BBC Radio Podcasts from Red Lines
The Stormont Insider - Money for nothing
Mark Carruthers and a host of MLAs discuss the huge economic issues facing the Executive.
Pact to the future
Mark Carruthers and guests look forward to the General Election.
Casement snark
A new Assembly but familiar tensions are already beginning to surface.
Back to School
Mark is joined by Gareth Gordon & a few MLAs as Stormont gets back up and running.
Red Lines: The Michelle O'Neill interview
Mark Carruthers chats to Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill about her political influences.
Is anyone in charge?
Who is actually running Northern Ireland?
The Long and the Short of 2023
Mark Carruthers and guests look back on another eventful political year.
Red, White and New
We have a go at reallocating unionist politicians into two new notional parties.
Sinn Féin: Will their day come in 2024?
Ahead of the party's ard fheis, the panel discuss what's next for Sinn Féin?
Has Sir Jeffrey played a blinder?
Ahead of the party's conference, just what is happening inside the DUP?
Blue Lights
Former PSNI Chief Constable Sir George Hamilton speaks exclusively to Mark Carruthers.
Red Lines: The Eamonn McCann Interview
Mark Carruthers talks to Eamonn McCann about his influences & inspirations.
Red Lines: the Ciarán Hinds Interview
Mark Carruthers talks to actor Ciarán Hinds about his influences & inspirations.
Red Lines: The Kate Hoey Interview
Mark Carruthers talks to Baroness Hoey about her influences & inspirations.
Red Lines: The Joe Brolly Interview
Mark Carruthers talks to Joe Brolly about his influences & inspirations.
Season Finale - What next?
Predicting the political future - with bonus Taylor Swift material.
The Troubles: Disputed narratives.
Mark and guests chat about how museums tell the stories of The Troubles.
Self Defence
Mark Carruthers and guests look at the debate around Irish neutrality
Stuffed or stuck? What next for the SNP & Scottish independence?
Mark and guests assess the political landscape in Scotland.
United Ireland: For richer or poorer?
Assessing the state of the economies in Northern Ireland & the Republic.
Trading the Union
"Is Unionism writing its own obituary?"
Three Derry Corner
What lies ahead for those elected to Derry City and Strabane District Council?
Red Lines: Redrawing the electoral map?
What impact could the local election results have on the battle for Westminster seats?
'Vote till you boke'
On the eve of polling in the local election will voters turn out or will apathy set in?
#LE23 Other
Mark Carruthers & guests profile the 'other' or unaligned parties facing the electorate.
#LE23 - Nationalists
Ahead of the local council election we look at the battle within nationalism
#LE23 - Unionists
Ahead of the local council election we look at the battle within unionism.
Getting the band back together
Mark Carruthers catches up with some of the main speakers at QUB's conference on the GFA
The President is coming to town.
Mark and guests chat about US presidential visits to Northern Ireland
GFA#3 The Dealmakers
Mark Carruthers is joined by David Kerr, Conall McDevitt, Kate Fearon & Mark Simpson
From our own Correspondents
The challenges of political journalism
Playing the part
New production Agreement at the Lyric Theatre reflects on the personalities of 1998.
Taking on the trolls
What can be done to stop the abuse of women on social media?
Unravelling the Windsor knot
"If he can, he will sell this deal."
GFA#2 Women of the hour
How did the women involved in the Good Friday Agreement negotiations help shape the deal?
D(UP)-Day
What are the big decisions facing the DUP & Sir Jeffrey Donaldson?
Reading the Right
Mark & guests discuss the recent anti-migrant protests in the Republic.
Coiled springs?
"Running to the shop in my pyjamas and someone stopped me to talk about the Protocol."
GFA25: Ep 1 - The Fourth Estate
"Rock hard scones, cold coffee and landline phones."
Caution;Tunnel Ahead
Talk of deal on the NI Protocol - but how do you get it over the line?
Protocol, pounds and patients
What can we expect in 2023?
Review of the Year
Three Prime Ministers, two Monarchs and one NI Protocol.
Leo V 2.0
Leo Varadkar returns as Taoiseach this weekend. Where might Micheál Martin go?
