🆕 EPISODE of Stormont Sources STREAMING NOW on podcast apps and YouTube. "UUP Leader Jon Burrows on Unionist Unity, DUP Talks & Reforming Stormont" Watch here: piped.video/watch?v=mzZtce4V… Listen on Podcast Apps: stormontsources.com/listen @dmcbfs | @timcairns

“Something is holding us back.” What does Jon Burrows think needs to change in Northern Ireland? This week, the UUP leader sets out his vision for the next stage of Northern Ireland’s journey from the economy and growing sectors to housing, infrastructure and the “brain drain” of young people. “We’ve got our peace. We’ve got record levels of peace actually.” “I just think something is holding us back. It’s our politics.” #StormontSources #NorthernIreland #UUP #JonBurrows @dmcbfs | @timcairns

🆕 EPISODE of Stormont Sources STREAMING NOW on podcast apps and YouTube. "UUP Leader Jon Burrows on Unionist Unity, DUP Talks & Reforming Stormont" Watch here: piped.video/watch?v=mzZtce4V… Listen on Podcast Apps: stormontsources.com/listen @dmcbfs | @timcairns

What exactly is Gordon Lyons’ biggest achievement in government? On this week’s Stormont Sources, the team discuss the DUP’s record in government, the party’s delivery in key departments and what its ministers have to show for their time in office. Michael questions Gordon Lyons’ focus on benefit fraud: “It’s really hard for the DUP even to point to a lot of delivery in government.” “Why does he bang on about benefit fraud?” #StormontSources #NorthernIreland #Stormont @dmcbfs | @timcairns

🆕 EPISODE of Stormont Sources STREAMING NOW on podcast apps and YouTube. "Can the SDLP Win Back Voters From Sinn Féin?| Live from the SDLP conference" Watch here: piped.video/watch?v=8TcWlB7K… Listen on Podcast Apps: stormontsources.com/listen @dmcbfs | @timcairns

What comes first constitutional change or making Northern Ireland work for people now? “We need to make the two work at the same time.” The focus is on housing, healthcare and public services, alongside the discussion around a New Ireland. “We want this one to deliver for the people that are here now.” @dmcbfs | @timcairns #NorthernIreland #SDLP #SDLPConference #Stormont

Is Northern Ireland too Belfast-centric when it comes to investment? The discussion looks at the challenge of attracting businesses and inward investment to towns and cities outside Belfast — and what the Executive could do differently. “We have talented workforces everywhere.” The question is how to make other parts of Northern Ireland an equally attractive proposition for investment. @dmcbfs | @timcairns #NorthernIreland #SDLP #SDLPConference

“For the first time in a long time, I’m actually quite excited at the prospects of the SDLP.” At the SDLP Conference, the discussion turns to the party’s current leadership and whether it could mark a new chapter for the party in Northern Ireland politics. “I see nearly the new trio to make the weather in Northern Ireland politics.” #NorthernIreland #SDLP #SDLPConference @dmcbfs | @timcairns

This week at the SDLP conference we discussed the common ground between unionism and nationalism including the need for Stormont’s institutions to work effectively. “We all agree this place needs to work. And we need to make it work.” The argument is that, regardless of Northern Ireland’s constitutional future, there is shared ground on the need for functioning institutions and a political system that works for people. “There is more that we actually agree on between unionism and nationalism than what we actually think there is.” #NorthernIreland #SDLP #SDLPConference @dmcbfs | @timcairns

“There is more that actually we agree on.” At the SDLP Conference, the discussion turns to what brings people together in Northern Ireland rather than the constant focus on division between parties and the constitutional question. “We’re so fixated on a fight today.” The conversation also looks at the SDLP’s vision of a New Ireland, with reconciliation, anti-sectarianism and social democracy at its core. #NorthernIreland #SDLP #SDLPConference @dmcbfs | @timcairns

“People feel really disempowered… They just feel like it’s a spectacle.” This week, Stormont Sources were live at the SDLP Conference, where the focus is on voter frustration with Northern Ireland politics and the feeling that the system is “broken”. “Vote for us and together we’ll build something.” #NorthernIreland #NorthernIrelandPolitics #SDLP @dmcbfs | @timcairns

“What’s the big success that Sinn Féin have delivered?” The latest Stormont Sources looks at Sinn Féin’s record in government and what the party can point to ahead of the next election. The panel also discusses the return of Stormont, ministerial clashes, Gordon Lyons and the arts protests, housing, new legislation and the ongoing budget crisis. With election season now approaching, what has actually been delivered? #StormontSources #NorthernIrelandPolitics #SinnFéin @dmcbfs | @timcairns

“You’ve got these expensive assets sitting idle because the people aren’t there to make the best use of them.” Michael McKernan questions why Northern Ireland’s hospitals aren’t making better use of their facilities at weekends. He argues that operating theatres and scanners could be running “at full tilt” seven days a week, with staff staggered across the week to make better use of existing resources. #StormontSources #NorthernIreland #HealthService @dmcbfs | @timcairns

The first ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will meet in Cardiff later to discuss "working more closely" including on constitutional issues. For the first time since devolution began, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all have first ministers who want to leave the United Kingdom. The devolved leaders will meet the prime minister next month. To join us inside politics, subscribe to the @HolyroodSources, @StormontSources, @seneddsources and @whitehallsource podcasts.

“I actually thought Gordon handled that really, really, really well.” The arts sector has been protesting outside Stormont over what David McCann describes as “shameful levels of underfunding.” David says the minister was “defensive of his position, but he wasn’t combative”, while Tim believes Lyons has “grown into the role” and genuinely wants to engage. But Tim also takes aim at the wider Executive, saying it is “comedic” to see MLAs from parties in government protesting against their own ministers. #StormontSources #NorthernIrelandPolitics #Artsfunding @dmcbfs | @timcairns

Fourth highest carbon emissions per square kilometre on Earth. In Torfaen. The wildfire stats from this summer are genuinely staggering. #Wales #Torfaen #Wildfires #ClimateChange @ProducerOllie | @MsJoKiernan

Stormont is back and the election is already shaping the debate. On this week's episode the team discuss how the first week back shows what we can expect in the run-up to the election, with political clashes becoming “punch and Judy politics” and moments in the chamber being “clipped for social media.” Tim states how politicians will be looking for their “best bits for an election”, while a “raft” of legislation and Private Members’ Bills is also set to come through Stormont. With party conference season now beginning, is the Assembly already moving into election mode? #StormontSources #Stormont #NorthernIreland @dmcbfs | @timcairns

🆕 EPISODE of Stormont Sources STREAMING NOW on podcast apps and YouTube. "Budget Crisis, Housing & Election Politics" Watch here: piped.video/watch?v=SdWE72N-… Listen on Podcast Apps: stormontsources.com/listen @dmcbfs | @timcairns