Best Uup Podcasts (2025)

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Christmas Special: Stormont’s Year in Review: Best & Worst Parties, MLAs & Big Moments 53:36

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1d ago53:36

53:36

Welcome to the Stormont Sources Christmas Special, where David McCann, Michael McKernan and Tim Cairns review the political year in Northern Ireland. In this end-of-year episode, the panel hands out the Stormont Sources Awards, debating: • MLA of the Year – including John O’Dowd, Emma Little-Pengelly, Matthew O’Toole and Timothy Gaston • Party of t…

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DUP & Sinn Féin Slide, Budget Chaos & MLAs’ Christmas Recess 45:54

7d ago45:54

45:54

The latest University of Liverpool poll paints a troubling picture for Stormont’s governing parties, with Sinn Féin and the DUP both losing ground, smaller parties rising, and the combined dominance of the two biggest parties falling below 45%. In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann is joined by Tim Cairns (former DUP Special Adviser) an…

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A deep dive into Belfast's Nightlife with Night Czar Michael Stewart 48:39

14d ago48:39

48:39

Belfast’s night-time economy is in trouble — and this deep-dive explains why. In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan are joined by Belfast Night Czar Michael Stewart. We explore the Hill Street “gateway issue”, why businesses are walking away from Belfast, the impact of poor transport, policing, licensing…

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Hilary Benn on the Budget Crisis, Border Poll & Stormont Reforms 1:05:30

24d ago1:05:30

1:05:30

On this week's episode Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan challenge the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on the biggest questions facing Northern Ireland: Why does the Treasury say NI already receives 124% of assessed need? Is Stormont spending too much — or is the funding model broken? What happens if the Execut…

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Was NI's Covid Response a Disaster? Plus, Reeves's Budget 42:21

1M ago42:21

42:21

Rachel Reeves has delivered her second Budget as Chancellor — but what does it actually mean for Northern Ireland? In this week’s episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan break down the major spending announcements, from the headline £370m funding uplift to debates around multi-year budgets, revenue-raising powers,…

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The Anglo-Irish Agreement: 40 Years On 55:14

1M ago55:14

55:14

On this week's episode, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan take a trip down memory lane. From the 40th anniversary of the Anglo-Irish Agreement to the notable leadership changes within the SDLP and DUP, our discussion uncovers the lasting impact of these events and their implications for today’s politics. 📱 Join the conversation: WhatsAp…

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The Executive's Chances of Survival... and a Unionist Merger? 55:00

1M ago55:00

55:00

In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Michael McKernan, and Tim Cairns go deep inside the latest debates shaking unionism in Northern Ireland. 💬 Main topics: Could the DUP and UUP merge? Or is cooperation between unionist parties still impossible? The real story behind Doug Beattie and Jeffrey Donaldson’s secret talks. How Jim Allister…

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Bill Clinton, John Hume & The Queen — The Stories Behind Colin Davidson’s Portraits 42:33

2M ago42:33

42:33

In this bonus episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, host David McCann is joined by regulars Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan to discuss the intersection of art and politics with guests Colin Davison and Mark Carruthers. The conversation is based around their new book, "12 Paintings- Converstations with Mark Carruthers” which features portraits of…

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Paul Givan as he faces a No Confidence Motion Over Israel Trip 54:30

2M ago54:30

54:30

In this episode of Stormont Sources, Education Minister Paul Givan joins David McCann, Tim Cairns, and Michael McKernan to address the political firestorm surrounding his Israel trip, the no confidence motion he now faces, and the growing tensions inside the Northern Ireland Executive. Givan defends his actions, challenges claims of departmental im…

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Robbie Butler: The UUP Still Has a Future 51:39

2M ago51:39

51:39

In this episode, host David McCann is joined by regulars Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan to discuss the current political landscape in Northern Ireland. The episode features an interview with UUP Deputy Leader Robbie Butler, who challenges the podcast's previous critical analysis of the UUP's role and future in Northern Ireland. Butler argues for t…

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Sam McBride on Irish Unity, Unionism, and the Future of Northern Ireland 46:04

2M ago46:04

46:04

What does a United Ireland really mean — and what would it take to get there? In this episode of Stormont Sources, investigative journalist Sam McBride joins David, Tim, and Michael McKernan to discuss his new book co-written with Fintan O’Toole, which presents both sides of the Irish unity debate. 🟦 For the Union: McBride explains why unionism sti…

