Come on Arlene

Come on Arlene

Author: BBC Radio Ulster April 29, 2026 Duration: 38:06

Mark Carruthers is joined by Gareth Gordon, Suzanne Breen and Tim Cairns to reflect on the resignation of DUP Leader Arlene Foster five years ago and the party chaos it caused.


From BBC Radio Ulster, Red Lines offers a direct line into the complex and often turbulent world of Northern Irish politics. This isn't just a dry recap of events; it's where essential analysis meets the distinct character of the region's political discourse. Each episode features the seasoned BBC NI politics team, who provide clarity and context to the negotiations, debates, and personalities shaping the future. You'll hear informed commentary that cuts through the noise, examining the stakes behind the headlines and the human stories within the policy. True to its name, the podcast doesn't shy away from the tough conversations or the so-called red lines that define political standoffs. While the subject matter is serious, the delivery carries a certain local wit-acknowledging the occasional bad pun as it delves into top-tier political coverage. For anyone wanting to understand the forces at play in Northern Ireland's government, this podcast serves as an indispensable guide, making the intricate accessible and the consequential compelling. Tune in for a blend of sharp insight and straightforward talk from journalists who know the landscape inside and out.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Red Lines
Podcast Episodes
The Review of 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:29
Mark is joined by Gareth Gordon, Suzanne Breen, Tim Cairns & Tim McGarry to look back on the political events of 2025.
Stormont: A bicker a day? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:32
Mark chats to Jayne McCormack, David Sterling & Jodie Carson about Stormont's plan for a multi-year budget. What are relations like in the Executive and within the parties?
The One Where Rachel Increased Tax on Lattes. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:54
Mark and guests digest the Chancellor's budget and the implications for Northern Ireland. With Secretary of State Hilary Benn, Prof Jodie Carson, Caroline Keenan & Andrew Webb.
Stormont 2.0 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:01
Mark Carruthers asks Dr Sean Haughey, Professor Duncan Morrow, Chris Donnelly and Tim Cairns if Stormont must reform to survive.
Yellow plateau? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:14
Mark Carruthers discusses the state of the Alliance Party with David Ford, Jayne McCormack, David McCann and Jon Tonge.
Labour intensive [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:22
Mark Carruthers assesses the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool with Nick Watt, Jon Tonge, Tina McKenzie, Tom Kelly and Enda McClafferty.
IMF fear for Keir [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:22
Mark Carruthers discusses the Prime Minister's woes and asks if the IMF could be called in with Enda McClafferty, Andrew Webb, Anna Gross and John Rentoul.
The Lord Alderdice Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:52
The former Alliance leader speaks to Mark Carruthers about his political influences.
The Hilary Benn Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:30
Mark Carruthers asks NI Secretary of State Hilary Benn about his political life.