Explore every episode of the podcast The BelTel
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 'It’s Over’: 30 years on from the IRA ‘ceasefire’ | 29 Aug 2024 | 00:32:15 | |
After 25 years of what it termed ‘Armed Struggle’ and the ‘Long War’ , the Provisional IRA called a “complete cessation of military operations” on 31st August 1994 – 30 years ago. By that stage, the organisation was responsible for the deaths of 1,700 people. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Journalists Brian Rowan and Allison Morris, Former Belfast Telegraph Editor Ed Curran and historian Fearghal Mac Bhloscaidh. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Colum Eastwood steps down as SDLP leader and backs Claire Hanna | 29 Aug 2024 | 00:11:37 | |
Foyle MP Colum Eastwood is to step down as SDLP leader. He has backed South Belfast MP Claire Hanna to take over the leadership of the party. Colum Eastwood, who has been leader for 9 years, said the "moment has come to step aside".
Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph’s Foyle reporter, Garrett Hargan.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| OnlyFans: NI 'pornstar' defends her work - but is it empowerment or exploitation? | 08 Mar 2024 | 00:24:25 | |
Due to the rise of platforms like OnlyFans, Sex work has been subject to a media frenzy in recent years. The issue has long been met with outrage by religious groups and radical feminists alike, who believe that the trade exploits women. But a bill created by the DUP, which made paying for sexual services illegal, has only convicted one person in under a decade. Olivia Peden is joined by adult actress and OnlyFans content creator Meghan O’Neill, along with Belfast Telegraph columnist Fionola Meredith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Alliance Party members begin to lean towards Irish unity | 06 Mar 2024 | 00:28:25 | |
More Alliance members would now vote for Irish unity than to remain in UK. Almost 38% of Alliance members said they would vote for a united Ireland. So has Alliance fundamentally changed and will it be forced off the constitutional fence? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Jon Tonge and Suzanne Breen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Allison Morris: Antrim ATM raiders jailed – but where’s the money? | 04 Mar 2024 | 00:17:44 | |
More than £2 million is missing after a string of ATM thefts carried out by the same notorious Co Antrim gang. They got away with it for two years encouraging many copy-cat raids. But after robbing an ATM machine beside a PSNI station – they got caught and banged up. But most of the money was never found. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| How BDSM fetish chatroom led to mass murder in Fermanagh | 01 Mar 2024 | 00:22:20 | |
WARNING: This episode of the BelTel contains graphic details which some listeners might find disturbing. Daniel Allen admitted killing an entire family, including two children in Fermanagh in 2018. The Gossetts were a reclusive – constantly on the move to avoid social services. Denise Gossett begun a relationship with Allen after they met on a BDSM forum. Just two years later he killed her, her children and her grand-daughter. Kurtis Reid spoke with Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Allison Morris: Supergrass Haggarty's evidence 'unreliable' as UVF man not guilty of Convie & Fox murders | 29 Feb 2024 | 00:13:44 | |
James Smyth has been found not guilty of killing Eamon Fox (41) and 24-year-old Gary Convie. Mr Convie and Mr Fox were in a parked car awhen they were shot dead in May 1994. Mr Justice O'Hara said it could not be proven beyond reasonable doubt that Smyth was the gunman. Allison Morris reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Casement Park: Will stadium controversy poison atmosphere at Stormont? | 27 Feb 2024 | 00:28:07 | |
The proposed new stadium at Casement Park in west Belfast is hoped to be part of the 2028 Euros but that has enraged some Northern Ireland fans. Meanwhile, a Stormont row brews over the rising costs. Sinn Féin place major importance on rebuilding the GAA stadium while unionists question its funding.
Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Liam Tunney and Keith Baille. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Davy Tweed: Stepdaughter on life with former Ireland rugby player and ‘violent paedophile’ | 26 Feb 2024 | 00:24:01 | |
Amanda Brown has written a book, ‘No peace until he’s dead’, explaining what former Irish rugby star Tweed did to her and her family. Davy Tweed was a popular, well-liked, successful man in public.But he was also a violent wifebeater and a paedophile who prayed on his relatives, . Amanda tells the BelTel that she has spoken out to make sure that Davy Tweed’s abuse is never forgotten. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Conor Bradley: How the young Tyrone man took Liverpool and the Premier League by storm | 24 Feb 2024 | 00:23:41 | |
County Tyrone’s Conor Bradley has been described as the most exciting footballer to emerge from Northern Ireland since ‘60s legend George Best. The Liverpool ace has taken the Premier League by storm in recent weeks, with his surging runs down the right-flank winning the hearts of the Anfield faithful. How did he get here, and what’s next? Belfast Telegraph sports Journalist Keith Bailie is joined by Ulster Herald sports journalist Tommy Nethery and Belfast Telegraph chief sportswriter Steven Beacom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| That Girls' night in the Devenish: Pleasure Boys shock, but some think it's just 'a bit of fun' | 23 Feb 2024 | 00:21:41 | |
The word ‘shocking’ gets bandied about loosely these days, but videos and photographs that have circulated after an X-rated Valentine's weekend event in Belfast have caused anger, scandal and even fury in some communities - but for many others it's just a private bit of fun. Host: Fionnán Sheehan, Guests; Niamh Campbell, Kirsty Blake Knox and John Woodward, manager of the controversial Pleasure Boys Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| BelTel LucidTalk poll: Is there now support for a united Ireland? | 21 Feb 2024 | 00:38:54 | |
The results of the latest Belfast Telegraph LucidTalk poll are in. Support for the DUP has slightly weakened, while support for Sinn Féin First Minister Michelle O’Neill is at an all-time high. And we reveal the level of support there now is for a United Ireland. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by head of LucidTalk Bill White, Political commentator Alex Kane, and Belfast Telegraph reporter Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Puberty blockers for transgender children and Northern Ireland's potential legal loophole | 11 Aug 2024 | 00:27:53 | |
The Labour government has extended a ban on puberty blockers in the UK mainland. However, Stormont's Department of Health has confirmed that puberty blockers for children will remain legal in Northern Ireland, meaning that NI could become a backdoor for getting the drugs into Britain. Olivia Peden is joined by Sam McBride who wrote the story, Helen Joyce and Alexa Moore. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Texas and 'civil war': The Russian disinformation campaign stoking division in the US | 19 Feb 2024 | 00:25:10 | |
Would you know disinformation if you saw or heard it? And might you be seeing it now in the U. S. on topics such as immigration around the Texas border? If you are seeing this, might any of it be influenced by actors such as Putin's Russia? On this week’s episode of The Big Tech Show, Adrian talks to David Gilbert, a reporter for Wired.com who specialises in investigating disinformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Life beyond Earth and UFOs: What does the ‘evidence’ tell us? | 19 Feb 2024 | 00:26:24 | |
The question of whether humanity stands alone in the universe is one of the biggest questions there is. Is there life beyond earth, and if there is, is it intelligent life? Can the evidence of UFOs and alien contact be trusted? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Astrobiology Professor David C. Catling, and Sunday World reporter Níall Feiritear, who has had an experience that has convinced him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| BelTel politics: Where’s Stormont going to get the cash from? | 16 Feb 2024 | 00:29:26 | |
Health, education, and roads are just some of the areas Stormont needs to spend big on. But now the exchequer has ordered the Executive to raise £113 million. How could ministers achieve that and is NI poorly funded in comparison with Scotland and Wales? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Margaret Canning, Kurtis Reid and David McCann. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'I spoke to Ian Bailey the day before he died' - The expert who questions his guilt | 14 Feb 2024 | 00:24:25 | |
