Stormont Sources

• What's the point of the UUP?

  Northern Ireland’s political podcast Stormont Sources is back — and this week, David McCann, Tim Cairns, and Michael McKernan unpack the biggest stories in NI politics.🏛️ Main topics:The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) held its annual conference — but Mike Nesbitt’s speech fell flat. Is this the end for the “grand old party” of unionism?Who could replace Mike Nesbitt — John Burroughs, Robbie Butler, or a return for Doug Beattie?What is the point of the UUP in 2025? Can liberal unionism survive, or is it time to dissolve and start anew?Plus: Philip Brett’s Assembly row over “double standards” in media condemnation — is he right?From the legacy of the Good Friday Agreement to the rise of the TUV and DUP’s internal liberal wing, David, Tim and Michael dive deep into the identity crisis at the heart of unionism.🎧 Listen to the full episode: StormontSources.com 📺 Watch more clips: @StormontSources 💬 Join the conversation: Comment below — does the UUP still have a future? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Clare Hanna’s call for an Irish Department of Unification

  The Stormont Sources Podcast takes you inside politics and policy-making in Northern Ireland.This week, David McCann, Tim Cairns, and Michael McKernan dive deep into:The SDLP Conference and Claire Hanna’s bold call for an Irish Department of Unification 🇮🇪Whether the push for a New Ireland can win back votersBorder poll timelines: is 2030 realistic?Stormont’s sluggish legislative record compared to Scotland and WalesWhy some think Northern Ireland politics is “kicking against itself”🎙️ Featuring insight, debate, and some sharp humour from three former political insiders.🔔 Subscribe for more Northern Ireland political analysis and behind-the-scenes insight from Stormont Sources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• SDLP Targets Alliance, Irish Language Clash & DUP’s Uniform Bill

  In this episode of Stormont Sources:1️⃣ SDLP Conference & Strategy – Clare Hanna sets out her vision, targeting the Alliance Party, moving the unity debate from “conversation” to “action,” and focusing on health, housing, and institutional reform. Can the SDLP recover ground ahead of the next election?2️⃣ Irish Language Row at Belfast City Council – Sinn Féin push for bilingual branding on vehicles and uniforms, DUP call it “madness,” Alliance search for compromise, and unionists threaten legal action. Is the Irish language being “weaponised”?3️⃣ School Uniform Costs Bill – With families spending nearly £1,000 per child, DUP Minister Paul Givan promises affordability. But will the new bill actually cut costs, or just water down the issue?📌 Subscribe for more Stormont analysis on podcast apps and on YouTube. 📩 Join our mailing list: stormontsources.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Stormont or Starmer? Irish Presidential Election & DUP Conference

  The race to become the next President of Ireland is officially underway. Catherine Connolly, Heather Humphreys and Jim Gavin are confirmed as candidates, but already controversy is shaping the contest. In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan ask whether Sinn Féin’s decision to back Catherine Connolly — rather than fielding their own candidate — is a clever tactical move or a major political risk. We explore how Connolly’s past comments on Hamas may affect her credibility, what Heather Humphreys’ background and Orange Order links mean for her chances, and whether Jim Gavin can extend his appeal beyond Dublin. The panel also reflects on lessons from Sinn Féin’s failed 2018 presidential run, how transfer votes will be crucial, and whether this could turn out to be a low-key contest despite the high stakes.The conversation then turns to the DUP’s 2025 party conference, where leader Gavin Robinson unveiled his “Stormont or Starmer” message. We break down what Robinson is trying to achieve with this new framing, how it plays with grassroots unionists, and whether it can withstand the challenge posed by Jim Allister and the TUV. From unionist unity to the DUP’s stance on Israel and Gaza, and from big contradictions in Robinson’s pitch to the question of his long-term vision for unionism, we analyse what this conference tells us about the future direction of the DUP.If you want to understand the dynamics shaping both the Irish presidential election and the DUP’s strategy in Northern Ireland, this episode has you covered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Stormont Split on Trump’s Visit

  US President Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK has sparked political controversy in Northern Ireland. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly is attending, but First Minister Michelle O’Neill has refused, citing Trump’s stance on Gaza.In this episode, we debate:Is Sinn Féin right to boycott Trump?Does Michelle O’Neill’s decision strengthen her base or risk losing influence?How Emma Little-Pengelly’s attendance could reshape DUP’s image.Comparisons with John Swinney meeting Trump over whisky tariffs.What this means for Northern Ireland’s global reputation and US investment.With sharp analysis from Michael McKernan, Timothy, and David, we unpack the political, diplomatic, and electoral stakes.👉 What do you think: Was O’Neill right to boycott? Send us your thoughts on email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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