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:

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

Email: [email protected]

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 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: [email protected]

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

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

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

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

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

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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