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
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.
Aug 13, 2025 • 41min
The Colum Eastwood Interview
The former SDLP leader chats to Mark Carruthers about his political influences & inspirations.
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.