“I certainly could find nothing that led me to believe in Ian Bailey’s guilt.” That’s according to a retired UK senior forensic officer who has investigated the murder case of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. Bridget Chappuis was in communication with Bailey right up to the day before he died, not with the aim of proving his innocence, but with the hope of finding the truth about one of Ireland’s most notorious unsolved murder mysteries. Host: Kevin Doyle , Guest: Bridget Chappuis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| McGladdery: The last man hung in Northern Ireland for the vicious murder of Pearl Gamble | 11 Feb 2024 | 00:27:05 | |
The morning after a dance in a Newry orange hall, 19-year-old Pearl Gamble’s body is found at the end of a trail of blood. Suspicion immediately falls on 25-year-old Robert McGladdery, known locally for his predatorial behaviour. Less than a year later, McGladdery is the last man to be hanged on the island of Ireland. Historian Joe Baker and Charlie McSherry, a neighbour of Pearl Gamble, join Ciarán Dunbar to tell the story of her vicious murder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ireland and Palestine: Will Sinn Féin skip the annual White House Visit? | 10 Feb 2024 | 00:22:08 | |
The Republic of Ireland has found itself as a European outlier in its broad public support for Palestine throughout the ongoing war in Gaza. With the annual St Patrick's day visit to Washington around the corner, will the government use the opportunity to advocate for peace? Will Sinn Fein boycott the visit? And how do acts of solidarity impact the conflict people are outraged by? Tabitha Monahan is joined by Ellen Coyne and Hugh O'Connell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| East Belfast UVF: PSNI cocaine crackdown brings down gang | 09 Feb 2024 | 00:23:07 | |
Following the murder of Ian Ogle in 2019, the PSNI felt the pressure and resolved to strike a blow against UVF cocaine dealers – that operation has seen a raft of convictions. Who are the kingpins, the enforcers and the bookkeeper behind the drug trade in east Belfast? Sunday Life reporter Ciaran Barnes joins Ciarán Dunbar.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stormont Return: Sam McBride and David McCann on how’s it going | 06 Feb 2024 | 00:36:19 | |
The Stormont Assembly and the executive are back in action, although there have been some obstacles on the way. Sinn Fein expressed their surprise at the DUP’s pick of the education ministry, TUV’s Jim Allister has said he will be a ‘thorn in the side’ of the Assembly, and the SDLP have suspended an MLA over a helicopter trip to Wexford. How has the return gone so far and what lies ahead? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride, political commentator David McCann and Irish language activist, Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| RAF Chinook crash: The Mull of Kintyre tragedy | 05 Feb 2024 | 00:23:25 | |
Just before 6pm on 2nd June 1994 an RAF Chinook helicopter leaves from Aldergrove. On board are 25 key intelligence officers including members of the army, MI5 and the RUC. Although set for Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, they never make it, crashing into the Mull of Kintyre. Why did they crash? was there a cover-up? and why was the cream of UK intelligence travelling on an aircraft which the RAF had concerns over? Belfast Telegraph reporter Andrew Madden joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| "I never had any doubt that Ian Bailey killed Sophie Toscan du Plantier" | 02 Feb 2024 | 00:31:32 | |
The death of Ian Bailey in Cork leaves many unanswered questions in the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. Irish Independent journalists Senan Molony and Ralph Riegel share their meetings and stories with Ian Bailey over the past 27 years. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Senan Molony & Ralph Riegel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| BelTel Sport: Can anyone stop Irish League champions Larne from winning the Gibson Cup for a third season in a row? | 08 Aug 2024 | 00:39:23 | |
The new Irish League season gets underway this weekend with Tiernan Lynch’s Larne chasing their third Sports Direct Premiership title in as many years. Can anyone stop them? Host Keith Bailie is joined by Chief Sportswriter Steven Beacom and Belfast Telegraph columnist and legendary Linfield manager David Jeffrey to discuss disappointing performances in European competition, the format of the top flight and give their verdict on each of the 12 Premiership teams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Sir Jeffrey strikes a bargain: What’s in the DUP’s new deal? | 01 Feb 2024 | 00:21:54 | |
