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 sit at 11%, raising big questions about unionist unity and Mike Nesbitt’s future.

In this deep-dive discussion, we break down:

👉 Why the TUV is gaining ground

👉 Whether the DUP can claw back support before 2027

👉 Naomi Long’s collapse in approval among unionists

👉 The SDLP’s slow recovery under Claire Hanna

👉 Gavin Robinson’s future as a DUP leader

👉 Why some are calling for a DUP–UUP merger

We also look at the lessons from 1998, when fringe unionist parties cut through, and what this poll tells us about the road to the next Assembly elections.

📌 Subscribe for more Northern Ireland political analysis, polls, and in-depth interviews.

🚨 What do YOU think of the latest poll?

• Will the TUV hold their surge or fade?
• Can the DUP recover by 2027?
• Is Naomi Long’s time up as Alliance leader?

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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 school system is a “quirk of history” that’s long overdue for reform.

We unpack:

• Why 24% of parents say they’d avoid integrated schools.
• The fight over survey credibility and political bias.
• Whether “Catholic ethos” gives schools an edge in results.
• The real battleground: quality vs integration.

PLUS: Donald Trump’s potential tariff war on Ireland’s pharmaceutical sector — and how it could ripple into Northern Ireland.

🎧 Listen to the full Stormont Sources episode now.

Subscribe for political analysis from Belfast, Dublin, and beyond.

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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, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly?

🎙️ Tim, David and Michael analyse:

• The deeper tensions in Stormont Castle
• Whether Michelle O’Neill or Emma Little-Pengelly really hold power
• The soft media strategy behind O'Neill’s recent appearances
• Fresh questions about IRA influence and party control
• Performance grades for Executive Ministers after 18 months in power
• The standout performers and those falling short (with some surprises)

👀 Plus: Why John O'Dowd's career turnaround is raising eyebrows, how Andrew Muir is defying pressure, and whether Gordon Lyons is heading toward “gaffe-prone” territory.

📍 Subscribe for more insider analysis of Northern Ireland politics every week.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 following Mary Lou McDonald's appearance on Good Morning Britain. They also consider legacy issues and the scrutiny of MLA expenses, highlighting the need for accountability and effective leadership across the political spectrum.

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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 chaotic political landscape and the challenges faced by various parties during this tumultuous period.

We speak to Jamie Bryson to discuss the lengthy court case he faced, his claims the case was politically motivated, and the implications for the legal system in Northern Ireland. He reflects on his evolving identity from a controversial protester to a legal advocate, emphasising the challenges of navigating political landscapes and public perceptions. The discussion also touches on the cultural significance of bonfires in Northern Ireland and the balance between public safety and cultural expression.

Plus, David, Tim and Michael consider the leadership crisis within the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) following Colin Crawford's resignation. The discussion highlights the party's struggles to find a replacement and the implications of internal disagreements. The second part of the conversation shifts to the potential revival of the Civic Forum, exploring its historical context and the differing opinions on its necessity and effectiveness. And we examine the idea of establishing a second chamber in the Northern Ireland Assembly, weighing the pros and cons of such a move.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 upcoming race for the Irish presidency, focusing on potential candidates like Colum Eastwood and Michelle O'Neill. The conversation highlights the intersection of politics, infrastructure, and public safety, while also critiquing the current state of political discourse.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.