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 the Year – why all three agree the TUV had a breakthrough year

• Worst Performing Party – Alliance’s difficult year in government

• Biggest Political Moment of 2025 – from Sinn Féin’s White House boycott to parliamentary privilege drama

• Under-reported Stories – integrated education court rulings, anti-poverty strategy failures, and unionist realignment

• Unionism’s Future – DUP, UUP leadership tension, John Burrows, Robbie Butler and cooperation pressures

• Stormont Sources Highlights – behind-the-scenes reflections on interviews, viral moments and political rows

The episode closes with festive humour, Christmas negotiations nostalgia, and a reminder of Stormont’s most surreal moments — including DUP MLAs singing Christmas carols during all-night talks.

🎄 A must-listen for anyone following Northern Ireland politics, Stormont, or the road to the 2026–27 elections.

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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) and Michael McKernan (former SDLP Special Adviser) to break down what the poll really means for the 2026 Assembly election, unionism, nationalism, Alliance, the Greens, TUV, and People Before Profit.

The panel also digs into:

• Why a multi-year Stormont budget looks unlikely before Christmas
• How a £400m overspend is already locked in
• The looming crisis around public sector pay parity
• Whether Stormont’s month-long Christmas recess is storing up bad legislation later in the mandate
• Why Northern Ireland’s law-making process is producing poorly scrutinised laws
• 
  

With Stormont facing shrinking legislative time, stalled reform, and rising voter frustration, this episode asks a blunt question: Is devolution delivering?

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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 laws, planning failures, dead zones, and what political leadership needs to do now.

From the collapse of footfall to bars struggling to stay open, we break down the real structural problems damaging Belfast’s economy – and the bold solutions needed to revive the city centre.

If you care about Belfast, night life, regeneration, public safety, or the local economy, you must listen to this.

The hosts then tackle the leading political issues of the week in Northern Ireland politics, principally the chance of an agreement over multi-year budget agreement.

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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 Executive can’t plug the £400m overspend?
• Should Stormont raise its own revenue for the first time?
• Why does NI’s health service spend more but deliver worse outcomes?
• Will Labour change the rules on a border poll?
• Should Stormont’s institutions be reformed — and will the UK government lead that conversation?
• What does the Budget really mean for public services, tax powers and the wider economy?

After speaking with Hilary Benn, the team are joined by Ann Watt from Pivotal, who expertly breaks down the implications of Budget 2025, the long-term structural problems in NI’s finances, and the urgent need for a multi-year financial plan.

This episode cuts through headlines and political noise to explain what’s actually happening, what comes next, and what it means for people across Northern Ireland.

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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, and the future of Stormont’s finances.

We also analyse the UK Covid Inquiry’s damning report on Northern Ireland’s pandemic response, including accusations of “chaotic decision-making”, political dysfunction inside the Executive, and the differing reactions from the DUP and Sinn Féin.

Plus: your questions — including whether the SDLP and Sinn Féin could ever merge, and whether the Irish language has been “weaponised”.

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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:

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Email: hello@stormontsources.com

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🎧 Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment below with your thoughts on whether the DUP and UUP could ever unite.

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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’s return in 2004 reshaped unionist politics — and created lasting tensions within the DUP.
• What the TUV’s rise tells us about the future of unionism.
• Plus, listener questions on SDLP strategy in South Belfast, whether Claire Hanna’s vote can deliver two Assembly seats, and more.

Tempers flared at Stormont this week as Paul Givan narrowly fended off a vote of no confidence. Relations inside the Northern Ireland Executive have hit a new low — and the DUP’s decision not to attend Catherine Connolly’s presidential inauguration has raised fresh questions about political cooperation.

Are we heading for another Stormont collapse? Or will the Executive limp on until the next election?

With behind-the-scenes stories from Tim Cairns, former Special Adviser to DUP First Minister Peter Robinson, and Michael McKernan, former SDLP adviser, this episode offers rare insider analysis on how Stormont really works.

📱 Join the conversation:

WhatsApp us at 0333 404 6507 (use the word Stormont)

Email: hello@stormontsources.com

Follow us on X, Instagram, and Facebook → @StormontSources

🎧 Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment below with your thoughts on whether the DUP and UUP could ever unite.

