Stormont Sources

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

On this special edition of the Stormont Sources podcast, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan take at look ahead to this year's politics A-Level and provide their advice on how to do well.You can read Tim's model essay answer here: https://stormontsources.com/exams

In this explosive edition of Storming Sources, David McCann, Tim Kerns, and Michael McKernan break down a historic week that has reshaped British and Irish politics.We are joined by Andy Maciver and Calum Macdonald from the Holyrood Sources podcast to analyse the 2026 Scottish and Welsh election results. With Nationalist First Ministers now leading in Scotland (John Swinney), Wales (Rhun ap Iorwerth), and Northern Ireland (Michelle O’Neill), is the United Kingdom facing an existential crisis?Topics covered:The Scottish Verdict: The SNP secures a 5th term but loses seats. The Welsh Earthquake: Plaid Cymru ends 100 years of Labour dominance. The Starmer Survival Watch: With Wes Streeting mulling a leadership challenge and Labour support collapsing across the UK, how long has Keir Starmer got left in Number 10? UUP Internal Wars: Is Doug Beattie facing deselection?

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.

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 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