Writer and commentator Malachi O’Doherty joins Fender Jackson in Belfast for a wide-ranging conversation about Donald Trump’s intervention on Irish unity, Northern Ireland’s changing relationship with the border and whether either part of the island is prepared for constitutional change.
Malachi recounts his reporting on IRA punishment attacks, including the extraordinary story of a young car thief he calls “Pip.” He discusses Kneecap and what he describes as Belfast “hood culture,” being branded a “West Brit,” and his confrontations with senior republican figures including Bobby Storey and Gerry Kelly.
The conversation also explores healthcare, pensions and the practical questions that could determine Malachi’s vote in a border poll—as well as what might have happened had David Trimble refused to sign the Good Friday Agreement.
Recorded in Belfast on 17th September 2026.
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Chapter Timings
00:00 Introduction
01:28 Trump and a united Ireland
05:40 Is Irish unity simply “natural”?
09:00 Growing up with the border
14:20 IRA checkpoints and “no-go areas”
15:24 IRA punishment attacks and kneecappings
18:08 The extraordinary story of “Pip”
24:18 Kneecap and Belfast “hood culture”
28:20 Does Kneecap genuinely represent the hoods?
32:06 The Kneecap film, drugs and Gerry Adams
34:27 Would Malachi vote for a united Ireland?
38:03 Pensions, healthcare and the practical questions
41:48 Being branded a “West Brit”
43:04 Bobby Storey, MI5 and intimidation
47:07 The Gerry Kelly legal action
51:22 “Give me the feeder question”
51:53 What if David Trimble had rejected the Agreement?
56:06 Politicians carrying guns
57:58 Does Malachi feel safe in Belfast?
59:14 Malachi’s books and current work
Relevant Links
https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Malachi-ODoherty/author/B001JSEA3U
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