Contest or coronation

Contest or coronation

Author: BBC Radio Ulster January 7, 2026 Duration: 40:05

Mark Carruthers weighs up the options for the UUP leadership with Gareth Gordon, David McCann, John McCallister and Linzi McLaren.


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 Big 2024 Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:00
Mark Carruthers is joined by Suzanne Breen, Newton Emerson, Deirdre Heenan, Tim McGarry and Gareth Gordon to look back on 2024.
The South Poll [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:48
Mark Carruthers is joined by Lucinda Creighton, Gary Murphy, Elaine Loughlin and Gráinne Ní Aodha in Dublin to preview the Republic's election later this month.
The Big Budget Special [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:54
Mark Carruthers is joined by John Campbell, economists Richard Ramsey and Andrew Webb, tax expert Caroline Keenan and Tina McKenzie from the FSB to discuss the Budget.
The 200th Episode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:44
Mark Carruthers is joined by Gareth Gordon, John Campbell, Mark Devenport and David McCann to look back on an eventful five years and 200 episodes of Red Lines.
Get with the Programme! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:21
Mark Carruthers is joined by Phillip Brett, Connie Egan, Steve Aiken, Matthew O'Toole, Claire Sugden and Mark Devenport to discuss Stormont's new Programme for Government.
The Denis Bradley Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:25
Mark Carruthers chats to Denis Bradley about his political influences & inspirations.
The Máirtín Ó Muilleoir Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:59
Mark Carruthers chats to Sinn Féin's Máirtín Ó Muilleoir about his political influences & inspirations.
The Edwin Poots Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:34
Mark Carruthers chats to Edwin Poots about his political influences & inspirations. This conversation was recorded before the recent trouble in south Belfast.
The Claire Hanna Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:46
Mark Carruthers chats to SDLP MP Claire Hanna about her political influences & inspirations.
Red Faces [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:15
Mark Carruthers is joined by David McCann, Suzanne Breen and Jayne McCormack to look back at what caused the big surprises in the general election.