The BelTel

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The BelTel takes you beyond the headlines of the stories people are talking about. This is news like you’ve never heard it before from the best journalists in Northern Ireland.

Belfast Telegraph


    • Jun 21, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 600 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The BelTel

    Beltel Sport: Stuart Dallas- “The togetherness at Euro 2016 was something special”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2025 47:37


    Leeds United and Northern Ireland legend Stuart Dallas joins Keith Bailie and Steven Beacom to reflect on his incredible playing career that took him from Hagan Park in Coagh to Elland Road and the Premier League.The Cookstown man recalls life in the Irish League, working under Argentine manager Marcelo Biesla, the heartbreaking injury that ended his career and why Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was wrong to call his challenge ‘utter madness'.Dallas also reflects on the ninth anniversary of Northern Ireland's adventure in French. The King of Lyon will be joined on stage at the Ulster Hall next year by teammates Steven Davis, Josh Magennis and Niall McGinn for special commemorative event, ‘Euro 2016: Ten Years On' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ‘Tattle Life' exposed: The NI couple who took the infamous gossip site on in court and won

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 24:12


    ‘Tattle Life' is a website where gossip runs wild, reputations are trashed and anonymity is king, where influencers and content creators often found themselves at the centre of abuse and lies. NI based couple Neil and Donna Sands took the prolific gossip site on in court – and won. The legal victory, which netted the couple a £300,000 payout, marks the first time the site's founder has been unmasked. The Irish Independent's Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Neil Sands to discuss how he tracked down and unmasked Tattle Life's owner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Chaos in London as Kneecap's Mo Chara appears in court over terror charge

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 15:19


    It was pandemonium in London on Wednesday morning as Kneecap's Mo Chara appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court. Hundreds turned out to support the rapper, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, as he entered court – having arrived in a mocked up RUC landover. The west Belfast rapper is charged with a terror offence over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a concert in London last year. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph's crime correspondent Allison Morris who was in court and BelTel assistant producer Olivia Peden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Sam McBride and Allison Morris debate the race riots in Ballymena

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 36:36


    A week from the riots in Ballymena, the dust is beginning to settle. The violence has been universally condemned, but is it enough to condemn the rioters without a conversation on immigration? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride and Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Noraid: The IRA and Sinn Féin's American wing, Martin Galvin, and where the money went

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2025 27:09


    It was the Irish American organisation whose aim was a united ireland – and whose method was lobbying politicians in Washington – and above all, fundraising. From lavish dinners to buckets in Irish pubs in the US, they collected millions of dollars for the Republican cause. But the question was always – where did the money go? RTÉ is set to run a two-part documentary Noraid: Irish-America and the IRA. T It was written and directed by Kevin Brannigan – he joined Ciarán Dunbar on the BelTel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Sam McBride: Sir Ken Bloomfield, the IRA murder attempt, and his controversial meeting with MI5

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 35:32


    Sir Ken Bloomfield has died at the age of 94. He wasn't a politician or a political activist – but he was a key figure in the political life of Northern Ireland. He was at the heart of the old Stormont Government in the years before it collapsed in 1972, being described by a former British Prime Minister as the “brains of the operation”. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph's Northern Ireland editor, Sam McBride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ballymena race riots continue: Larne Leisure centre attacked and PSNI threatened with hatchet

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 21:39


    Larne leisure centre has been extensively damaged after being attacked by youths. Onlookers cheered and laughed while attacking the building after it was used as an emergency centre by those affected by the riots. Trouble has continued in Ballymena, with petrol bombs thrown at police, a water cannon deployed and multiple houses attacked. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph's Gabrielle Swan and Kevin Scott, who were at the scene. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    PSNI officers injured and houses destroyed in Ballymena race riots

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 19:34


    Houses were destroyed and 15 officers were injured during serious disorder in Ballymena on Monday night. Large crowds had attended an earlier anti-immigration protest in the Co. Antrim town, after two 14-year-old Romanian boys were charged with a serious sexual assault. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph Journalist Liam Tunney and Visuals Editor Kevin Scott, who was at the scene. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Iris Robinson and the affair scandal which shocked Northern Ireland

