Stormont Sources

Carla Lockhart has left the DUP and is now sitting as an Independent Unionist MP for Upper Bann. But what does her departure mean for the future of unionism in Northern Ireland?

On this week's Stormont Sources podcast, the panel are joined by Carla Lockhart for her first week outside the DUP, following her decision to leave over Gavin Robinson's decision to keep Michelle O'Neill in post as First Minister.

In an extensive interview, Carla explains why she walked away from the party after 20 years, whether there is any possibility of returning to...

Is Gavin Robinson losing control of the DUP? And can a new think tank change the debate over Northern Ireland's future within the United Kingdom?

In this jam packed episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan examine the growing divisions within the DUP, the fallout from Drumcree, the latest opinion poll and the challenges facing Northern Ireland's political parties.

In the second half, David, Tim and Michael are joined by Ryan Hoey, co-founder of Renew NI, to discuss the organisation's launch, its vision for Northern Ireland and its argument...

Sinn Féin is making bold moves ahead of the next Northern Ireland Assembly election. But can its election strategy deliver more seats at Stormont?

On this episode of Stormont Sources, the panel discuss Sinn Féin’s plans to run high-profile candidates in key constituencies, the impact of boundary changes and the battle for the final Assembly seats.

The episode also examines the continuing fallout from Drumcree, growing tensions within the DUP and Gavin Robinson’s decision to keep the Executive running rather than withdraw Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.

Hosted...

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 d...

Northern Ireland’s political tensions are once again in the spotlight as the panel examines the ongoing Drumcree dispute and the challenges facing the Stormont Executive. With Michelle O’Neill facing questions in the Assembly, the discussion explores whether political leaders can find a way forward, what role the Secretary of State could play, and whether the controversy could have wider consequences for power-sharing.

Elsewhere, the panel turns to the Alliance Party’s decision to walk out of the Assembly during a vote of no confidence in Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir. The discussion looks at the pressu...

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...

Jon Burrows, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, joins the Stormont Sources podcast to discuss the future of the UUP, Stormont reform, the constitutional debate and unionist cooperation ahead of the next Assembly and local government elections.

Burrows discusses why he believes Stormont needs reform, his argument for making the case for the Union, the UUP's approach to working with other unionist parties and his ambitions for the party.

Then, the panel turns their focus to last weekend's DUP Conference breaking down Gavin Robinson's leader’s address, the party's current polling position, and wh...

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 le...

Stormont is back but Northern Ireland’s political problems haven’t gone away.

In this episode of Stormont Sources the team look at the first week back at the Northern Ireland Assembly after the nine-week summer recess.

With the next Assembly and local government elections approaching, the political temperature is already rising. Ministers and MLAs have been clashing in the chamber, controversial legislation is coming forward and the Executive is still without an agreed budget six months into the financial year.

Topics discussed:

-The return of MLAs to the...

Claire Sugden joins Stormont Sources to discuss the future of Northern Ireland politics ahead of the 2027 Assembly election.

The independent MLA for East Londonderry speaks candidly about her political future, the challenges facing Stormont and whether the Executive will survive until the next Assembly election.

Claire also discusses the ongoing Causeway Hospital emergency surgery controversy, her concerns about the future of A&E services, and what she says she has been hearing from senior medical staff.

Topics discussed:

-Claire Sugden's future as an independent MLA

-The 2027...

In this episode of Stormont Sources, David, Tim and Michael dissect a major High Court ruling.

The court has quashed the decision by the Parades Commission regarding the annual Drumcree parade outside Portadown. The team breaks down what actually happened in court, whether this represents a "seismic" legal shift or an administrative blunder, and what it means for Northern Irish politics ahead of upcoming elections.

Later in the episode, the team answer your questions, tackling everything from advice for young people looking to get into politics and which Executive department they would choose...

The political "silly season" in Northern Ireland has exploded with major developments across the Executive. In this episode of Stormont Sources, host David McCann sits down with regulars Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan to break down the descending crises facing Northern Ireland’s key political parties.

Following the shock resignation of UUP Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, the panel analyses who Jon Burrows might pick as his successor. From Robbie Butler to Steve Aiken and whether the Executive is heading toward total gridlock on health reform before the May elections.

Later in the episode, th...

Are Stormont's days numbered?

Recorded live at the Derry Féile, the Stormont Sources team take the podcast on the road to gauge real-world reactions from the Northwest.

With no budget passed, party conferences approaching, and an assembly election on the horizon, we discuss the collapse of the devolution, why Derry voters feel left behind by Belfast-centric politics and if unionism could lose its only seat in Northern Ireland's most marginal constituency?

Topics discussed

-Stormont on the Brink

-The Derry & Northwest Disconnect

-Systemic Failure v...

Are the wheels coming off the Stormont institutions?

In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann and Tim Cairns break down the latest high-stakes political clash between Sinn Féin and the DUP. Following warnings from Sinn Féin’s Conor Murphy that reform is urgently needed, DUP Leader Gavin Robinson offered a fiery and memorable response: "Tighten your nuts!"

We dive into whether Stormont can survive until the next election, the political optics of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast, recent polling shifts, and how new Secretary of State Chris Bryant perfo...

