of such a move.
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