It seems that Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has won the battle - the DUP leader is taking the party back to Stormont after securing a new deal with the government. Is it a good deal? has Sir Jeffrey achieved his goals? and where does anti-agreement unionism go from here? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Liam Tunney and commentator Owen Polley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| DUP return to Stormont: Who is Jamie Bryson’s ‘mole’? | 30 Jan 2024 | 00:22:02 | |
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has convinced the majority of the DUP that it’s time to restore power sharing. Following a bizarre evening of social media leaks, protests and secret meetings, the party leader made the announcement in the early hours of the morning. Is Sir Jeffrey’s leadership in a stronger position than before, how are Loyalist voters feeling, and who is Jamie Bryson’s ‘mole’? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Allison Morris and political commentator and lecturer Jon Tonge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Kneecap: Critics rave over film but unionists rage over its funding | 29 Jan 2024 | 00:25:10 | |
West Belfast group Kneecap regularly court controversy – but is that just part of their act? Singing mostly in Irish about drugs, the DUP and social exclusion the band have made a film about themselves starring Michael Fassbender. It has attracted rave reviews, but some victims of republican violence perceive the band to be glorifying republicanism. But what’s the band really about? Niamh Campbell is joined by Liam Tunney and Dave Hanratty while Olivia Peden spoke to ex-PSNI officer Jon Burrows. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Sinn Féin: Where does the party stand on immigration? | 26 Jan 2024 | 00:18:46 | |
Immigration has become a big talking point in the Republic of Ireland in a very short space of time - and it's likely to become a key electoral issue. The main opposition party, Sinn Féin, is widely tipped to win forthcoming elections. So where does Mary Lou McDonald and her party stand on the issue of the moment, and could they make a move to the right if that's what voters want? Host; Tabitha Monahan, Guests; Gabija Gataveckaite & John Downing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| DUP Update: Sir Jeffrey throws down the gauntlet | 25 Jan 2024 | 00:30:41 | |
In a passionate speech earlier this week Jeffrey Donaldson said threats wouldn’t stop him from engaging with the UK government. Is the DUP leader ready to face down his opponents or will he continue to condemn the Windsor Framework and to boycott Stormont? Will his party agree with him or is it set to split? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph Journalist Andrew Madden, along with commentators Sarah Creighton and Owen Polley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Europe 2024: What's lies ahead for the EU with Donald Trump on the horizon? | 24 Jan 2024 | 00:26:13 | |
Against a backdrop of a rising far right and war across the globe, Europe goes to the polls in June. Why is Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán seen as the ‘black sheep’ of the EU? How will Trump’s likely return to the White House affect the Union? And as war in Gaza rages on, will the EU stand with Israel no matter what? Shona Murray, Euronews Europe correspondent, joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Margaret Perry and the IRA’s execution of her alleged murderer | 22 Jan 2024 | 00:29:22 | |
The body of Portadown woman Margaret Perry was found a year after she went missing, the bodies of three men the IRA itself accused of her murder were found three days later. The IRA also accused them, all members or former members, of being British agents. Why was Margaret murdered? Who were her murderers and did one British agent kill three others? Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Rose Dugdale: The English millionaire debutante who joined the IRA | 19 Jan 2024 | 00:21:03 | |
Born in England into immense wealth and luxury, Rose Dugdale turned her back on riches to become a bombmaker, a thief and a terrorist. But why did she abandon her life of privilege for the IRA? Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guest: Liam Collins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The United Nations: Why is it so powerless as wars continue to rage? | 17 Jan 2024 | 00:29:54 | |
Prof Jussi Hanhimäki argues the international body is still important, despite the challenges it faces. But what exactly is the UN? What is its role today? And with the body impotent in the face of wars from the Congo to Gaza – has the time come for major reform? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Belfast riots: Allison Morris on three nights of disorder | 06 Aug 2024 | 00:23:15 | |
