Red Lines

BBC Radio Ulster

The back-stop’s here? Bad puns with top political coverage from Northern Ireland. Red Lines brings you essential analysis and commentary by BBC NI’s politics team.

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20 episodes
Updated July 21

Episodes20

Newest first

July 21 · 49 min
The Emma Little-Pengelly Interview
Mark Carruthers speaks to the deputy First Minister about her political life.
June 24 · 34 min
Donaldson's downfall
Mark Carruthers and guests reflect on the former DUP Leader's fall from grace.
June 11 · 33 min
Makerfield Matters?
Will Andy Burnham make it to Downing Street? And what impact might he have on NI?
May 27 · 42 min
Talking ballots
With just a year to go Mark Carruthers looks ahead to the Assembly election.
May 13 · 32 min
Celtic fringe benefits?
Mark Carruthers looks at the rise of nationalism in the local and national elections.
April 29 · 38 min
Come on Arlene
Mark Carruthers looks back at the resignation of DUP Leader Arlene Foster five years ago.
April 15 · 35 min
Anglo-Irish Editions
Mark Carruthers talks to two British writers who have written books about Ireland.
April 1 · 37 min
Old Tensions: New Ties
Mark Carruthers and guests discuss the current state of Anglo-Irish relations.
March 18 · 37 min
West Winging it
Mark Carruthers and guests assess how to survive St Patrick's Day in Washington.
March 4 · 37 min
Unionists for Unity?
Lord Kilclooney says Irish unity is inevitable. Mark & guests discuss his comments.
February 18 · 35 min
Stormont on tick
"It's like taking a beer the morning after a really bad session."
February 4 · 34 min
Mrs Little-Pengelly goes to Washington
But who else will join her in DC this year?
January 30 · 24 min
The Nicola Sturgeon Interview
Mark Carruthers speaks to the former First Minister of Scotland.
January 21 · 34 min
Does Northern Ireland need Reform?
Will Nigel Farage's Reform UK party contest elections in Northern Ireland?
January 7 · 40 min
Contest or coronation
Who can save the Ulster Unionist Party?
Dec 17, 2025 · 51 min
The Review of 2025
Mark & guests reflect on the political events that shaped 2025.
Dec 10, 2025 · 36 min
Stormont: A bicker a day?
What are relations like at Stormont as Executive parties plan a multi-year budget?
Nov 26, 2025 · 41 min
The One Where Rachel Increased Tax on Lattes.
Mark and guests digest the Chancellor's budget and the implications for Northern Ireland.
Nov 12, 2025 · 38 min
Stormont 2.0
Does the NI Assembly need an upgrade to survive?
Oct 29, 2025 · 42 min
Yellow plateau?
Mark Carruthers asks if the Alliance electoral surge has faltered.

Red Lines

The Emma Little-Pengelly Interview

Donaldson's downfall

Makerfield Matters?

Talking ballots

Celtic fringe benefits?

Come on Arlene

Anglo-Irish Editions

Old Tensions: New Ties

West Winging it

Unionists for Unity?

Stormont on tick

Mrs Little-Pengelly goes to Washington

The Nicola Sturgeon Interview

Does Northern Ireland need Reform?

Contest or coronation

The Review of 2025

Stormont: A bicker a day?

The One Where Rachel Increased Tax on Lattes.

Stormont 2.0

Yellow plateau?