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Stormont’s Secret Spending Fights 40:38

2M ago40:38

40:38

This week on Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan dive deep into two major Stormont flashpoints. 💷 First, the Stormont monitoring round — Ministers scrambling for cash to plug pay gaps. Mike Nesbitt’s £100 million boost for health — and why it’s only half enough. DUP, Sinn Féin and the smaller parties: who wins and who lo…

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What's the point of the UUP? 45:21

2M ago45:21

45:21

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 re…

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Clare Hanna’s call for an Irish Department of Unification 54:30

3M ago54:30

54:30

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 voters Border poll timelines: is 2030 reali…

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SDLP Targets Alliance, Irish Language Clash & DUP’s Uniform Bill 54:19

3M ago54:19

54:19

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 Counci…

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A Conversation with National Wildlife Federation President and CEO Collin O'Mara 54:34

3M ago54:34

54:34

In this episode of The Voice Podcast, UUP President Fred Kowal talks with National Wildlife Federation President and CEO Collin O'Mara. Kowal, who hosts the podcast, is chair of the NWF's board of directors. O'Mara discusses how he became the NWF's president and CEO and what led him to the post. He and Kowal talk about the intricacies of navigating…

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Stormont or Starmer? Irish Presidential Election & DUP Conference 40:01

3M ago40:01

40:01

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 — rat…

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Stormont Split on Trump’s Visit 48:20

3M ago48:20

48:20

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 str…

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Should Stormont Scrap Power-Sharing? Q&A 13:16

4M ago13:16

13:16

Stormont Sources is back with an Ask Us Anything special, answering your questions on the future of Northern Ireland politics. 👉 Michael, Tim and David tackle: Should Northern Ireland’s mandatory power-sharing system be scrapped? Could a voluntary coalition at Stormont actually work – and what would it look like? Why the DUP and Sinn Féin might dom…

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Stormont Returns: Alliance vs UUP, DUP vs Sinn Féin, and Trans Guidance Fallout 43:32

4M ago43:32

43:32

Stormont is back – and so is the drama. In this week’s episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Kearns, and Michael McKernan break down a fiery week in the Assembly: Nuala McAllister’s clash with UUP Deputy Speaker Steve Aiken – was her suspension justified? Alliance vs DUP tensions and Paul Givan’s new trans guidance for schools – is it comm…

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Gambling Addiction: NI’s Hidden Crisis 44:47

4M ago44:47

44:47

Northern Ireland has one of the highest rates of gambling harm in the UK, yet Stormont has been slow to act. In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann sits down with Philip McGuigan MLA, Chair of the All-Party Group on Reducing Gambling Harm, plus, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan discuss: The personal impact of gambling addiction on individ…

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The Anti-Poverty Strategy: An Opportunity Wasted? 47:37

4M ago47:37

47:37

In this episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, the hosts are joined by Ulster University's Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick to delve into the draft anti-poverty strategy in Northern Ireland. They discuss the criticisms surrounding the anti-poverty strategy, highlighting its lack of actionable goals and the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to tackle p…

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TUV Surge Shakes NI Politics 56:35

4M ago56:35

56:35

A new LucidTalk poll, published in the Belfast Telegraph, has shaken up the political landscape in Northern Ireland. Sinn Féin continues to lead with 26% of the vote. The DUP trail at 17%. The big story: the TUV surge to 13%, potentially threatening DUP seats. Alliance slips to 12%, with questions over Naomi Long’s leadership. The SDLP and UUP both…

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Integrated Education: Classroom Divide & the Fight for Change 49:23

5M ago49:23

49:23

A new Department of Education survey has reignited one of Northern Ireland’s most controversial debates — integrated education. Just 8% of pupils currently attend integrated schools, but campaigners say that needs to change. Michael McKernan, Tim, and David clash over the numbers, the quality of education, and whether Northern Ireland’s segregated …

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Who's in Charge at Stormont? 56:08

5M ago56:08

56:08

In this episode of Stormont Sources, the team breaks down Michelle O’Neill’s revealing interview with the Belfast Telegraph — and the political shockwaves it’s sent through the Executive Office. 🔍 O’Neill claims to be “in full control” of Sinn Féin’s Northern Ireland team - but is she really? Or is this a thinly veiled swipe at her counterpart, Dep…

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Stormont in Crisis: A5 Chaos, Climate Failures & UUP Meltdown 43:54

