Talking ballots

Talking ballots

Author: BBC Radio Ulster May 27, 2026 Duration: 42:40

Mark Carruthers is joined by Suzanne Breen, David McCann and Jayne McCormick to look ahead to the Assembly election next year.


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
Three Derry Corner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:57
Mark Carruthers speaks to newly-returned Derry City and Strabane Councillors Ryan McCready, Lilian Seenoi-Barr and Shaun Harkin.
'Vote till you boke' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:04
Mark Carruthers is joined by Jon Tonge, Professor of Politics at the University of Liverpool, freelance writer and broadcaster, Amanda Ferguson and BBC NI Political correspondent,Gareth Gordon
#LE23 Other [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:04
After looking at the challenges facing both nationalism and unionism in the run up to the local council election, Mark is joined by David McCann, Deputy Editor of Slugger O'Toole, Suzanne Breen, the Belfast Telegraph's P…
#LE23 - Nationalists [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:33
Mark Carruthers profiles the issues within nationalism with Dr David McCann, Jayne McCormack & Brendan Hughes ahead of the local government election.
#LE23 - Unionists [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:36
Mark Caruthers profiles the issues within unionism with Dr David McCann, Sam McBride and Gareth Gordon ahead of the local government election.
Getting the band back together [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:21
World leaders past and present were at Queen's University this week to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. Mark Carruthers is joined by former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern,Tony Blair's former Chief of Staf…
GFA#3 The Dealmakers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:02
There was a lot of heavy-lifting done by a lot of people to make the Good Friday Agreement happen, but some key individuals shouldered more of the burden than others. Mark Carruthers is joined by David Kerr, the former D…
From our own Correspondents [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:55
Recorded in front of a live audience as guests of the Imagine! Belfast Festival, Mark Carruthers is joined by Suzanne Breen, Political Editor of the Belfast Telegraph, Mark Devenport, former Political Editor of BBC NI an…