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
Casement snark [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:38
Mark Carruthers is joined by Jayne McCormack, David McCann and MLAs Sorcha Eastwood, Mike Nesbitt and Colin McGrath to discuss Casement Park, Assembly tensions and Dublin money.
Back to School [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:45
Mark is joined by Gareth Gordon & a few MLAs as Stormont gets back up and running.
Red Lines: The Michelle O'Neill interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:53
First broadcast in August 2022: Mark Carruthers talks to Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill about her life in politics.
Is anyone in charge? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:04
Who is actually running Northern Ireland?
The Long and the Short of 2023 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:32
Mark Carruthers reviews the year with the stars of 'The Long And The Short Of It', Tim McGarry and Dr David Hume, and Prof Deirdre Heenan, Newton Emerson and Gareth Gordon.
Red, White and New [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:05
What would unionism look like if it realigned into two new parties? A traditional one and the other more socially liberal. Darran Marshall asks the experts.
Sinn Féin: Will their day come in 2024? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:29
Ahead of the party's ard fheis, the panel discuss what's next for Sinn Féin? Mark is joined by Elaine Loughlin, Brian Feeney & Newton Emerson.
Has Sir Jeffrey played a blinder? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:35
Mark Carruthers asks Enda McClafferty, Suzanne Breen and Chris Donnelly if the DUP Leader has actually played a difficult political game very skilfully.
Blue Lights [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:52
Former PSNI Chief Constable Sir George Hamilton speaks exclusively to Mark Carruthers about the crisis in policing. With analysis from Allison Morris & Dr Jonny Byrne