Stormont Sources

Why is the downfall of former DUP leader and convicted child rapist Jeffrey Donaldson barely registering at Westminster? In this week's episode of Stormont Sources, regular hosts Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan tackle the heavy blindspots in the UK national press.First, we are joined by Westminster insider Ollie Cole (Senedd Sources host) to dissect why stories about major UK politicians getting drunk grab massive national headlines, while a systemic crisis inside the corridors of power goes largely uncovered across the water. We also dive into the internal pressure mounting on the DUP's Gavin Robinson and Emma Little-Pengelly as a "kiss-and-tell" culture descends on the party.Then, former Sinn Féin Finance Minister and current Senator Conor Murphy joins the podcast to break down the second reading of Mary Lou McDonald's Planning for Constitutional Change Bill. Following its defeat in the Dáil, we ask the tough questions: Is the Irish unity debate actually a disunity debate?Finally, we tackle the growing crisis surrounding Casement Park. With rumours of a massive downsizing to the Belfast stadium, Michael pitches a radical alternative site at Junction 10 of the M1 (Silverwood). Will the GAA stick to making Belfast the sports capital of Ulster, or is it time to head back to the drawing board?****Click stormontsources.com to listen and for all of our episodesWelcome 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.

The fallout from Jeffrey Donaldson’s conviction continues to rock the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). In this week’s episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan, are joined by former DUP Special Advisor David Graham, to dissect the internal crisis. Is this the end of the road for the leading party of unionism, or can Gavin Robinson steady the ship amidst allegations of a "culture of fear" and major media management failures?In the second half of the episode, we pivot to a massive economic warning for Northern Ireland. Andrew Webb from OCO Global joins the podcast to break down a stark new report from the Wastewater Infrastructure Group. Without urgent action and a potential wastewater levy, inaction on NI's Victorian-era sewage network could cost the economy a staggering £10.9 billion by 2040 and stall the construction of 55,000 homes.

In this episode of Stormont & Sources, David McCann and former SPADs Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan dive into a massive week in British and Irish politics.First, the team reacts to the shocking news from Westminster: the resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer less than two years into his term. What does this mean for the future of the Labour government, and will Andy Burnham be the next Prime Minister?Then, SDLP Leader and MP for South Belfast and Mid Down, Claire Hanna, joins the podcast. She discusses the SDLP’s major event exploring the future of these islands and preparing for potential constitutional change. We challenge her on what this conversation means for unionists, the reality of persuading voters in the Republic of Ireland, and why the SDLP believes Northern Ireland must work in the here-and-now while keeping an eye on the horizon.Finally, the guys debate cross-border infrastructure, the Stormont budget crisis, and make some bold predictions for Scotland's big football match...💬 Have your say: What are your thoughts on Keir Starmer's resignation? Is the conversation around a New Ireland moving too fast, or is it prudent planning?📱 WhatsApp us: 0334046507 (Start your message with the word "Stormont")📧 Email us: hello@stormontsources.com

The former leader of the DUP and Lagan Valley MP, Jeffrey Donaldson, has been found guilty of all 18 historical sex abuse charges, including rape, by a jury at Newry Crown Court. In this special episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, hosts David McCann and Tim Cairns are joined by Alison Morris, Crime Correspondent for the Belfast Telegraph. Alison was one of only 10 journalists allowed inside Court throughout the four-week trial. She describes the courtroom drama, the "velvet glove assassin" cross-examination by the prosecution, the secret bugging of Donaldson’s car, and the historic "trial of facts" involving his wife, Eleanor Donaldson. We also look at the massive political fallout for the DUP and the wider implications across Northern Ireland politics.If you find this episode insightful, please consider liking, subscribing, and sharing to help support independent political analysis in Northern Ireland.📌 SUPPORT SERVICES & RESOURCES:If you or someone you know has been impacted by historical sexual abuse or any of the themes discussed in this podcast, please reach out for support:• Nexus NI: https://nexusni.org/• Women's Aid NI: https://www.womensaidni.org/

From the gridlock on major infrastructure projects like the A5 and wastewater planning to the political infighting over the Good Jobs Bill and the biomethane transition, we ask: how do we shift the focus from rigid bureaucratic process to actual economic outcomes?In this episode of Stormont Sources, host David McCann is joined by regulars Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan to talk to the former Executive Minister and Managing Director of Confluence Consulting, Simon Hamilton.We also join the debate to reflect on how today's mandatory coalition compares to the "glory days" of shared endeavor. Topics covered in this episode:-The Confluence Consulting Report-Why NI Business Leaders Have Lost Faith in Devolution-Inward Investment vs. The Civil Service Confidence Crisis-Process vs. Outcome: Why Stormont Moves So Slowly-The 1% Delivery Stat: Why Major Infrastructure Has Ground to a Halt-The Good Jobs Bill: Why Employers Are Worried-The Biomethane & Energy Transition Roadblocks****Click stormontsources.com to listen and for all of our episodesWelcome 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.

Sinn Féin has officially launched its proposals to radically reform the Northern Ireland Assembly. Once the biggest skeptics of changing the rules, why has the party firmly embraced reform now? In this episode of Stormont Sources we sit down with Sinn Féin MLA and Deputy Chair of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee, Pat Sheehan, to dive deep into their 6 new proposals—including ending mutual vetoes on Executive formation, changing how the Speaker is elected, and handing greater fiscal powers over to Stormont. Is this a genuine path forward, or is the DUP being politically isolated?Topics covered:Doug Beattie Resigns From the UUPSinn Féin’s Journey to Reforming the AssemblyIs Mary Lou McDonald Blaming the DUP for Lack of Delivery?The 6 Reform Proposals: Vetoes, Speakers, & the Justice MinisterCurbing the Power of the Stormont Speaker ExplainedShould Stormont Have Income Tax Powers Like Scotland?The "Other" Designation Problem: Are Some Votes Worth Less?Paul Givan vs. Pat Sheehan: The School Inspection Bill WarThe Restrictive Practices Controversy & The Uniforms BillWill the Legislation Pass?****Click stormontsources.com to listen and for all of our episodesWelcome 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.

Is the Ulster Unionist Party on the verge of a total meltdown in Upper Bann? In this week's edition of Stormont Sources, Northern Ireland’s most-listened-to political panel dives headfirst into the growing internal warfare ripping through the UUP.Host David McCann is joined by former DUP Special Advisor Tim Cairns and former SDLP Special Advisor Michael McKernan to break down the shock resignation of Councillor Kate Evans, the public clash between leader John Burrows and Doug Beattie over the criminal age of responsibility amendment, and rumors that Beattie may be preparing to exit the party.Topics Covered Internal Party Warfare and Leaks in Upper BannThe Resignation of Councillor Kate EvansThe Policy Clash Over the Criminal Age of ResponsibilityDoug Beattie's Electoral Future as an IndependentSinn Féin’s By-Election Vote CollapseThe Political "Pincer Movement" Crushing Mary Lou McDonald****Click stormontsources.com to listen and for all of our episodesWelcome 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.

In this episode of Stormont Sources, we sit down with Foyle MP and former SDLP leader Colum Eastwood to look back at the chaotic "Vote Colum, Get Mike" era, his testy private showdown with Martin McGuinness, and why he believes the Northern Ireland Assembly is failing to deliver for the public.Topics covered in this episode:The 10-Year Anniversary of Official Stormont Opposition (2016)Colum Eastwood’s Showdown with Martin McGuinnessThe Reality of Being a Smaller Party in Government"Vote Colum, Get Mike" and UUP PoliticsWhy Stormont is a "Toy Town Parliament"The Future of Irish UnityThe Irish Government's Role