Let's Stick Together
What is Together UK and what is it hoping to achieve?
Malcolm in the Middle
The former head of the Civil Service assesses just who is running Northern Ireland.
The Seven Year Itch
As the SDLP leader reaches a milestone we ask what the future holds for the party.
The Brady Bunch
With no Stormont Ministers, is the head of the Civil Service Jayne Brady now running NI?
University challenges
Building Belfast better.
Premature election
"Who's in charge?"
North Poll at Christmas?
"So far up the pole he can't see a way down."
Brought to book
Three authors discuss the constitutional question.
Mission Impossible?
Can Washington's Derek Chollet help sort out the Stormont stalemate?
Tory story
"Doing enough is probably not enough."
In Liz we Truss?
New challenges for a new party leader and a mini budget with a lot consequences
New beginnings?
A new Prime Minister, a new Secretary of State and a new Monarch - but what's changed?
Red Lines: The Claire Sugden Interview
Mark Carruthers chats to ex-minister Claire Sugden about her influences & inspirations
Red Lines: The Bernadette McAliskey Interview
Mark Carruthers chats to Bernadette McAliskey about her influences & inspirations
Red Lines: The Conor Burns Interview
Mark Carruthers chats to NIO Minister Conor Burns about his influences & inspirations
Red Lines: The Michelle O'Neill interview
Mark Carruthers chats to Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill about her influences & inspirations.
What about us?
Mark & guests discuss the PM's resignation and what it means for Northern Ireland?
The bonus episode: Leo Varadkar
The big interview with the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar in full.
What a difference a year makes
Mark Carruthers and panel reflect on the year in politics from the Duncairn centre
Constitutional conundrum
Six years on from the Brexit referendum - how secure is the Union?
Peter Weir: My political autopsy
The former education minister chats to Mark about losing his Stormont seat & what's next.
Is it bye bye Boris?
"A premiership in peril."
Kelly's Goodbye
Former SDLP deputy leader Dolores Kelly chats to Mark about losing her Upper Bann seat.
Mervyn's story
3 weeks after losing his seat in North Antrim, Mervyn Storey speaks to Mark Carruthers
Hybridity working?
Boris Johnson says NI has always been a place in its own right - Mark & guests discuss
Election reflection
"Welcome to the three party state."
The last lap
"Who's been sitting in my chair?"
Breaking the boundaries: North, South, East and West Belfast
Mark Carruthers and guests assess the four Belfast constituencies ahead of the election.
Breaking the boundaries: Foyle and East Londonderry
Mark Carruthers and guests assess two constituencies ahead of the Assembly election.
Breaking the boundaries:North Down, South Down and Strangford
Mark Carruthers and guests assess three constituencies ahead of the Assembly election.
Breaking the boundaries: North Antrim, East Antrim, and South Antrim
Mark Carruthers and guests assess three constituencies ahead of the Assembly election.
Breaking the boundaries: Fermanagh & South Tyrone, Mid Ulster, and West Tyrone
Mark Carruthers and guests assess three constituencies ahead of the Assembly election.
Breaking the boundaries: Lagan Valley, Upper Bann and Newry & Armagh
Mark Carruthers and guests assess three constituencies ahead of the Assembly election.
And they're off...
The big 2022 Assembly Election preview.
A devolution revolution?
"The chickens of St Andrews are coming home to roost."
What state is political nationalism in?
Weeks away from the Assembly election, what state is political nationalism in?
The troubles with Belfast
A feel-good memoir of a challenging time? What are the politics of Belfast - the film?
It's the way you tell'em...
How does the government get its message across during a political crisis?
The art of politics and the politics of art
Can art catalyse political change?
What's another year?
What's changed since the last election? Rev Steve Stockman and Fr Martin Magill reflect
Sinn reign?
Will Sinn Féin form the next government in the Republic?
2022 vision
Covid, cash and campaigning.
100 not out
In a special 100th edition Red Lines reviews 2021
Paperback Writers
Susan McKay, Henry McDonald & David Torrans pick their local literary highlights of 2021
Reporting the Republic
Which southern stories cut through in the northern news cycle - and why?
