The BelTel

Senior loyalists and Key members of the Northern Ireland office have dismissed allegations that The UVF are on the verge of disbanding. One reported condition for the group’s disbandment was the formation of a 240-strong armed 'close protection team' to provide security for its ageing leadership - that suggestion has been branded 'farcical'. How close really are the UVF to disbanding, why are figures like Lord Alderdice saying its time to stop transition talks, and what would a transition look like? Belfast Telegraph’s Allison Morris joins Olivia Peden to answer some of the big questions.  

Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson, former Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay and former Sinn Féin election candidate and party worker Thomas O’Hara have been acquitted of charges concerning misconduct in public office.All three had repeatedly denied the charges. Judge Gordon Kerr KC said he believed that Mr Bryson, who has ambitions of pursuing a career as a barrister, had lied under oath in the trial – allegations he strongly denies. McKay said that the verdict wasn't the "last chapter" of the Nama story.How did the trial unfold and what’s next for Bryson, McKay and the Nama story? Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast Telegraph's Liam Tunney.

A Belfast Telegraph investigation has uncovered some strange actions concerning Ian Paisley Jr's constituency office in Ballymena, including thousands in unpaid bills that led to red letters and threats of court appearances. Who is the mystery owner of the now vacant office, and why were three mortgages taken out on the property? In part two of this special investigation, Sam McBride joins Olivia Peden. 

When Ian Paisley Jr lost his parliamentary seat last July, it was the end of an era. Once Westminster’s most expensive MP, Paisley Jr had built a political career on the legacy of his famous father – but it wasn’t without scandal. A Belfast Telegraph investigation has uncovered some strange financial dealings around his constituency office, which is now owned by the unnamed representative of a dead man. Authorities also had to repeatedly threaten court action to secure payment of the rates bill for his office in Ballymena. In part 1 of a special investigation, Sam McBride joins Olivia Peden. 

Conor McGregor’s appeal against a ruling in a civil rape case has began. In November 2024, Nikita Hand, who accused him of raping her, won her claim against him for damages, with McGregor ordered to pay her more than €248,000 (£206,000). Lawyers for McGregor have dramatically withdrawn a bid to introduce new evidence in his civil rape appeal. The MMA fighter had asked the Court of Appeal to allow in new claims that Nikita Hand was punched and kicked by her then partner just hours after she says she was raped by McGregor in 2018. However, the allegations, made by former neighbours of Ms Hand, were withdrawn as a ground of appeal this morning.Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Shane Phelan, Legal Affairs Editor with the Irish Independent, to unpack a busy opening day in Conor McGregor's civil rape appeal. 

The Boundary Commission was set up in 1924 following partition. Nationalists had hoped that the Commission would transfer hundreds of thousands to the Irish Free state, even make Northern Ireland unviable. But in the end, nothing was handed over. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by historian Cormac Moore, author of ‘The Root of All Evil: The Irish Boundary Commission’. 

Noah Donohoe’s body was found in a north Belfast storm drain on the 27th June 2020. The teenager had left his home in the south of the city to meet up with friends six days earlier. As an inquest, which has faced delays, nears, questions about the tragic and highly unusual death remain. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph’s Andrew Madden to detail the story. 

Excitement is mounting across the island as the race to the 2025 All-Ireland final begins. Tyrone will face Dublin and reigning champions Armagh are due to face Kerry in Croke Park this weekend. Will Armagh have what it takes to bring it home for a second year in a row, and could Tyrone’s bad luck finally turn into success? Niamh Campbell is joined by former All-Ireland winner and Armagh All-Star Diarmaid Marsden, and Belfast Telegraph GAA columnist, Lee Costello.   

Michael D. Higgins has been President of Ireland since November 2011, his presidency must end in November this year – that means an election. But unlike many other countries, not every Irish citizen has a vote. Only those living in the ‘State’ - the Republic of Ireland, can vote. Now a bill is before the Dáil, which if passed would allow northerners to vote in the presidential election, subject to a referendum, How likely is this change? How would it affect the vote? And what would Unionists make of it? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by David McCann and Sam McBride.