The BelTel

Belfast Telegraph
The BelTel brings you some of Northern Ireland's top journalists, Allison Morris, Sam McBride and Suzanne Breen to name but a few, giving you the inside stories behind what is in the news. Presented by Ciarán Dunbar, the Bel Tel investigates, debates and informs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The BelTel - Introduction
Trailer35 sec

All Episodes

31-year-old Whitney Hughes has been handed a 4-year sentence for drug offences. The so called ‘Cocaine Queen’ of Newry took over her father, Mark ‘The Chicken’ Lovell’s crime gang after he was gunned down in December 2022. Hughes admitted seven drug offences relating to possessing and supplying cocaine, MDMA and steroids, two counts of trading in counterfeit goods and one of possessing criminal property. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Brett Campbell.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 18

13 min 53 sec

A 38-year-old man has been arrested last night as violence continued in south Belfast. The past two nights have seen disorder in the village area. On Monday over 30 petrol and paint bombs were thrown at police, with footage captured by Belfast Telegraph showing a firework being thrown at a police Land Rover and a masked man encouraging a child to partake in the violence. Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast Telegraph Visuals editor Kevin Scott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 17

11 min 19 sec

The so-called ‘Border Fox’, Dessie O’Hare, has been released from prison.  He is best known for kidnapping a dentist and chopping his fingers off. Originally an IRA man, O’Hare was one of the most notorious gunmen of the Troubles, confessing to being the triggerman in at least 26 murders.  Guest: Allison Morris Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 16

20 min 13 sec

Former priest Denis Bradley played a key role in the peace process as part of the ‘back-channel’ between the IRA and the British. His decision to become vice-chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board in 2001 drew the anger – and violence of dissident republicans.  He gives Ciarán Dunbar his assessment of how to deal with dissident republicans today – he says the Irish government must talk to them.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 14

29 min 13 sec

In August 1980, a pastor, his wife and their three children went on a camping holiday that would change their lives forever and become one of the biggest stories in the world. “A dingo’s got my baby” were the words that divided Australia as Lynn Chamberlain was accused of a shocking crime.Host: Kevin Doyle                            Guest: Malcolm Brown Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 13

25 min 30 sec

The petrol bomb attack happened at the height of bitter disputes over parading Even by the standards of the Troubles the murder of the Quinn brothers on the 12th of July 1998, it shocked NI. The contentious parades issue which had caused deep tensions was changed overnight, albeit never solved, as society saw the issue with a fresh perspective. The horrific deaths of three children forced a rethink on all sides. Liam Tunney joins Ciarán Dunbar to tell the story of the tragedy, and its continuing impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 11

24 min 3 sec

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.

Jul 9

29 min 4 sec

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.

Jul 7

39 min 15 sec

A quiet general election campaign turned into an incredible results night resulting in seismic changes. The Belfast Telegraph’s political editor Suzanne Breen gives her assessment of the General Election results in Northern Ireland. Host: Ciarán Dunbar   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 5

19 min 39 sec

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.

Jul 5

14 min 40 sec

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.

Jul 3

17 min 42 sec

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.

Jul 2

37 min 18 sec