Stormont Sources

Is Gavin Robinson's leadership of the DUP under threat? Could Carla Lockhart leave the party? And what does the Drumcree dispute mean for the future of unionism and power-sharing at Stormont?On this episode of Stormont Sources,the team examine another turbulent week in Northern Ireland politics. The discussion focuses on the fallout from the decision to ban the Orange Order parade from proceeding down the Garvaghy Road, the resulting tensions within unionism, and the political consequences for the DUP, Sinn Féin and the wider Northern Ireland Executive.Topics discussed: -Carla Lockhart's future in the DUP -Gavin Robinson's leadership and internal party pressure -The Drumcree dispute and the Garvaghy Road parade ban -The Orange Order and the rule of law -Sinn Féin ministers and Assembly exclusion motions -The DUP, TUV and Ulster Unionist Party -Alliance's role in the Assembly debate -Northern Ireland election polling and unionist strategy -The future of Stormont and power-sharing reform Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Drumcree parade impasse has returned to the headlines in 2026, triggering fierce debate, toxic chamber clashes in the Northern Ireland Assembly, and questions over the future of the Stormont Executive. In this episode of the Stormont Sources Podcast, the team unpack the legal, political, and community fallout surrounding the Garvaghy Road parade determination. Who holds responsibility? Is the Parades Commission fit for purpose? Will the DUP walk out or pull down the Executive before next May's elections, or is there an off-ramp through negotiation? The panel breaks down the legal challenges, party tactics, and what this means for political stability across Northern Ireland. Topics covered: - The Drumcree Impasse Returns: What Happened on Garvaghy Road? - John Burroughs, the UUP, and Alternative Unionist Voices - Local Perspective & The History of the Garvaghy Road Dispute - Is Parading Settled in Northern Ireland? Community Reactions - The Asymmetry of the Dispute: Is a "One-and-Done" Parade Possible? - Toxic Assembly Debates: DUP vs. Sinn Féin in the Chamber - DUP Strategy: Will Emma Little-Pengelly Step Aside? - The Future of the Parades Commission - Judicial Review Appeal & Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from the SDLP Annual Conference, the Stormont Sources team breaks down the state of Northern Ireland politics, Assembly accountability, and the SDLP's roadmap for the 2027 election.The panel discusses Claire Hanna’s conference speech, the SDLP’s strategy for the next election, and how the party plans to distinguish itself from Sinn Féin and Alliance.They also examine the lack of a Stormont budget, the Executive’s record on delivery, regional inequality and Sinéad McLaughlin’s proposed Regional Balance Bill.Topics discussed:-SDLP conference & Claire Hanna’s leadership-The SDLP’s election strategy-SDLP opposition at Stormont-Stormont’s lack of a budget & public services-Regional inequality & Belfast-centric politics-Investment and jobs outside Belfast-Sinn Féin, Casement Park & the A5-Irish unity / a “New Ireland”-The relationship between nationalism and unionism-Making Northern Ireland work now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the panel breaks down the massive public fallout over the Scarva Gaza march protests and the growing executive gridlock surrounding the "Good Jobs" Employment Rights Bill.As summer approaches, localised flashpoints are exposing deep rifts within Stormont. Did DUP MP Carla Lockhart provide crucial leadership on the ground at Scarva bridge to prevent a volatile situation from escalating, or are unionist politicians simply "damned if they do, damned if they don't" by political rivals?The team also turns their attention to the legislative logjam inside the Executive. With Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald facing intense pressure from the DUP to "split the bill," the panel debates whether the long-awaited Good Jobs Bill is effectively dead or if a compromise can be reached to save its most popular worker provisions.Topics Covered:-The Scarva Gaza March Clashes & Counter-Protests-Political Fallout and Leadership of DUP MP Carla Lockhart-The "Summer Hate Fest" & Rising Summer Tensions-The Stalled Good Jobs Bill in the Executive****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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.