Hidden history
Discussing the United Irishmen of 1798 and how they shaped Belfast.
Poll Positions
How might the latest polls might translate on election day?
Anglo-Irish disagreements
"I think I'd say get stuffed."
State of the Union
Andrea Catherwood and Allan Little chat constitutional change in Scotland and NI
Riot Grrrls
Change makers, influencers and activists who have made their mark in NI
Time to catch our breath
It's time to pause, review the past few weeks & look ahead to what's coming up.
Political fact and fiction
Politics here through the lens of two authors
It's Complicated!
Why is reporting the Northern Ireland story still so difficult ?
Conference calling
"The protocol is a sore which will not go away."
Pact Hunch
Mark & guests discuss Northern Ireland's electoral pacts of the past and present.
Northern Writes
Mark & guests review how the Dublin media report on stories from & about Northern Ireland
Writ and Wrong
Debating changes to media law in Northern Ireland
Here we go again...
Stormont stasis on health service reform and politicking over the Protocol
The rise & fall of Edwin Poots
Mark & guests discuss the leadership of Edwin Poots & the challenges facing his successor
Sinn Féin's gambit?
Assessing Sinn Féin's next move. Are we facing a snap election?
How to make capital on the Hill
"It's a contact sport over here."
I'm a Politician... Get Me Out of Here!
What will Arlene Foster do next? Mark and guests discuss the former DUP leader's options
Poll Position
If the latest poll is right - the political landscape here is in for quite a shake-up.
Unpicking the Poots Putsch
What will a Poots-led DUP look like - and how will we measure success or not?
Ruffling feathers in Foyle
Mark & guests discuss Sinn Féin's problems in the Foyle constituency.
A reformation for Protestants?
"When Unionism is challenged it looks for the Lundy."
Over & Oust
Mark Devenport & Ken Reid join Mark to assess Arlene Foster's leadership of the DUP.
Bengoa Calling
Can you ever take the politics out of health?
Royals, republicans and rancour
Could coming together to pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh reset the mood at Stormont?
Funeral fallout
"We're in some political version of WWE Royal Rumble - you're not sure where to look."
Uniting Ireland? Views from the Republic.
Assessing the debate around a united Ireland & a border poll - from the Republic.
Céad Míle Zooms
Enda Kenny & Sir Christopher Meyer reminisce about US St Patrick's Day celebrations.
The Impartial Reporter
Bias, balance and big media.
Making a drama out of a crisis
What makes a good Troubles drama?
Lifting lockdown
Rating different roadmaps to recovery
Red herrings & Swiss cheese
Time to catch our political breath...?
'United Kingdom, disunited message'
Does four still go into one?
EU-turn if you want to.
Mark & guests discuss the fallout from the EU's decision to trigger Article 16
Brake for the border...
How has the relationship between Stormont & Dublin impacted on the battle with covid19?
Make America relate again
How to top Trump's Presidency?
Zooming into Stormont
How has the first year in the Assembly been for three of the newest MLAs?
Union flak?
Has the DUP fired the starting gun on its 2022 election campaign?
Covid-19 in 2020
"As many twists and turns as Bill Bailey on Strictly."
Talks, deals and a 'forty foot barge pole'
"I feel I don't have another one in me."
Legacy troubles
"I think we are at a tipping point."
Centenary Sensitivities
"Do you mark the centenary or celebrate it?"
Mandatory collision
"It just doesn't work."
The Biden Identity
Will Joe Biden's Irish heritage influence his Presidency?
Union flagging?
Could coronavirus kill the Union?
Polls: Leaders, parties & the border
Mark Carruthers chats to Suzanne Breen, Chris Donnelly and Newton Emerson.
Devenport departs
"He's no W.D. Flackes"
Briefing Encounters 2 - Judgement Day
Polly Toynbee, John Sergeant & Alex Massie assess 6 months of Boris Johnson's leadership
America votes on Mass
Mark speaks to Shane Greer, Fintan O'Toole and Marion McKeone about the American election
Will Irish see border?
"It's crunchy enough."
