Old Tensions: New Ties

Old Tensions: New Ties

Author: BBC Radio Ulster April 1, 2026 Duration: 37:18

Mark Carruthers is joined by Paul Johnston, former British Ambassador to Ireland; Mark Hennessey, The Irish Times; and Brigid Laffan from the European University Institute.


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 Constituency Profiles: Foyle & East Londonderry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:03
Mark Carruthers is joined by David McCann, Enda McClafferty & Freya McClements to assess the candidates running for Westminster in Foyle & East Londonderry.
Stop the votes? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:27
Will Rishi Sunak's Rwanda policy impact the local elections in the Republic?
From unionism to unity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:29
DUP founding member Wallace Thompson tells Mark Caruthers about his changing political views and how other unionists have told him they agree a united Ireland is "inevitable".
The Stormont Insider - Money for nothing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:27
Mark Carruthers is joined by Deirdre Hargey, Jonathan Buckley, Eóin Tennyson, John Stewart, Matthew O'Toole and Gerry Carroll to discuss the perilous state of Stormont finances.
Pact to the future [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:05
Mark Carruthers asks Gareth Gordon, Suzanne Breen and David McCann for their General Election predictions.