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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 prominent political figures. The discussion delves into the personal and professional relationships between the artists and their subjects, the impact of Northern Irish identity on their work, and the broader themes of human experience and political history captured in their art. The episode also touches on the significance of Belfast and the role of art in reflecting and shaping societal narratives.

🎨 From Bill Clinton’s quiet reflection to John Hume’s humanity, Queen Elizabeth’s historic handshake with Martin McGuinness, and the grief of victims in Silent Testimony, Davidson’s portraits capture the people and moments that have shaped modern Northern Ireland.

They discuss:

The friendship between Davidson and Carruthers that inspired 12 Paintings

The stories behind portraits of George Mitchell, David Trimble, and Ian Paisley

How Belfast’s beauty and trauma shape Davidson’s art

The Queen’s reaction to her own portrait

The ongoing challenge of depicting Northern Ireland’s divided identity through art

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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 impropriety, and responds directly to criticism from across the political spectrum. The conversation expands into a heated exchange over Israel, Gaza, and Northern Ireland’s divided reaction to the conflict — with comparisons to other global crises, from China’s treatment of the Uyghurs to Sudan.

Later, the panel debates:

Whether Stormont is heading for another collapse

Why unionists feel they’re being held to a “different standard”

The future of power-sharing between the DUP, Sinn Féin, and the Alliance Party

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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 still benefits from the status quo — and why, despite Brexit, many in the Republic may prefer to keep things as they are.

🟩 For Irish Unity:

He also outlines the emotional and economic appeal of a new Ireland — “a revolution without bloodshed” — and why younger generations might see unification as an exciting chance to start fresh.

💬 Topics include:

• Why unionist politicians avoid the debate
• The “inevitability” narrative around Irish unity
• The Ireland’s Future movement
• Paramilitaries, violence, and what could happen if change comes too fast
• How both sides can prepare for a serious, practical debate rather than wishful thinking

🎧 Subscribe for more balanced political analysis from Northern Ireland’s leading voices.

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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 loses in these back-room budget battles?
• Are Northern Ireland’s smaller parties powerless inside the Executive?

🗳️ Then, sparks fly on X/Twitter:

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Opposition Leader Matthew O’Toole clash over the idea of extending Irish presidential voting rights to Northern Ireland.

Is this a breach of the Good Friday Agreement or just a culture-war distraction?

🎙️ Stormont Sources takes you behind the scenes of Northern Ireland politics — with insight from former party insiders.

📺 Watch more episodes & subscribe for weekly analysis of the Executive, opposition, and all things Stormont.

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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?

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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 Clare 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 realistic?
• Stormont’s sluggish legislative record compared to Scotland and Wales
• Why 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.

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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?

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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.

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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: hello@stormontsources.com

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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 dominate under new arrangements.
• A thought experiment: what would a 32-county Dáil look like in a united Ireland?
• Could Unionist parties survive – and who would lead a realigned Irish politics?

This episode dives into the hard questions: is power-sharing holding Northern Ireland back, and what would political reform mean for the future?

📌 Got a question for the next Ask Us Anything? Email hello@stormontsources.com or WhatsApp us at 0333 404 6507.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly episodes on Northern Ireland politics, power-sharing, Stormont dysfunction, and the future of the Union.

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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 common sense or a culture war?
• Gavin Robinson vs Michelle O’Neill over a British Army jobs fair in Derry – electioneering or genuine disagreement?
• With 18 months to go until the Assembly election, is the campaign already underway?
• Plus: Party conference season for the DUP, UUP and SDLP – what do the leaders need to do to inspire their base?

🔔 Subscribe for weekly analysis of Northern Ireland politics.

🎧 Full podcast available on all apps.

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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 individuals and families
• Why Northern Ireland lacks support services compared to England, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland
• The urgent need for updated legislation and an independent gambling regulator
• How online gambling complicates regulation and enforcement
• Potential solutions, including a gambling levy to fund treatment, prevention, and education

🎯 If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling harm, seek help:

• GamStop: https://www.gamstop.co.uk
• Dunlewey: Support for gambling addiction counselling in Northern Ireland

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