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2025 31:07


    In the early 2000s, Peter and Iris Robinson were seen as Northern Ireland's political power couple. Iris, known for her strong Christian values, secretly had an affair with 19-year-old Kirk McCambley, whose late father had entrusted her with his care. In 2008, she helped McCambley secure over £50,000 to open a café, allegedly taking £5,000 for herself—money she failed to declare as required in her role as a councillor. The affair and financial misconduct, once exposed, caused a political and media storm, shocking the public. Olivia Peden revisits this explosive scandal with The Belfast Telegraph's Suzanne Breen and Sam McBride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How Richard Satchwell almost got away with murder: "He told lies, upon lies, upon lies”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 32:41


    Richard Satchwell has been given a life sentence for the brutal murder of his wife, Tina Satchwell. In March 2017, Satchwell began a media tour, saying that she was missing, but he believed she was alive. In reality, he had killed her, keeping her body in a freezer before burying her remains in their home. Her remains were undiscovered for six and a half years. Garda believe that he murdered Tina in fear of her finding out that he had become involved in a scam to obtain two pet monkeys. Olivia Peden is joined by the Irish Independent's Ralph Riegel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ‘I had 9 death threats in under a year': Life as an NI Journalist under threat

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 30:21


    Northern Ireland is officially the most dangerous place in the UK to be a journalist. A new report published by Amnesty International this week says that journalists here are working in a ‘climate of fear' with numerous death threats against them. The report says that there have been over 70 incidents of threats or attacks against journalists since the start of 2019. Olivia Peden is joined by Allison Morris and Ciaran Barnes to uncover what working as a journalist under threat in Northern Ireland is really like. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Meet the Macrons: ‘Slapgate', controversies and bizarre conspiracy theories

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2025 27:00


    Social media became alight this week after French president Emmanuel Macron was caught on camera seemingly being slapped by his wife Brigitte. An awkward smile and wave when he realised the slap had been noticed just fuelled the rumours. The couple, who met when Brigitte Macron was then 15-year-old Emmanuel's drama teacher, have long fascinated the public. The First Lady has also been subject to one of the most bizarre conspiracy theories out there. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Paris-based Journalist Catherine Field. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Gerry Adams wins his defamation case against the BBC

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 17:40


    A jury in Dublin has awarded Gerry Adams €100,000 in damages. The former Sinn Féin leader won his High Court defamation action against the BBC on Friday morning. It followed a five-week defamation trial. The jury agreed with Mr Adams that a BBC Spotlight programme, defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson – he has always denied any involvement. Mark Tighe reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Referees ensure UVF's Winkie Irvine given lenient sentence for firearms charges

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 43:44


    UVF commander Winston ‘Winkie' Irvine has been jailed after being caught with guns. He was sentenced to 30 months with half served on license after being caught with weapons and ammunition in the boot of his car. The judge said Irvine's work as a ‘peacemaker' meant that the minimum five-year tariff was inappropriate after glowing references from high-profile government and security officials were heard in court. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Lucid Talk polling: Kneecap, Sinn Féin, Irish signs and what is a woman

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 39:08


    The latest Belfast Telegraph Lucid Talk polling shows sharp divisions on some touchstone societal issues. Among the issues surveyed in the latest poll were whether rap band Kneecap should be banned from performing at Belfast Vital, assisted dying and the Supreme Court's ruling on gender and defining what a woman is. In terms of party political support, the poll reveals the DUP are still in a rut and that power in Stormont is taking the shine off Sinn Féin. Ciarán Dunbar joined by the Belfast Telegraph's political editor Suzanne Breen. If you enjoy The BelTel, please leave us a review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Kincora: Lord Mountbatten, MI5, William McGrath and Tara – the search for the truth

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2025 39:04


    Kincora was a home for vulnerable boys in east Belfast – but controlled by paedophiles. It was a place where dozens of boys and teenagers were abused. It was run by William McGrath, a leading loyalist. McGrath has long been believed to have been an MI5 agent – and the agency has long been accused of endeavouring to cover up what happened. But perhaps the most shocking allegation to come out of the home – some of the victims believe that they were abused by Lord Mountbatten - a mentor to King Charles. Chris Moore's new book is entitled Britain's Shame – Mountbatten, MI5, the Belfast Boys' Home Sex Abuse Scandal and the British Cover-Up. He joined Ciarán Dunbar in the studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Gerry Adams' BBC defamation trial: Jury hears final arguments

