Stormont Sources

🚨We're coming at you with even MORE from the Stormont Sources team... @timcairns

Could the next Assembly election change the future of a border poll? David and Michael discuss the changing balance between nationalism, unionism and the ‘other’ designation and what the 2027 election could mean for the constitutional debate. #StormontSources #BorderPoll #NorthernIrelandPolitics @dmcbfs | @timcairns

Is the BBC caught in the middle of Northern Ireland’s political divide, or is the criticism justified? On this week's episode the panel debate the BBC’s coverage of Northern Ireland politics, the controversy surrounding the Nolan Show, and whether criticism from both sides means journalists are getting the balance right. #StormontSources #BBC #NolanShow @dmcbfs | @timcairns

🆕 EPISODE of Stormont Sources STREAMING NOW on podcast apps and YouTube. "DUP Crisis, Sinn Féin Poll Surge & Renew NI" Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=7ZYMaXsl… Listen on Podcast Apps: stormontsources.com/listen @dmcbfs | @timcairns

Will a few extra seats for Sinn Féin in 2027 change the balance of power at Stormont? This week the team discuss how the election could affect ministerial positions, the Executive and the balance between unionism and nationalism. #Stormont #SinnFein #DUP @dmcbfs | @timcairns

Has Sinn Féin already won the next Assembly election? David and Michael discuss Sinn Féin’s response to the Garvaghy Road controversy, with Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O’Neill attending PSNI interviews over the peaceful protest. Michael argues the controversy has given Sinn Féin a tremendous political boost and suggests the DUP and Jamie Bryson have helped hand it to them. #SinnFéin #DUP #GarvaghyRoad #Stormont @dmcbfs | @timcairns

Is Sinn Féin making a major move to strengthen its grip on Northern Ireland politics? With Pat Cullen standing alongside Deirdre Hargey in South Belfast and Chris Hazzard announced as the candidate for Strangford, Sinn Féin is making some significant moves ahead of the next election. David discusses what these candidate announcements tell us about the party's election strategy and whether more MPs could make the move into Stormont. #SinnFéin #NorthernIrelandPolitics #Stormont @dmcbfs | @timcairns

Is Gavin Robinson getting a hard time, or is he showing leadership under pressure? Michael and Tim discuss the DUP leader's handling of mounting political and internal party pressures, from the ongoing controversy surrounding Carla Lockhart to the wait for Jim Gamble's report. Michael argues that Gavin has shown a bit of backbone but is that enough to steady the ship? #DUP #GavinRobinson #NorthernIrelandPolitics @dmcbfs | @timcairns

How much have we really learned from the Troubles? On this week's episode, the team reflect on recent protests, political disagreements and how much things have changed compared to 20 years ago arguing that, despite tensions, the fact that disagreements have remained largely peaceful is a significant improvement on the past. Have we made more progress than we sometimes give ourselves credit for? #NorthernIreland #Politics #TheTroubles @dmcbfs | @timcairns

Can you support a protest while condemning the language surrounding it? David discusses the nationalist response to the Garvaghy Road parade controversy, making a distinction between opposing the parade and being uncomfortable with the abuse directed at unionist politicians. Where should the line be drawn between political protest and personal abuse? #NorthernIreland #GarvaghyRoad #SinnFéin @dmcbfs | @timcairns

🆕 EPISODE of Stormont Sources STREAMING NOW on podcast apps and YouTube. "Sinn Féin’s Big Election Gamble & DUP Divisions Explained" Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=2rvGSFnp… Listen on Podcast Apps: stormontsources.com/listen @dmcbfs | @timcairns

Are exclusion motions becoming more about political theatre than accountability at Stormont? The Alliance Party’s approach to the latest exclusion motion comes under scrutiny following its decision not to support the exclusion of Sinn Féin ministers, despite having previously supported similar motions against unionist ministers. The debate also raises questions about whether repeated exclusion motions are an effective way to hold ministers accountable, with alternative approaches suggested to ensure ministers remain in the Assembly and answer for their actions. #Stormont #AllianceParty #SinnFein @dmcbfs | @timcairns

“Unionism is much more split in this than what you think.” This week the panel discusses divisions within unionism over how the DUP should respond to the ongoing situation at Stormont. Tim argues that some figures who would usually take a more moderate position are now pushing for a harder line, while others within the party are taking a softer approach. #NorthernIrelandPolitics #Unionism @dmcbfs | @timcairns