An anti immigration protest on Saturday afternoon has resulted in three nights of violence across South Belfast. Several businesses have been attacked, including a supermarket owned by a Syrian refugee and one man has been seriously assaulted. With further protests planned for this weekend, policing is in the spotlight. Alison Morris is joined by Belfast Telegraph visuals editor, Kevin Scott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Foundlings: Three siblings abandoned alone search for fourth ‘foundling’ | 12 Jan 2024 | 00:27:34 | |
This is the story of three long-lost siblings, all abandoned in mysterious circumstances in Lisburn, Dundalk and Drogheda, who unbelievably found their way back to each other many years later. But there could be a fourth ‘foundling’ and they need your help to find them…
Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Catherine Fegan, Helen Ward & David McBride Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Kevin Conway: ‘Firm’ member slain in west Belfast gangland murder | 10 Jan 2024 | 00:14:36 | |
Kevin Conway, originally from the Lurgan area, was shot dead in Belfast on 9th January. Linked to ‘The Firm’ he was one of three men charged in relation to the murder of Shane Whitla in Lurgan in January 2023. The area has seen several high-profile assassinations in recent years linked to a single dissident republican gunman. Allison Morris reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Post Office scandal: “They knew what was going on” | 10 Jan 2024 | 00:28:48 | |
Described as one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in UK history, between 1999 and 2015 over 700 postmasters and postmistresses were wrongly accused of stealing money from their branches. Some were bankrupted, losing their houses, livelihoods and life savings, and others served prison sentences. It was later revealed the missing money was due to a fault in a computer program. Kurtis Reid joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Best of the Beltel: Colm Murphy, the veteran republican found liable for Omagh Bombing | 05 Jan 2024 | 00:27:18 | |
South Armagh republican Colm Murphy died earlier this year at the age of 70. He had been convicted but later acquitted of involvement in the Omagh bombing. He was later found liable in a civil court for the 1998 attack which killed 29 people. Murphy was at various points a member of the Provisional IRA, the INLA, the Real IRA, and was linked to the Óglaigh na hÉireann dissident group. The Belfast Telegraph’s security correspondent Allison Morris profiles him and explains what he was like in person. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Best of the BelTel: How romance monster Phillip O'Shea went from online catfisher to real life stalker – and how he got caught (Part 2) | 03 Jan 2024 | 00:20:32 | |
Philip O’Shea was initially charming when he contacted vulnerable women online. He was a friend, a flatterer, someone who could help. But his true intentions emerged very quickly – he was a cruel catfisher who forced women to send him compromising pictures. And it didn’t stop there, in this episode of the BelTel Sharon O’Neill tells Ciarán Dunbar how O’Shea went from online harassment to real-life stalking, and how he eventually got caught. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Best of the BelTel: Romance monster catfisher threatens dozens of women – just for kicks (Part 1) | 01 Jan 2024 | 00:20:19 | |
Philip O’Shea is a prolific online predator who lurked behind fake profiles, first coming across as charming friendly and flirty, then going in for the kill in an orgy of cruelty. He forced them to send compromising pictures of themselves to him, blackmailing them not for money but for his own perverted satisfactions. Sharon O’Neill tells Ciarán Dunbar how he managed to ensnare his victims. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Best of the BelTel: The 'living hell' of winning the Lottery | 29 Dec 2023 | 00:24:30 | |
We all dream of winning the Lottery, but then we hear stories about how winning the millions sent some people’s lives into a tailspin. The self-described ‘king of the chavs’ Michael Carroll being a famous example. Some have described winning the Lottery as a living hell that they would not wish on their worst enemies - can that fate be avoided? And should you tell people, or could you try and keep your win a secret? Host: Ciarán Dunbar. Guests Aine Toner and Kathy Garrett. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Best of the BelTel: The life and crimes of Ballymena’s 'Cocaine King' Noel Johnston | 27 Dec 2023 | 00:24:57 | |
On October the 15th, 2021, the PSNI launch a raid an apartment in Ballymena, as part of a wider operation against drug in the town. The man who lived there was 61-year-old Noel Johnson. Moments later, he was dead. Once an acquaintance of Liam Neeson, this Catholic from Loyalist Harryville had been known as the ‘cocaine king’ of Ballymena. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by John Laverty, who knew Noel Johnston well. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Best of the BelTel: John DeLorean, the man who brought the future back to Belfast | 25 Dec 2023 | 00:24:14 | |
