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Stormont Sources

Shortbread Media

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.

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  • 23 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 48 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • S1 · E51
    May 7 · 55 min

    Sorcha Eastwood MP: Keir Starmer vs Northern Ireland

    Sorcha Eastwood talks through Keir Starmer, Stormont reform, and the pressures on households — but are politicians actually delivering any real change, or just more of the same? In this episode of Stormont Sources, host David McCann is joined by regulars Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan to talk to the MP for Lagan Valley, Sorcha Eastwood. Sorcha has been a vocal critic of Keir Starmer’s Labour government in the House of Commons. We dive deep into why she feels the Prime Minister has "disconnected" from the public, the devastating impact of the Local Growth Fund cuts in Northern Ireland, and why she believes the current two-party system is fraying at the edges. Topics covered in this episode: Keir Starmer’s leadership. Stormont reform. The impact of recent economic decisions. Growing security concerns in Northern Ireland. Andy Burnham’s appearance at the Alliance conference. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S1 · E50
    April 30 · 47 min

    Is Unionism Failing the Next Generation?

    In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann and Michael McKernan are joined by unionist columnist and commentator Sarah Creighton. Following her viral Irish News column, Sarah discusses the complexities of identity in Northern Ireland, why she identifies as both British and Irish, the 'bravery' of challenging the unionist status quo, and why 'English indifference' doesn't change her constitutional stance. Throughout the second half, we also dive into: - The 'binary' trap of Northern Irish politics. - Why Unionist parties are failing to market the Union to young people. - The reality of the NHS and economic crisis in NI and - And why engaging with 'Ireland’s Future' is a risk for Unionist politicians. **** 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.

  • S1 · E49
    April 23 · 51 min

    Sinn Féin & DUP Support Slumps and Keir Starmer’s Future

    The latest LucidTalk poll is in, and it’s a rough snapshot for the big parties at Stormont. With Sinn Féin and the DUP seeing a dip in support, we ask: is the "First Minister effect" wearing off? In this episode, David McCann and Tim Cairns dive deep into the rising popularity of the SDLP’s Claire Hanna and the UUP’s John Burrows (and why that might not actually lead to more seats). Plus, we look across the water at a Prime Minister under pressure—how much longer can Keir Starmer survive? Finally, we look the "Fiscal Paralysis" at the heart of the Executive. Why has only 4% of a £230m transformation fund been spent while public services crumble? Tim has some ideas for the Assembly. Topics covered: The LucidTalk Poll: Winners and Losers. Is Claire Hanna is NI’s most popular politician. The "Gavin Robinson Problem" and the DUP’s next generation. Keir Starmer vs. The British Public: The Summer Recess deadline. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Showing 21–23 of 23 episodes