The BelTel

In centuries past, the word 'conclave' meant Catholic cardinals were literally locked away until a new pope had been elected. Today, it's the world that's locked out, as people await the unmistakable white smoke. In this episode, we lift the veil on the politics, power and prayers involved in electing a new pope. Why are phones confiscated? Who really pulls the strings? And who is the cardinal who has been banned from Conclave? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did supposed peacemaker David Ervine threaten to “bomb the **** out of Dublin”, why did the British Government allow the UDA to be a legal organisation for so long, and what does Gerry Kelly think of claims that he was put in charge of restructuring the IRA? The Belfast Telegraph’s Sam McBride found the answer to those questions in secret files at the Kew Archives in London; He joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Co Down man charged with raping and falsely imprisoning a woman has been on the run for almost two years after refusing to attend his trial, claiming to be a freeman of the land. It’s “false philosophy that is all too frequently before the court,” is the view of Newry judge Eamonn King about the so-called ‘freeman’ defence.  What is this all about? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph crime correspondent, Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kurtis Reid, a Belfast Telegraph reporter, brings insight into the whirlwind surrounding Northern Irish rap group Kneecap, who face a political storm over their pro-Palestinian stance. He discusses the calls for their ban from prominent politicians like Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and the ongoing investigation by anti-terror police. The tension between artistic expression and political backlash is palpable, as Reid explores how the band's controversial lyrics and performances have sparked intense public debate about free speech in today's society.

The Northern Ireland under-secretary of state Fleur Anderson has said publicly that opinion polls will determine if and when a referendum on Irish unity is called. It’s never been exactly clear what would trigger a poll on a united Ireland – so has she overstepped the mark, made a mistake or actually let the cat out of the bag. And who are this middle-ground who have the magic votes? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Professor Jon Tonge from the University of Liverpool and political commentator Ursula Savage.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brian Stack was the chief officer in the maximum security Port Laoise prison, which housed IRA members. In March 1983, he was gunned down by the IRA in Dublin after attending a boxing match – he succumbed to his wombs 18 months later. Austin Stack has long fought for the truth and for justice for his father, meeting with Sinn Féin and IRA officials, including Gerry Adams, to try and get to the bottom of the killing. He joined Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Sallins train robbery was one of the most daring and lucrative heists in the history of the Irish State. And for Osgur Breatnach, a journalist and activist, it was the beginning of an ordeal that haunts him to this day. He was arrested that morning in 1976, as one of six accused of carrying out the robbery. One week before Christmas of the same year, he and his co-accused were brought into the Special Criminal Court and charged with the crime. It would become one of the most dramatic and longest-running criminal trials in the history of the State. In the final episode of this two-part documentary special, Kevin Doyle revisits the Sallins Train Robbery, speaking to Osgur Breathnach about the trial of the ‘sleeping Judge’, living with PTSD, and why he feels a public inquiry is justified for he and his co-accused.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the night of March 30th, 1976, a gang of armed men held a family hostage in rural County Kildare and derailed a mail train carrying the equivalent of over €1 million in cash and valuables. It was one of the most audacious robberies in the history of the Irish state—but today, it is remembered for very different reasons. What followed was one of the longest and most controversial trials in the history of the Irish state—one that would see IRSP menber Osgur Breathnach’s conviction overturned, but not before spending 17 months in Portlaoise prison. The IRA would later claim responsibility for the Sallins robbery, and nearly five decades on, Osgur is still seeking justice for his treatment in the Bridewell Garda station and wrongful conviction. Host; Kevin Doyle. Guest; Osgur Breathnach  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin says that he is “not planning” for a 2030 border poll. He’s currently promoting his Shared Island Initiative – which some unionists fear is a trojan horse for Irish unity but others are comfortable with. Republicans have always been distrustful of the Fianna Fáil leader. Sam McBride recently sat down with the Taoiseach, producing an interview that has sparked debate, satisfaction, and anger - has Micheal Martin really ruled out unity?He joins Ciarán Dunbar to interpret what the Taoiseach thinks of a united Ireland.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Belfast pensioner Oliver MacCormack has been handed a seven-year sentence for exploiting vulnerable young women by plying them with heroin and forcing them to work as prostitutes. Three other men have already been sentenced as part of the same investigation, the oldest of which being 79. Some question whether the sentences handed out to the gang was stiff enough. Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.