The BelTel

A Belfast Telegraph investigation has uncovered some strange actions concerning Ian Paisley Jr's constituency office in Ballymena, including thousands in unpaid bills that led to red letters and threats of court appearances. Who is the mystery owner of the now vacant office, and why were three mortgages taken out on the property? In part two of this special investigation, Sam McBride joins Olivia Peden.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Ian Paisley Jr lost his parliamentary seat last July, it was the end of an era. Once Westminster’s most expensive MP, Paisley Jr had built a political career on the legacy of his famous father – but it wasn’t without scandal. A Belfast Telegraph investigation has uncovered some strange financial dealings around his constituency office, which is now owned by the unnamed representative of a dead man. Authorities also had to repeatedly threaten court action to secure payment of the rates bill for his office in Ballymena. In part 1 of a special investigation, Sam McBride joins Olivia Peden.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Conor McGregor’s appeal against a ruling in a civil rape case has began. In November 2024, Nikita Hand, who accused him of raping her, won her claim against him for damages, with McGregor ordered to pay her more than €248,000 (£206,000). Lawyers for McGregor have dramatically withdrawn a bid to introduce new evidence in his civil rape appeal. The MMA fighter had asked the Court of Appeal to allow in new claims that Nikita Hand was punched and kicked by her then partner just hours after she says she was raped by McGregor in 2018. However, the allegations, made by former neighbours of Ms Hand, were withdrawn as a ground of appeal this morning.Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Shane Phelan, Legal Affairs Editor with the Irish Independent, to unpack a busy opening day in Conor McGregor's civil rape appeal.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Boundary Commission was set up in 1924 following partition. Nationalists had hoped that the Commission would transfer hundreds of thousands to the Irish Free state, even make Northern Ireland unviable. But in the end, nothing was handed over. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by historian Cormac Moore, author of ‘The Root of All Evil: The Irish Boundary Commission’.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Noah Donohoe’s body was found in a north Belfast storm drain on the 27th June 2020. The teenager had left his home in the south of the city to meet up with friends six days earlier. As an inquest, which has faced delays, nears, questions about the tragic and highly unusual death remain. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph’s Andrew Madden to detail the story.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Excitement is mounting across the island as the race to the 2025 All-Ireland final begins. Tyrone will face Dublin and reigning champions Armagh are due to face Kerry in Croke Park this weekend. Will Armagh have what it takes to bring it home for a second year in a row, and could Tyrone’s bad luck finally turn into success? Niamh Campbell is joined by former All-Ireland winner and Armagh All-Star Diarmaid Marsden, and Belfast Telegraph GAA columnist, Lee Costello.    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael D. Higgins has been President of Ireland since November 2011, his presidency must end in November this year – that means an election. But unlike many other countries, not every Irish citizen has a vote. Only those living in the ‘State’ - the Republic of Ireland, can vote. Now a bill is before the Dáil, which if passed would allow northerners to vote in the presidential election, subject to a referendum, How likely is this change? How would it affect the vote? And what would Unionists make of it? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by David McCann and Sam McBride.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite all of the claims he made that he was not be a president of war, Donald Trump has now rolled the dice, striking Iran’s nuclear sites. Above all, it is a massive show of support for Israel and Benjamin Netanyahu. Whilst it might have caused massive damage to Iran's nuclear program, it’s a move that could ignite a regional firestorm, set a worrying precedent in how countries engage in conflict and send oil prices through the roof. Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East Correspondent with The Economist joins Tabitha Monahan to discuss what might come next after a troubling 2 days for international relations.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year sees the 50th anniversary of one of the bloodiest feuds between the Provisional and Official IRA. Described as the worst inter-republican fighting since the Irish Civil War, October and November 1975 saw the Provisional and Official IRA battle it out in Belfast.  It left 11 dead, including a 6-year-old Eileen Kelly, and around 50 wounded, and also left deep scars in Belfast’s nationalist communities.  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by historian Brian Hanley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leeds United and Northern Ireland legend Stuart Dallas joins Keith Bailie and Steven Beacom to reflect on his incredible playing career that took him from Hagan Park in Coagh to Elland Road and the Premier League.The Cookstown man recalls life in the Irish League, working under Argentine manager Marcelo Biesla, the heartbreaking injury that ended his career and why Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was wrong to call his challenge ‘utter madness’.Dallas also reflects on the ninth anniversary of Northern Ireland’s adventure in French. The King of Lyon will be joined on stage at the Ulster Hall next year by teammates Steven Davis, Josh Magennis and Niall McGinn for special commemorative event, ‘Euro 2016: Ten Years On’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.