5M ago43:54

43:54

In this episode of Stormont Sources, hosts David McCann, Tim Cairns, and Michael McKernan discuss the ongoing challenges of government coordination in Northern Ireland. They explore the halted A5 project, highlighting the lack of inter-departmental communication and the impact of political dynamics on policy implementation. The conversation touches…

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Youth Votes and Executive Tensions 41:55

5M ago41:55

41:55

In the latest episode of Stormont Sources, David, Tim and Michael navigate the complex political landscape of Northern Ireland. They kick off by taking your questions and then move onto the potential impact of lowering the voting age to 16, exploring the political and social implications of this significant change. The hosts then turn their attenti…

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Tolerance and the 12th 57:51

5M ago57:51

57:51

This week, David, Tim and Michael look into the complex political landscape of Northern Ireland, focusing on cultural tensions surrounding events like the 12th of July celebrations, the role of leadership in addressing these issues, and the economic implications of cultural events. The discussion also touches on Sinn Féin's economic narrative follo…

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Northern Ireland's Chaotic 2015 and Jamie Bryson cleared 53:32

6M ago53:32

53:32

In this episode of Stormont Sources, the hosts delve into the political turmoil of 2015 in Northern Ireland, focusing on the NAMA trial and the implications of the acquittal of Jamie Bryson and others. They discuss the in-out ministers crisis, the impact of Mike Nesbitt's decision to withdraw from the Executive. The conversation highlights the chao…

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Unionists’ Future… with DUP Leader Gavin Robinson 53:44

6M ago53:44

53:44

In this episode of Stormont Sources, David, Tim and Michael chat with Gavin Robinson, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), reflecting on his first year in leadership and the challenges faced by unionism in Northern Ireland. The conversation covers the dynamics of unionist infighting, the impact of demographic changes, and the DUP's ap…

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Why can't the A5 be built? 50:07

6M ago50:07

50:07

In this episode of Stormont Sources, the hosts discuss the ongoing delays to the A5 infrastructure project in Northern Ireland, the implications of a recent judicial review, and the political accountability surrounding it. They explore the challenges of infrastructure development in the region, the quality of debate within the assembly, and the upc…

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DUP Rifts & Water Pollution with Andrew Muir 54:00

6M ago54:00

54:00

In this episode of the Stormont' Sources podcast, we discuss the Nutrient Action Programme (NAP) led by Minister Andrew Muir. The conversation looks at the importance of the NAP for improving water quality in Northern Ireland, the political challenges surrounding its implementation, and the need for collaboration among various stakeholders. The dis…

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Could Casement Park funding bring the Executive down? 56:41

7M ago56:41

56:41

This week, David, Tim and Michael consider the recent spending review and its implications for Northern Ireland, particularly focusing on the funding for Casement Park. The discussion highlights the political reactions from various parties, the perceived fairness of funding allocations, and the historical context of sports funding in the region. Th…

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Irish Unification in the EU 50:34

7M ago50:34

50:34

In this episode of Stormont Sources, we discuss the SDLP motion for Irish unification with guests Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan. The conversation explores the implications of the motion, the role of the SDLP in advocating for constitutional change, and the challenges of accountability and meaningful debate within the Northern Ireland Assembly. Ma…

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The Economy Minister, Caoimhe Archibald 53:30

7M ago53:30

53:30

In this episode, David, Tim and Michael are joined by Minister for the Economy of Northern Ireland Caoimhe Archibald. They discuss the economic priorities of Northern Ireland, focusing on regional balance, the role of Invest Northern Ireland, the skills gap in education, tourism, decarbonisation efforts, and the vast responsibilities of the Departm…

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Irish Unity Cooperation and Budget Proposals... with Claire Hanna 58:20

7M ago58:20

58:20

In this episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, David McCann, Tim Kearns, and Michael McKernan discuss various political topics affecting Northern Ireland, including reflections on past political leadership, the recent UK-EU reset, the DUP's cautious stance on new agreements, and the controversial topic of compulsory voting. The trio are also join…

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Immigration, Anglo-Irish relations and Eurovision 44:22

8M ago44:22

44:22

In this episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan cover a number of topics. Firstly, they discuss the performance of the Labour government in Northern Ireland, focusing on Keir Starmer's recent policy announcements, particularly regarding immigration and Anglo-Irish relations. The conversation explores t…

