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
Dec 17, 2025 • 51min
The Review of 2025
Mark is joined by Gareth Gordon, Suzanne Breen, Tim Cairns & Tim McGarry to look back on the political events of 2025.
Dec 10, 2025 • 37min
Stormont: A bicker a day?
Mark chats to Jayne McCormack, David Sterling & Jodie Carson about Stormont's plan for a multi-year budget. What are relations like in the Executive and within the parties?
Nov 26, 2025 • 42min
The One Where Rachel Increased Tax on Lattes.
Mark and guests digest the Chancellor's budget and the implications for Northern Ireland.
With Secretary of State Hilary Benn, Prof Jodie Carson, Caroline Keenan & Andrew Webb.
Nov 12, 2025 • 38min
Stormont 2.0
Mark Carruthers asks Dr Sean Haughey, Professor Duncan Morrow, Chris Donnelly and Tim Cairns if Stormont must reform to survive.
Oct 29, 2025 • 42min
Yellow plateau?
Mark Carruthers discusses the state of the Alliance Party with David Ford, Jayne McCormack, David McCann and Jon Tonge.
Oct 14, 2025 • 40min
Fintan versus Sam: The united Ireland debate.
Mark Carruthers speaks to Fintan O'Toole and Sam McBride about their new book debating for and against a united Ireland.
Oct 1, 2025 • 37min
Labour intensive
Mark Carruthers assesses the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool with Nick Watt, Jon Tonge, Tina McKenzie, Tom Kelly and Enda McClafferty.
Sep 17, 2025 • 37min
IMF fear for Keir
Mark Carruthers discusses the Prime Minister's woes and asks if the IMF could be called in with Enda McClafferty, Andrew Webb, Anna Gross and John Rentoul.
Aug 27, 2025 • 39min
The Lord Alderdice Interview
The former Alliance leader speaks to Mark Carruthers about his political influences.
Aug 20, 2025 • 41min
The Hilary Benn Interview
Mark Carruthers asks NI Secretary of State Hilary Benn about his political life.