Presidential reflection
Former Irish President, Mary McAleese speaks to Mark Carruthers
Sexism in 2020
"Ignorance, arrogance and cowardice."
Britannia waives the rules?
Mark is joined by columnists Mary Kenny, Fintan O'Toole & BBC's John Campbell.
The Lord Chief Justice Interview
Mark speaks to Sir Declan Morgan, NI's Lord Chief Justice
Julian Smith : Politics, persuasion & pints.
Mark chats to the former NI Secretary Julian Smith
The Micheál Martin interview
A chance to listen to the full extended version of Mark's interview with the Taoiseach
Stormont in a tea cup?
"The story was never going to be over."
Micheál matters?
The Good Friday Agreement is his "guiding star".
Independence Days
'It is an abuse to try and apply our standards to previous generations.'
'Cute Hoors' & Blueshirts.
The end of Civil War politics in the Republic of Ireland?
O'Leary, Newton, John
Mark and guests discuss Brexit, Barnier & a return of Crazy Prices.
Yes Ministers
"If she has time to listen to Red Lines she's doing something wrong."
Could Covid kill the Union?
Mark & guests discuss covid19, the Union & the fallout over Dominic Cummings.
Top Trumps
Mark speaks to Mick Mulvaney, President Trump's Special Envoy to NI & ex-Chief of Staff
Getting your steps up
"You do feel the weight of responsibility."
How the dealin's done
Being diplomatic in a pandemic
Briefing encounters
How does a government communicate with the public in a crisis?
Crisis Critique
Mark & his guests discuss how politicians are reacting to the coronavirus pandemic.
Frontline reporting from the back garden
Reporting restrictions - how society and journalism deals with a pandemic.
Lock-in vs Lockdown
"People always smile at you."
Asking the right questions?
Discussing the interactions between media & politicians during the coronavirus outbreak
RHI: Every single jot and tittle
Mark is joined by Conor Macauley, Mary Kelly & Stephen Grimason to examine the RHI report
Capitol Gains
Mark, Gareth, Enda & Mary chat St Patrick's Day trips to the USA.
Equality Street
'Maggie Thatcher made me unemployed when I was seven.'
Trading trouble
"Who came up with this crackpot idea?'
On SPAD-batical
Mark, Gareth & Jayne are joined by Julian Smith's former special adviser.
Dáilsplaining
Reporting the Republic
Dearg Lines
With the big election TV debate upon us Red Lines hits the pub in Dublin.
Brexitpast
Fish, vacuum cleaners and the Hairy Canary.
Calling a SPAD a SPAD
'Who are all these people?'
Stormont returns (with added SOSNI)
'Is this thing still going?'
A holding pattern in high heels
Stormont talks and Waiting for Godot
Clear and presenter danger
General Election 2019: 'I got shorter as the night went on.'
Paper candidates
When Sam got a better offer.
Alliance & Westminster: Alliance election profile
Red Lines looks at the Alliance Party ahead of the general election.
Dups and downs: DUP election profile
Red Lines looks at the DUP ahead of the general election.
Shinner thoughts: Sinn Féin election profile
Red Lines looks at Sinn Féin ahead of the general election.
Shrinking Down or Larger Party? SDLP election profile
Red Lines looks at the SDLP ahead of the general election.
Politics un-pact: UUP election profile
Red Lines looks at the Ulster Unionist Party ahead of the general election.
Will Boris trade the Union?
"Ruth-less Tories" in Scotland and the "political editor without an Assembly".
Newton lays down the law
MLA's return to Stormont after almost 1,000 days
When the dealin's done?
John shouts at Angela Merkel
The writers' room
RHI and other scandals
Tweets, trolls and tots
The double-edged sword of social media
No vox popery here...
The back-stop’s here? Bad puns with top political coverage from BBC Northern Ireland.
Joris Bohnson vs the Supreme Court
The Champions League final for constitutional lawyers
Finn McCool, the capybara & a tub of lard
The back-stop’s here? Bad puns with top political coverage from BBC Northern Ireland.
Apologies in advance...
Barnier, bigfooting and, as ever, the backstop.