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Q&A Special 55:41

8M ago55:41

55:41

In this episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, David, Tim and Michael take your questions! They look into the complexities of Northern Ireland's political landscape, focusing on the role of opposition in Stormont, the media's reaction to political controversies, and the economic challenges facing the region. They discuss Tim's recent viral moment…

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Kneecap Controversy and Infrastructure Issues 59:00

8M ago59:00

59:00

This week, David, Tim and Michael look into the controversy surrounding the band Kneecap, exploring the political reactions to their statements, the cultural impact of their music, and the potential consequences of their actions. The discussion highlights the polarised views on Kneecap, the complexities of cultural accommodation in Northern Ireland…

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Unionist Reaction to the Death of the Pope 46:44

8M ago46:44

46:44

In this episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, David, Tim and Michael discuss the political reactions to the death of Pope Francis, focusing on the evolving attitudes of unionist parties in Northern Ireland, including the DUP, TUV, and UUP. The conversation then shifts to Aontú's proposal for a private members’ bill that would allow for Irish cit…

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The "Rory McIlroy" Voter and the Border Poll 48:55

8M ago48:55

48:55

In this episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, the hosts consider the concept of the 'Rory McIlroy voter' and explore the implications of identity politics in Northern Ireland. They discuss the emergence of a soft unionist voter, the role of political parties in courting this demographic, and the challenges faced by pro-reunification parties in a…

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Gavin Robinson's First Year, Brexit, and Trump's Tariffs... with Lee Reynolds 52:41

9M ago52:41

52:41

In this episode of Stormont Sources, David, Tim and Michael reflect on Gavin Robinson's first year as leader of the DUP with former SPAD Lee Reynolds, discussing the challenges Robinson has faced. The conversation moves onto the impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland, the strategic decisions made by the DUP, and the internal dynamics of the party. Th…

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Irish language signs and cultural tensions 44:49

9M ago44:49

44:49

In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Cairns, and Michael McKernan are joined by Cara Hunter to discuss abuse faced by MLAs, as well as her controversial tweet about Irish language signs at Grand Central Station. Plus, the discussion transitions into the broader theme of welfare reform in Northern Ireland, focusing on the recent ch…

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The TUV: the future leaders of Unionist politics? 1:01:56

9M ago1:01:56

1:01:56

This conversation gets into the political landscape of Northern Ireland, focusing on the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) and its role in the current political climate. The discussion highlights the significance of mutual enforcement in trade, the challenges faced by the TUV, and the leadership of Timothy Gaston as he navigates the complexities of …

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Integrated Education: a success story or a failed venture? 1:02:51

9M ago1:02:51

1:02:51

This conversation explores the Integrated Education Act in Northern Ireland three years since its introduction. David, Tim and Michael chat to Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong about its achievements, challenges, and the political dynamics surrounding integrated education. Armstrong, the author of the bill, discusses the importance of integrated educat…

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Northern Ireland and Donald Trump 41:57

10M ago41:57

41:57

In this episode of Stormont Sources, we discuss the significance of Northern Ireland's political engagement with the United States, with St Patrick's Day on the horizon. We explore the varying impacts of the Trump administration on Northern Ireland, the implications of Sinn Féin's boycott of the White House, and the economic outcomes of political v…

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Programme - or Vision - for Government? 43:00

10M ago43:00

43:00

In this episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, David McCann, Tim Cairns, and Michael McKernan discuss the newly established Programme for Government in Northern Ireland, its implications, and the political dynamics surrounding it. They critique the document's lack of detail and the power dynamics within the executive, particularly the dominance o…

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Reforming Government: The Alliance Party's Agenda 45:24

10M ago45:24

45:24

In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Cairns, and Michael McKernan talk to with Eoin Tennyson, the Deputy Leader of the Alliance Party, discussing the party's recent achievements, challenges, and future strategies in Northern Ireland politics. The conversation covers the Alliance Party's vision for a united community, the complexit…

1
The Budget, The Opposition and MLA Pay 53:06

10M ago53:06

53:06

In the inaugural episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, hosts David McCann, Tim Cairns, and Michael McKernan analyse the intricacies of Northern Ireland's political landscape, focusing on the current budget bill and its implications for public services. They discuss the challenges of decision-making within the executive, the need for multi-year b…

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Welcome to Stormont Sources 3:51

10M ago3:51

3:51

Welcome 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 2007-201…