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 14:38


    A jury in a Dublin court has heard a third week of evidence in the Gerry Adams defamation trial. The former Sinn Féin leader is suing the BBC over a claim made in a Spotlight program – that he gave the go ahead for Dennis Donaldson to be murdered. Gerry Adams vehemently denies any involvement in the killing. Mark Tighe joined Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Martin McGuinness and the story of the Provisional IRA in Derry

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 28:37


    Support for the IRA in Derry grew in the wake of the civil rights campaign – and the authorities response to it and soared in the aftermath of Bloody Sunday. But atrocities such as Claudy Bombing and the murder of Patsy Gillespie, saw that support fall. The history of the IRA in the city was dominated by Martin McGuinness, later a key advocate of the peace process. Jon Trigg is a former British soldier, his new book is ‘Death in Derry: Martin McGuinness and the Derry IRA's War Against the British'. He spoke to Ciarán Dunbar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    EXTRA: Kneecap's Mo Chara faces charge under terrorism act over Hezbollah flag

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 13:18


    When west Belfast rapper Mo Chara, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, of Kneecap allegedly displayed a Hezbollah flag on stage in London, he didn't just spark controversy – he triggered a UK terrorism investigation and has now been charged. The group says it's political policing: the UK authorities says it's national security. Dave Hanratty speaks to Enda Brady. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Former PSNI officer challenges ‘Sean' allegations of anti-Catholic sectarianism in the force

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 30:53


    One of the PSNI's first Catholic recruits, told the Belfast Telegraph he had faced sectarianism, including references to “Fenian b******s”. Despite Chief Constable Jon Boutcher saying the allegations will not be investigated by a court or by the PSNI. ‘Sean's' solicitor says he's standing by everything he's alleged but has dropped threatened legal action. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph's Northern Ireland Editor Sam McBride who broke the story, and former senior PSNI Officer Jon Burrows, who strongly disputes the claims. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Bryson, McKay and O'Hara misconduct trial to begin in Belfast – Allison Morris reports

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2025 29:45


    Loyalist Jamie Bryson, former Sinn Fein MLA Daithi McKay and party member Thomas O'Hara will be standing trial at Belfast Crown Court charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office. All three deny the offences. The charges relate to a meeting of the Stormont Finance Committee in September 2015, which Mr Bryson gave evidence to, during a review of the sale of the Nama property loan portfolio in Northern Ireland. Belfast Telegraph's Crime Correspondent Allison Morris joined Ciarán Dunbar me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Gerry Adams defamation case: BBC vigorously defends its journalism

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 19:46


    The former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams is suing the BBC over allegations made in a Spotlight programme that he sanctioned the murder of Denis Donaldson – an allegation he vehemently denies. The BBC were the centre of attention this week as the case against the broadcaster in a Dublin court continues. Sunday Independent journalist Mark Tighe spoke to Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Skortgate: The ‘totally absurd' row over what Camogie players wear

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 22:10


    Camogie players have criticised the sport's association for kit rules deemed as ‘archaic'. Traditionally, camogie players have worn skorts in their kit, but players are now asking for the choice to wear shorts. Following widespread disruption over the issue, a vote is due to take place next week. Are camogie skorts sexist, or just a harmless tradition? Olivia Peden is joined by the Belfast Telegraph reporters Niamh Campbell and Jessica Rice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Starmer's “island of strangers” migration crackdown and what it means for NI

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 23:51


    Sir Keir Starmer has set out plans to reduce migration saying high figures have caused “incalculable” damage to British society. He says Britain risks becoming an “island of strangers” without better integration. But what will these plans mean for Northern Ireland? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by David McCann and by Enda Brady. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Gerry Adams accused BBC barrister of trying to persuade a jury he has “no reputation whatsoever”

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 20:49


    Gerry Adams has been under cross-examination in Dublin. The former Sinn Féin leader has taken a defamation case against the BBC. He claims a Spotlight programme defamed him - by alleging he sanctioned the murder of Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson months after admitting his role as a police and MI5 agent for 20 years – Mr Adams denies any knowledge of the killing. Mark Tighe has been covering the case for the Sunday Independent, he joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Séamus Ruddy: The Newry man ‘disappeared' by INLA in Paris

