Stormont Sources

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

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.

In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Cairns, and Michael McKernan go inside the chamber to discuss the latest political developments at Stormont.We take a closer look into Danny Baker’s Holiday Hunger Bill discussing whether it is a vital lifeline for 90,000 children, or a fiscally "irresponsible" use of a Private Member’s Bill? The panel also explores the tension between Education Minister Paul Givan and the bill’s supporters, while also raising questions as to whether the Assembly’s legislative process needs a more “Westminster-style” approach.Throughout the second half, the panel responds to our listeners' questions.DUP vs Sinn Féin: Are the DUP outperforming Sinn Féin ministers in the Executive?The Micheál Martin Factor: How does the Taoiseach’s "Shared Island" approach compare to previous leaders?Constitutional Debates: Does reconciliation need to come first before a United Ireland?

In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Cairns, and Michael McKiernan break down the latest "Ireland Thinks" poll from the Sunday Independent. Irish Unity failed to make it near the top list of concerns for voters in the Republic. Does this signal a cooling of the "inevitability" narrative, or is it just the reality of the cost-of-living crisis?Later we are joined by the DUP’s Deborah Erskine MLA. Having recently returned from maternity leave, Deborah shares a refreshingly honest look at the "mad, crazy job" of being an MLA while caring for a newborn with medical challenges. We discuss whether Stormont is truly family-friendly, the "unfiltered" tone of the chamber, and her outlook for the next Assembly election in Fermanagh and South Tyrone.In this episode:Why housing and immigration are trumping the border question in the South.Is the opposition’s flagship policy failing to cut through?Deborah Erskine on the "chamber substitute" system and the lack of childcare.📩 Get in touch: hello@stormontsources.com📞 WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (start your message with “Stormont”)

Northern Ireland is facing a funding cliff edge — costing up to 400 jobs.In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Kearns and Michael McKernan break down the growing crisis in the voluntary sector, as funding for the Local Growth Fund drops from £25m to just £9m.Plus NICVA’s Celine McStravick spills on the real impact: services cut, organisations under threat, and thousands left without support.👉 Who’s responsible — the UK Government or the Northern Ireland Executive?👉 Can anything be done before it’s too late?PLUS:The DUP targets West Belfast — but can unionism really win there for the first time in 20 years?📩 Get in touch: hello@stormontsources.com📞 Voicemail: 0333 404 6507 (use code “Stormont”)****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.