Kew Files: Who was the senior DUP member who supported violence just weeks before the Good Friday Agreement?

Kew Files: Who was the senior DUP member who supported violence just weeks before the Good Friday Agreement?

Author: Belfast Telegraph September 9, 2026 Duration: 33:03

A senior DUP member set out their explicit support for violence - just weeks before the Good Friday Agreement.  


Files released in the National Archives in Kew have revealed the details of a politician’s comments to a government official - the individual wasn’t named but there were clues to their identity. 


It’s also been revealed that First Minister David Trimble was being paid thousands of pounds more than the deputy first Minister, Seamus Mallon, a year after the agreement – despite the roles being equal.  


Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


For a clear-eyed look at the politics and people shaping Northern Ireland, turn to The BelTel. This podcast moves beyond the headlines, offering context and depth on the stories dominating the conversation. Regular voices include seasoned journalists like Allison Morris, Sam McBride, and Suzanne Breen, who bring their sharp analysis and insider perspectives directly to you. Presented by Ciarán Dunbar, the discussions are timely, informed, and grounded in the region's complex reality. New episodes arrive three times a week, each one serving as an essential briefing that investigates pressing issues, debates differing viewpoints, and informs listeners with nuance. It’s a direct line to the heart of the news from those who know it best. This is a production from the Belfast Telegraph, hosted on Acast.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The BelTel
Podcast Episodes
'Where have all the Prods gone?': 'Exodus' from Londonderry 'ignored' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:08
The Protestant exodus from Londonderry's cityside was ‘largely ignored or denied’ according to a new report.Its authors say they would like to see 'acknowledgement’ and 'acceptance' of the massive population shift and it…
New IRA: Republican terror group active on both sides of the border [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:32
The seizure last week of a bomb containing almost 400g of Semtex plastic explosive has put the New IRA back on to the front pages after a lull in violence.Two people connected to the political group Saoradh have been cha…
West Belfast accountant blames office arson on death driver's friends [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:32
A west Belfast Accountant whose business was destroyed in an arson attack is blaming associates of a convicted death driver. Tim ‘Timo’ Molloy says people close to Martin Olali Jnr, who is awaiting sentencing for mowing…
LucidTalk Polling: DUP's support tanks in Donaldson aftermath [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:12
The DUP's support has slumped disastrously – that's according to the latest Belfast Telegraph / LucidTalk polling. The dramatic fall in backing for the party comes in the wake of former leader Jeffrey Donaldson's convict…