Sam McBride on why Ian Paisley Jr lost his seat and if this is truly the end of Paisleyism. And could he head off and work for Farage or even Trump? Host: Ciarán Dunbar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gerry Fitt was once political giant, but he ended up in obscurity, sitting in the House of Lords as a baron.  Once described as ‘Fenian Fitt’ he ended up with more unionist views, derided as ‘Fitt the Brit’. Who really was Gerry Fitt and what is the story behind his political journey?  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Dr Michael A Murphy, author of ‘Gerry Fitt, a Political chameleon’ and by Dr Sarah Campbell, author of Gerry Fitt and the SDLP: 'In a Minority of One'.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suzanne Breen, The Belfast Telegraph’s political editor, analyzes the unexpected election results in Northern Ireland, including Jim Allister's victory over Ian Paisley. They discuss the shifts in voter behavior, strategic decisions of political parties, and the performances of various candidates across different constituencies.

The DUP have suffered a series of defeats in the general election including Ian Paisley's North Antrim seat.Alliance have won Lagan Valley with Sorcha Eastwood but lost North Down and Stephen Farry.In a great night for them, Sinn Féin have held all their seats comfortably.SDLP hold their seats. The UUP's Robin Swan wins South Antrim Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson will return to court in the autumn to formally answer historical sex offence charges. He and his wife Lady Eleanor appeared in Court in Newry on Wednesday morning. The number of charges he faces is now 18 - an increase of seven alleged offences since his last appearance in court. Ciarán Dunbar spoke to Liam Tunney and Allison Morris, who were in court in Newry.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NI will elect 18 new MPs on Thursday. Most of the seats seem easy to predict but the pre-election Belfast Telegraph / LucidTalk poll suggests there will be some really close battles, most involving Alliance.  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Bill White from Lucid Talk, political commentator Alex Kane, and former election manager with the SDLP - Ray Kennedy.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the 3rd of July 1970 the British Army sealed off the lower Falls.  A ‘curfew’ is announced. Troops go in, searching for IRA weapons. But the use of CS gas, houses being wrecked, looted even, turns the population against them. Four people died. The Official IRA decided to fight what they called ‘The Battle of the Falls’.  The army seized weapons but their standing in west Belfast had been completely changed.  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by historian Brian Hanley, and by Belfast Telegraph columnist and author Malachi O’Doherty.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Taylor Swift brings her Eras Tour to Ireland, we look at how her fans have made her a global success and created an army of followers - some of which have become a threatening force.  Host: Ellen Coyne       Guests: John Meagher & Clare Martin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A ‘Walter Mitty’ is someone who lies about, or exaggerates, their military service. Being a so-called ‘Walt’ is technically legal in the UK but vigilante ‘Walt hunter’ groups campaigning for legislation against it. Northern Ireland has its fair share of fantasists including one fake cop who called for back-up. Why do they do it, and are they really doing any harm? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph's Kurtis Reid and Olivia Peden, who also spoke to Professor of Defence mental health at Kings College London, Neil Greenberg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The man once known as the face of Brexit is back. Nigel Farage claims that after the election, his party Reform UK will be the head of opposition in parliament. He has stood for parliament 7 unsuccessful times, been member of three different parties, and had three near-death experiences along the way. How did Nigel Farage get here, can he win this time, and what does he think about Northern Ireland? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Journalist and author of ‘One party after another – the disruptive life of Nigel Farage’ Michael Crick.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.