Red Lines
BBC Radio Ulster
The back-stop’s here? Bad puns with top political coverage from Northern Ireland. Red Lines brings you essential analysis and commentary by BBC NI’s politics team.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 6, 2025 • 48min
The Sorcha Eastwood Interview
Mark Carruthers talks to Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood about her political life.
Jul 30, 2025 • 43min
The Pat Cullen Interview
The Sinn Féin MP chats about growing up during the Troubles, leading a nurses strike, and entering politics.
Jul 23, 2025 • 39min
The Angela Smith Interview
Mark Carruthers discusses her political journey with Baroness Smith of Basildon.
Jul 16, 2025 • 41min
The Julian Smith Interview
Mark Carruthers speaks to former NI Secretary of State, Sir Julian Smith, about his political life and influences.
Jul 9, 2025 • 41min
The George Mitchell Interview
Mark Carruthers sits down with Senator George Mitchell at Queen's University to discuss his career and crucial role in helping bring peace to Northern Ireland.
Jul 2, 2025 • 41min
The Doug Beattie Interview
Mark Carruthers speaks to former UUP Leader Doug Beattie about his political life.
Jun 25, 2025 • 40min
Stormont's Report Card - Who made the grade?
Mark chats to Suzanne Breen, Deirdre Heenan, David McCann & Tim Cairns about the past 12 months in local politics.
Jun 19, 2025 • 29min
Leo Varadkar - Unity's poster boy or unionist bogeyman?
Mark Carruthers discusses Irish unity with Leo Varadkar and how the former Taoiseach hopes to plan, persuade and pay for it.
Jun 11, 2025 • 34min
Casement spark?
Mark Carruthers discusses the government's Spending Review and Casement Park with John Campbell, Andrew Webb, Jodie Carson and Stephen McGeehan from the GAA.
May 28, 2025 • 37min
Jailhouse Unlocked
Mark Carruthers visits the courthouse & jail on Belfast's Crumlin road. He talks about their contrasting fortunes with Michael Liggett, John Kelly, Johann Muldoon & Rita Harkin
