• Former PSNI officer challenges ‘Sean’ allegations of anti-Catholic sectarianism in the force
    May 20 2025

    One of the PSNI’s first Catholic recruits, told the Belfast Telegraph he had faced sectarianism, including references to “Fenian b******s”. Despite Chief Constable Jon Boutcher saying the allegations will not be investigated by a court or by the PSNI. ‘Sean’s’ solicitor says he’s standing by everything he’s alleged but has dropped threatened legal action.

    Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph’s Northern Ireland Editor Sam McBride who broke the story, and former senior PSNI Officer Jon Burrows, who strongly disputes the claims.


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    31 mins
  • Bryson, McKay and O’Hara misconduct trial to begin in Belfast – Allison Morris reports
    May 18 2025

    Loyalist Jamie Bryson, former Sinn Fein MLA Daithi McKay and party member Thomas O’Hara will be standing trial at Belfast Crown Court charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office. All three deny the offences. The charges relate to a meeting of the Stormont Finance Committee in September 2015, which Mr Bryson gave evidence to, during a review of the sale of the Nama property loan portfolio in Northern Ireland.

    Belfast Telegraph’s Crime Correspondent Allison Morris joined Ciarán Dunbar me.


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

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    30 mins
  • Gerry Adams defamation case: BBC vigorously defends its journalism
    May 16 2025

    The former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams is suing the BBC over allegations made in a Spotlight programme that he sanctioned the murder of Denis Donaldson – an allegation he vehemently denies. The BBC were the centre of attention this week as the case against the broadcaster in a Dublin court continues.

    Sunday Independent journalist Mark Tighe spoke to Ciarán Dunbar.


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    20 mins
  • Skortgate: The ‘totally absurd’ row over what Camogie players wear
    May 15 2025

    Camogie players have criticised the sport’s association for kit rules deemed as ‘archaic’. Traditionally, camogie players have worn skorts in their kit, but players are now asking for the choice to wear shorts. Following widespread disruption over the issue, a vote is due to take place next week. Are camogie skorts sexist, or just a harmless tradition?

    Olivia Peden is joined by the Belfast Telegraph reporters Niamh Campbell and Jessica Rice.


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    22 mins
  • Starmer’s “island of strangers” migration crackdown and what it means for NI
    May 13 2025

    Sir Keir Starmer has set out plans to reduce migration saying high figures have caused “incalculable” damage to British society. He says Britain risks becoming an “island of strangers” without better integration. But what will these plans mean for Northern Ireland?

    Ciarán Dunbar is joined by David McCann and by Enda Brady.


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

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    24 mins
  • Gerry Adams accused BBC barrister of trying to persuade a jury he has “no reputation whatsoever”
    May 10 2025

    Gerry Adams has been under cross-examination in Dublin. The former Sinn Féin leader has taken a defamation case against the BBC.

    He claims a Spotlight programme defamed him - by alleging he sanctioned the murder of Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson months after admitting his role as a police and MI5 agent for 20 years – Mr Adams denies any knowledge of the killing.

    Mark Tighe has been covering the case for the Sunday Independent, he joins Ciarán Dunbar.


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

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    21 mins
  • Séamus Ruddy: The Newry man ‘disappeared’ by INLA in Paris
    May 8 2025

    Séamus Ruddy was 33 when he was abducted, tortured, shot dead and buried in secret in northern France by the INLA in 1985. A former member of the IRSP, His killers believed he knew the location of an arms dump in northern France. The murder became part bloody schism within the INLA that left over a dozen men dead. After an extensive family campaign his remains were found in a forest in May 2017.

    Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar.


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

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    30 mins
  • Conclave: White smoke and dark secrets, Catholic cardinals are choosing the next pope
    May 8 2025
    In centuries past, the word 'conclave' meant Catholic cardinals were literally locked away until a new pope had been elected. Today, it's the world that's locked out, as people await the unmistakable white smoke. In this episode, we lift the veil on the politics, power and prayers involved in electing a new pope. Why are phones confiscated? Who really pulls the strings? And who is the cardinal who has been banned from Conclave?

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

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    25 mins