John DeLorean was an eccentric but brilliant engineer. He had remarkable success in the US automotive industry, but he dreamed of striking out by himself and building a futuristic sports car. Incredibly, he was enticed to build that car in Belfast in the middle of the Troubles. Hollywood brought the DeLorean to the big Screen and the car, despite its obvious flaws, gained an iconic status. Andrew Madden joins Ciarán Dunbar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ex-PUP deputy leader John Kyle on Gusty Spence and prospects of Irish Unity | 04 Aug 2024 | 00:25:32 | |
Dr John Kyle is a former deputy leader of the PUP, the UVF’s political wing. He represented the loyalist party on Belfast City Council for 16 years. He joined the party after being inspired by UVF leader Gusty Spence and PUP leader David Ervine’s vision to transform their communities. He joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Best of the BelTel: ‘How a cult brainwashed me, and how I escaped’ | 22 Dec 2023 | 00:26:55 | |
Most people believe that they could never be brainwashed into a cult or be totally enthralled by a cult leader, but it is believed that thousands of people find themselves in that situation every year. Ian Haworth never imagined that he would fall for it, he never thought he would lose his mind and freedom to cult – but that is what happened. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Best of the BelTel: Gerard Mackin, the Belfast-born Kinahan enforcer the criminal underworld fears | 20 Dec 2023 | 00:26:06 | |
Gerard Mackin is the six-foot-tall gangland enforcer who is feared from the Falls to Limerick That is not surprising when you consider he was convicted of nailing another person to a floor – with a nail gun. He has been in the Continuity IRA and in INLA. He was given a one-million-euro contract by the Kinahan crime clan to take out their arch-rival Gerry Hutch. Born in west Belfast, Gerard Mackin’s crime CV is formidable and his earned him the reputation as one of the most violent criminals in Ireland. The Belfast Telegraph’s crime correspondent Allison Morris tells his story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Stalkers, sexism and Santa: Could Christmas movies like Love Actually be made today? | 19 Dec 2023 | 00:20:43 | |
December is drawing to a close, so it’s time for some seasonal escapism as we consider the humble festive art form that is... the Christmas movie. From heartwarming family classics, terrible turkeys to the downright weird and questionable, there truly is something for everyone on the big and small screen. But are the days of the family gathering around the TV and going through the schedule gone for good? Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guests: Dave Hanratty and Dee Molumby Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| ‘Winkie’ Rea: The loyalist leader who led the Red Hand Commando | 18 Dec 2023 | 00:24:35 | |
Winston Rea, known as Winkie Rea, died aged 72 at the beginning of December. He was the ex-leader of the loyalist terror group, the ‘Red Hand Commando’, and until his death was on trial in connection with two sectarian murders. He denied all 19 terror charges against him. Who was Winkie Rea, what was the Red Hand Commando, and had the ruthless paramilitary man really become a man of peace? Belfast Telegraph’s security correspondent Alison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Israeli ambassador says “absolutely no” to Palestinian statehood | 15 Dec 2023 | 00:22:38 | |
Israel's ambassador to the UK has strongly reject the prospect of a future Palestinian state. Tzipi Hotovely told Sky News Israel will not accept a ‘two-state solution’ So – what is Israel’s end game and are they now risking alienating their key ally, the US, as they continue their campaign in Gaza, seeking to destroy Hamas. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Bel Trew, the Independent’s Chief International Correspondent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Alexei Navalny: Imprisoned but still Putin's greatest opponent | 13 Dec 2023 | 00:23:35 | |
The imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is no longer at the prison colony where he was being head. The loss of contact likely signals a Kremlin effort to tighten his isolation while President Vladimir Putin runs for re-election, his spokeswoman has claimed. A constant thorn in Putin’s side, could Navalny still play a role in the future of Russia? Host: Rory Tevlin, Guest: Jason Corcoran Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||