
Red Lines
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.
Latest episodes

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

May 14, 2025 • 34min
It's Show time
Marks Carruthers speaks to the Agriculture and Environment Minister, the First and deputy First Ministers and other political figures at the Balmoral Show.

Apr 30, 2025 • 40min
The Race for the Áras
Mark Carruthers is joined by Diarmaid Ferriter, Mary Regan and Gavan Reilly to reflect on the outgoing Irish President and who might succeed him.

Apr 16, 2025 • 35min
Trump, Tariffs and Trade deals
Mark chats about Donald Trump's tariffs tactics and what it means for us. With Jodie Carson, Martina Lawless and Will Haworth

Mar 26, 2025 • 38min
Sting Statement
Mark Carruthers assesses the implications of the Spring Statement with John Campbell, Caroline Keenan, Andrew Webb and Enda McClafferty.