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 29:49


    Séamus Ruddy was 33 when he was abducted, tortured, shot dead and buried in secret in northern France by the INLA in 1985. A former member of the IRSP, His killers believed he knew the location of an arms dump in northern France. The murder became part bloody schism within the INLA that left over a dozen men dead. After an extensive family campaign his remains were found in a forest in May 2017. Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Conclave: White smoke and dark secrets, Catholic cardinals are choosing the next pope

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 24:56


    In centuries past, the word 'conclave' meant Catholic cardinals were literally locked away until a new pope had been elected. Today, it's the world that's locked out, as people await the unmistakable white smoke. In this episode, we lift the veil on the politics, power and prayers involved in electing a new pope. Why are phones confiscated? Who really pulls the strings? And who is the cardinal who has been banned from Conclave? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Kew Files: Sam McBride on what secret files reveal about David Ervine, Gerry Kelly and the UDA

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 42:38


    Why did supposed peacemaker David Ervine threaten to “bomb the **** out of Dublin”, why did the British Government allow the UDA to be a legal organisation for so long, and what does Gerry Kelly think of claims that he was put in charge of restructuring the IRA? The Belfast Telegraph's Sam McBride found the answer to those questions in secret files at the Kew Archives in London; He joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Meet the ‘freemen of the land' who believe they are above the law

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2025 27:36


    A Co Down man charged with raping and falsely imprisoning a woman has been on the run for almost two years after refusing to attend his trial, claiming to be a freeman of the land. It's “false philosophy that is all too frequently before the court,” is the view of Newry judge Eamonn King about the so-called ‘freeman' defence. What is this all about? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph crime correspondent, Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Kneecap: Terror cops confirm 'grounds for further investigation', politicians push for bans, musicians rally

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 26:34


    Rap band Kneecap maintain they have "faced a coordinated smear campaign" in recent days over their pro-Palestinian stance. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch wants the band banned and almost all MPs want Glastonbury to ditch them. Anti-terror police are investigating them. Where and when will these controversies end? Belfast Telegraph reporter Kurtis Reid joins Ciarán Dunbar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Officials say minister wrong to suggest opinion polls will trigger Irish border vote – who is right?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 27:32


    The Northern Ireland under-secretary of state Fleur Anderson has said publicly that opinion polls will determine if and when a referendum on Irish unity is called. It's never been exactly clear what would trigger a poll on a united Ireland – so has she overstepped the mark, made a mistake or actually let the cat out of the bag. And who are this middle-ground who have the magic votes? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Professor Jon Tonge from the University of Liverpool and political commentator Ursula Savage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Austin Stack: ‘The IRA couldn't admit my father's murder was sanctioned because of political repercussions'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2025 32:18


    Brian Stack was the chief officer in the maximum security Port Laoise prison, which housed IRA members. In March 1983, he was gunned down by the IRA in Dublin after attending a boxing match – he succumbed to his wombs 18 months later. Austin Stack has long fought for the truth and for justice for his father, meeting with Sinn Féin and IRA officials, including Gerry Adams, to try and get to the bottom of the killing. He joined Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Sallins Train Robbery: Osgur Breatnach, a false confession, the Garda 'Heavy Gang', and convicted by a sleeping judge (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 34:55


    The Sallins train robbery was one of the most daring and lucrative heists in the history of the Irish State. And for Osgur Breatnach, a journalist and activist, it was the beginning of an ordeal that haunts him to this day. He was arrested that morning in 1976, as one of six accused of carrying out the robbery. One week before Christmas of the same year, he and his co-accused were brought into the Special Criminal Court and charged with the crime. It would become one of the most dramatic and longest-running criminal trials in the history of the State. In the final episode of this two-part documentary special, Kevin Doyle revisits the Sallins Train Robbery, speaking to Osgur Breathnach about the trial of the ‘sleeping Judge', living with PTSD, and why he feels a public inquiry is justified for he and his co-accused. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Sallins Train Robbery: The IRSP members wrongly imprisoned for IRA heist (Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 30:52