Doug Beattie reflects on his dramatic exit from the UUP, addressing internal party friction, historic tweet controversies, and what he describes as a "toxic environment" prior to his departure. Now charting his path as an Independent Unionist, Beattie looks back at his 13 years in politics, from guarding Spandau Prison and Cruise Missiles in his military days, to leading the UUP, representing the party at royal milestones, and navigating party selection battles.

He opens up about his leadership decisions, whether the UUP is a party that can actually be led, and his plans to contest the upcoming...

Andy Burnham has officially become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, marking the country’s 7th PM since 2016. 

Join host Calum Macdonald live from Downing Street on this special episode of The Sources Podcasts as we break down every moment of this historic handover of power. From Keir Starmer’s departure speech to Andy Burnham’s note-free address to the nation, we cover the immediate reactions, political strategy, and shock Cabinet appointments shaping the new UK government.

In this episode:

- Keir Starmer’s final speech and exit to Buckingham Palace.<...

Are Northern Ireland's main executive parties failing on LGBTQ+ equality and environmental action?

In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Kearns, and Michael McKernan sit down with Green Party NI Leader Mal O'Hara for an unfiltered deep-dive into Northern Ireland politics.

Are Northern Ireland's main executive parties failing on LGBTQ+ equality and environmental action?

Topics discussed:

• Why Stormont executive parties were banned from marching in Belfast Pride.

• Recent polling numbers indicating a potential Green Party comeback.

• Why the NI Greens refuse to take a...

In this episode, David McCann, Tim Cairns, and Michael McKernan dive headfirst into a turbulent week for the Alliance Party. Was a retracted graphic featuring a tattered Linfield FC really a big deal? And why did Sorcha Eastwood's attendance at a 12th July bonfire cause such a social media stir?

We ask where the Alliance Party is trying to get to as a political organisation.

Plus, we are halfway through the political year! The team hands out report cards for Stormont’s ministers and party leaders.

Who is quietly getting a...

Why is the downfall of former DUP leader and convicted child rapist Jeffrey Donaldson barely registering at Westminster? In this week's episode of Stormont Sources, regular hosts Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan tackle the heavy blindspots in the UK national press.

First, we are joined by Westminster insider Ollie Cole (Senedd Sources host) to dissect why stories about major UK politicians getting drunk grab massive national headlines, while a systemic crisis inside the corridors of power goes largely uncovered across the water. We also dive into the internal pressure mounting on the DUP's Gavin Robinson and...

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. Andr...

In this episode of Stormont & Sources, David McCann and former SPADs Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan dive into a massive week in British and Irish politics.

First, the team reacts to the shocking news from Westminster: the resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer less than two years into his term. What does this mean for the future of the Labour government, and will Andy Burnham be the next Prime Minister?

Then, SDLP Leader and MP for South Belfast and Mid Down, Claire Hanna, joins the podcast. She discusses the SDLP’s major event ex...

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 "tria...

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...

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...

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 poli...

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.

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 McGuinness

The Reality of Being a Smaller Party in Government

"Vote Colum, Get Mike" and UUP Politics

Wh...

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.

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.

...

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 Grow...

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 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...

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 pa...

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 ne...

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...

Minister of Education Paul Givan joins Stormont Sources to issue a direct rebuttal to critiques of his landmark 'TransformEd' policy.

Two weeks ago, we heard from Sinn Féin and Alliance members of the Education Committee.

Today, the Minister himself responds to what he calls "misrepresentations" of his reforms. From the abolition of AS-Levels to the "test factory" culture in NI schools, we go into the weeds of the most significant education shake-up in a generation.

In this episode, we discuss:

Did Andy Burnham miss the mark at the Alliance Party Conference? 🗳️

In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Michael McKernan (former SDLP Advisor), and Tim Cairns (former DUP Advisor) dive into a packed week in Northern Ireland politics.

We break down the highlights (and tactical errors) of the Alliance Party Conference, discuss whether Eóin Tennyson is the leader-in-waiting, and analyse the "shadow boxing" between Alliance and the SDLP.

Plus, we head across the Atlantic to discuss the St. Patrick’s Day visits to Washington. From Donald Trump’s surprising...

In our first-ever LIVE podcast, we're recording from the Alliance Party Conference, David McCann, Tim Cairns, and Michael McKernan sit down with Alliance Leader and Justice Minister Naomi Long.

We dive deep into the "toxic" atmosphere of the Assembly, why the Department of Justice is facing a massive budget crisis, and the national scandal of Lough Neagh. Naomi doesn't hold back on the "veto culture" between the DUP and Sinn Féin, her 20 years in leadership, and why the Alliance Party’s participation in the Executive should never be taken for granted.

In thi...

In this edition of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan dive into the "breakneck speed" of Education Minister Paul Givan’s new A-Level reforms. Is the move to modular exams a "once in a generation" improvement, or a "headline-grabbing" risk for working-class students?

We also sit down with Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole to discuss the SDLP’s controversial motion to rename the First and Deputy First Minister titles. Why did Sinn Féin abstain, and why is the DUP resisting a move toward "Joint First Ministers"?

In this episo...

Did Michelle O’Neill just hand the DUP a political win?

In this episode, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan break down the fallout after the First Minister declined to attend UK government security briefings on the escalating Middle East crisis — a decision that sparked sharp criticism from unionists and raised fresh tensions at Stormont.

With Emma Little-Pengelly stepping into the spotlight, has the DUP seized the political initiative — and was this an own goal for Sinn Féin?

We also ask a bigger political question: where are the Greens...