    On the night of March 30th, 1976, a gang of armed men held a family hostage in rural County Kildare and derailed a mail train carrying the equivalent of over €1 million in cash and valuables. It was one of the most audacious robberies in the history of the Irish state—but today, it is remembered for very different reasons. What followed was one of the longest and most controversial trials in the history of the Irish state—one that would see IRSP menber Osgur Breathnach's conviction overturned, but not before spending 17 months in Portlaoise prison. The IRA would later claim responsibility for the Sallins robbery, and nearly five decades on, Osgur is still seeking justice for his treatment in the Bridewell Garda station and wrongful conviction. Host; Kevin Doyle. Guest; Osgur Breathnach Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What is Micheál Martin saying (or not) about a United Ireland?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2025 39:06


    Taoiseach Micheál Martin says that he is “not planning” for a 2030 border poll. He's currently promoting his Shared Island Initiative – which some unionists fear is a trojan horse for Irish unity but others are comfortable with. Republicans have always been distrustful of the Fianna Fáil leader. Sam McBride recently sat down with the Taoiseach, producing an interview that has sparked debate, satisfaction, and anger - has Micheal Martin really ruled out unity?He joins Ciarán Dunbar to interpret what the Taoiseach thinks of a united Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ‘Every one of them looks like someone's grandfather': Belfast pensioners sentenced for running grooming gang

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 28:37


    Belfast pensioner Oliver MacCormack has been handed a seven-year sentence for exploiting vulnerable young women by plying them with heroin and forcing them to work as prostitutes. Three other men have already been sentenced as part of the same investigation, the oldest of which being 79. Some question whether the sentences handed out to the gang was stiff enough. Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The National Front, Tartan gangs and Combat 18: Loyalism and the far-right

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 31:12


    How successful were far-right attempts to influence loyalism and how deep do radical right links with loyalism go today? From the National Front to Combat 18, the English far-right has tried to colonise loyalism but how successful were they? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Aaron Edwards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Rory McIlroy achieves sporting immortality with Masters victory

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 36:42


    On Sunday night at Augusta National, Rory McIlroy defeated Justin Rose in a heart-stopping playoff to win the Masters for the first time in his career. The Holywood man has become the sixth person to complete a career grand slam. In a special edition of the BelTel, Keith Bailie is joined by the Belfast Telegraph's Chief Sportswriter Steven Beacom and Chief Audience Editor Gareth Hanna. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Joe Lynskey and Robert Nairac: 'Bodies will never be found', IRA source admits

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2025 24:18


    Joe Lynskey, one of the Disappeared, was murdered by his IRA colleagues in 1972 and his body secretly buried. Remains recently found in a County Monaghan grave were hoped to belong to him, but the DNA says no. The finding leaves a new mystery - who was the extra body in the plot, and if it wasn't Joe Lynskey - then whose remains are they? What are republican sources saying about the prospects of finding him now? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph's security correspondent, Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    'Burn them out': The long history of fascism and the far-right in Ireland

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 34:02


    Ireland has long flirted with the far-right – and has had political movements with profoundly antisemitic views. Historian Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc has written a new book - ‘Burn Them Out – A History of Fascism and The Far-Right in Ireland' investigating the history of fascism in Ireland. He joined Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Sam McBride: Paul Givan and the case of the missing civil servant

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 30:52


    A few months ago, one of Stormont's most senior civil servants vanished. Mark Browne was the top official in Stormont's Department of Education. But sources have now told the Belfast Telegraph that Mr Browne and the Education Minister Paul Givan clashed over how to tackle what is now a multi-faceted crisis in Northern Ireland's education system. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    SSPX Resistance: Who are the group behind masses Catholic Church in Derry says are ‘illicit'?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2025 23:18


    The Catholic Bishop of Derry has warned of “illicit” masses being held in the city by clergy not recongnised by the hierarchy. Bishop Dónal Mac Keown claims these services are being carried out by an ultra-conservative splinter group of the Society of Pius the Tenth known as SSPX Resistance. SSPX Resistance are certainly uncompromising traditionalists, but the splinter group has been accused of antisemitism and having ties with the far right. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter, Liam Tunney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Controversial Ballymena ‘brand builder' Darren Campbell quits after months of controversy

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 28:05


    The owner of a controversial Ballymena based ‘brand building' company has announced its closure. FBA Brand Builder was run by 34-year-Darren Campbell – he charged clients for his guidance on selling products to the US Market on Amazon. The Belfast Telegraph has revealed some questionable practices, including encouraging clients to lie on credit card applications and facilitating paid amazon reviews. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph's Liam Tunney, who broke the story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Trump's tariffs: 'Brexit means NI could pay more for some goods if we're stuck in the middle of a trade war'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 18:52


    In a speech on America's so-called ‘Liberation Day', Trump accused the global community of stealing American jobs and ‘ransacking' US industry. The President has imposed tariffs of 20% on goods from the EU, while goods from the UK, including NI, will be subject to a 10% tariff. What do the tariffs mean for Northern Ireland, how has Brexit changed our situation, and could the tariffs start a global trade war? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph Business editor Margaret Canning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Internment without trial: ‘The single biggest mistake that the British state makes in the Northern Ireland conflict'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 37:03


    Internment was a key event in the history of the Troubles; In an effort to deal with increasing violence Stormont and the British Government decided to introduce internment. Almost 2,000 people were interned up until its end in December 1975 – imprisoned without a fair trial. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Dr Peter McLoughlin and by Dr Martin McCleery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Secret JFK Files reveal how the CIA spied on Irish and British intelligence services

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2025 29:00


    The assassination of US President JFK in November 1963 shocked the world and has inspired conspiracy theories for over 60 years. President Trump has ordered the release of classified files from the period, which have revealed that the CIA kept files on both Ireland and the UK's military intelligence services, despite being close allies. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Abdullah Sabri and Ulster University lecturer in international history Dr Robert McNamara. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    One year on, Jeffrey Donaldson's shock resignation and its impact on the DUP

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 30:40


    One year ago, 29th of March, journalists began to realise that a massive political story was breaking - -the DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson had deleted his website and social media accounts. Then a statement emerged from the DUP, Donaldson had resigned and had been suspended from the party after being charged with historical sexual offences. Jeffrey Donaldson's wife, Eleanor Donaldson, was also facing criminal charges – all of which they both strenuously denied. How did that day play out, what was the DUP reaction and how have they DUP handled it since? Belfast Telegraph Political Editor Suzanne Breen joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Sam McBride: Secret files suggest Robert Nairac was meeting with an informant before disappearance

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 47:06


    Captain Robert Nairac was meeting an informer when he was abducted and murdered, secret military documents indicate. Those files, discovered by the Belfast Telegraph's Sam McBride, also show that the Ministery of Defence was desperate that that fact would not be revealed, so desperate that it would rather his killers walked free from court than answer questions about what he was up to. Robert Nairac was murdered and secretly buried by the IRA in 1977. Since his disappearance, he has become a mythical figure shrouded in secrecy and rumour. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride to reveal some of what he has found in London's Kew archives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The MAGA Manosphere: Why are Conor McGregor and the UFC punching right?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 30:46


    From Conor McGregor to Andrew Tate, why are fans and prominent figures in the MMA and sports-combat world embracing extreme politics? Are teenage boys in the sights of the far right? And what threat does the manosphere pose to society?Host: Ellen Coyne Guest: Dave Hanratty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Flights from hell: Do we need to clamp down on alcohol at 30,000ft?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 35:02


    Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary wants a two-drink airport limit as his airline threatens a clampdown as it tries to recover losses against disruptive passengers. Many of us simply love ‘airport pints' but alcohol is a major source of trouble on planes. There have been a plethora of incidents involving air rage and disruptive passengers in recent years, some resulting in criminal convictions and even emergency landings. Belfast Telegraph reporter Kurtis Reid and Belfast Telegraph columnist Fionola Meredith join Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Portadown teacher Niamh Farrell denies being ‘GAA catfish' as she wins an injunction against Dublin school

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 27:49


    Dublin secondary school Coláiste Éanna has been embroiled in controversy after it was claimed online that one of its teachers is the notorious GAA catfish. Teacher Niamh Farrell denies being the catfish who deceived at least 40 people, including multiple Ulster GAA players. But an investigation at the school found that she confided in its principal that she was the catfish. She has now won an injunction to stop the school disciplining her. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Irish Independent's Ellen Coyne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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