Shows / The BelTel
The BelTel
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.
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Episodes
The BelTelJuly Bonfires: A sectarian safety risk, or a harmless tradition?
The Twelfth of July is a day of joy, pride, and nostalgia for Unionists and Loyalists in Northern Ireland. The night before, bonfires will be lit across the…
The BelTelBelTel Sport: Stephen O’Neill reflects on iconic Tyrone/Kerry rivalry ahead of semifinal showdown
We’re now in the melting pot of the GAA season, and two Ulster counties remain in the All-Ireland semifinals. Tyrone, who have a shot at a treble success after…
The BelTelWhat disbandment would mean for the UVF | Allison Morris explains
Senior loyalists and Key members of the Northern Ireland office have dismissed allegations that The UVF are on the verge of disbanding. One reported condition…
The BelTelNAMA Trial concludes: What’s next for Jamie Bryson and Daithí Mckay?
Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson, former Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay and former Sinn Féin election candidate and party worker Thomas O’Hara have been acquitted of…
The BelTelSam McBride: The mystery of Ian Paisley Jr’s office – three mortgages, a dead man’s name and a mystery owner (Part 2)
A Belfast Telegraph investigation has uncovered some strange actions concerning Ian Paisley Jr's constituency office in Ballymena, including thousands in…
The BelTelSam McBride: The mystery of Ian Paisley Jr’s office – unpaid rates, red letters and court action (Part 1)
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…
The BelTelConor McGregor’s civil rape appeal begins: Claim Nikita Hand was assaulted by ex-partner dramatically dropped
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…
The BelTelCormac Moore: The Boundary Commission and why it didn’t change Northern Ireland’s border
The Boundary Commission was set up in 1924 following partition. Nationalists had hoped that the Commission would transfer hundreds of thousands to the Irish…
The BelTelNoah Donohoe: Key questions remain as inquest into teenager’s death nears
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…
The BelTelEXTRA: The race to 2025 All-Ireland GAA Final begins - Do Armagh and Tyrone have what it takes?
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…
The BelTelWill northerners get a vote in Ireland’s presidential election? | Sam McBride and David McCann discuss
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…
The BelTelEXTRA: Trump bombs Iran, backs Israel, and takes a massive gamble
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…
The BelTelThe 1975 IRA Provo-Stickie feud which left 11 dead and scarred Belfast
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…
The BelTelBeltel Sport: Stuart Dallas- “The togetherness at Euro 2016 was something special”
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…
The BelTel‘Tattle Life’ exposed: The NI couple who took the infamous gossip site on in court and won
‘Tattle Life’ is a website where gossip runs wild, reputations are trashed and anonymity is king, where influencers and content creators often found themselves…
The BelTelChaos in London as Kneecap’s Mo Chara appears in court over terror charge
It was pandemonium in London on Wednesday morning as Kneecap’s Mo Chara appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court. Hundreds turned out to support the rapper…
The BelTelA week on from Ballymena riots, the post mortem begins
A week from the riots in Ballymena, the dust is beginning to settle. The violence has been universally condemned, but is it enough to condemn the rioters…
The BelTelNoraid: The IRA and Sinn Féin’s American wing, Martin Galvin, and where the money went
It was the Irish American organisation whose aim was a united ireland – and whose method was lobbying politicians in Washington – and above all, fundraising…
The BelTelBallymena race riots continue: Larne Leisure centre attacked and PSNI threatened with hatchet
Larne leisure centre has been extensively damaged after being attacked by youths. Onlookers cheered and laughed while attacking the building after it was used…
The BelTelPSNI officers injured and houses destroyed in Ballymena race riots
Houses were destroyed and 15 officers were injured during serious disorder in Ballymena on Monday night. Large crowds had attended an earlier anti-immigration…
The BelTelIris Robinson and the affair scandal which shocked Northern Ireland
In the early 2000s, Peter and Iris Robinson were seen as Northern Ireland’s political power couple. Iris, known for her strong Christian values, secretly had…
The BelTelHow Richard Satchwell almost got away with murder: "He told lies, upon lies, upon lies”
Richard Satchwell has been given a life sentence for the brutal murder of his wife, Tina Satchwell. In March 2017, Satchwell began a media tour, saying that…
The BelTel‘I had 9 death threats in under a year’: Life as an NI Journalist under threat
Northern Ireland is officially the most dangerous place in the UK to be a journalist. A new report published by Amnesty International this week says that…
The BelTelMeet the Macrons: ‘Slapgate’, controversies and bizarre conspiracy theories
Social media became alight this week after French president Emmanuel Macron was caught on camera seemingly being slapped by his wife Brigitte. An awkward smile…
The BelTelGerry Adams wins his defamation case against the BBC
A jury in Dublin has awarded Gerry Adams €100,000 in damages. The former Sinn Féin leader won his High Court defamation action against the BBC on Friday…
The BelTelReferees ensure UVF’s Winkie Irvine given lenient sentence for firearms charges
UVF commander Winston ‘Winkie’ Irvine has been jailed after being caught with guns. He was sentenced to 30 months with half served on license after being…
The BelTelLucid Talk polling: Kneecap, Sinn Féin, Irish signs and what is a woman
The latest Belfast Telegraph Lucid Talk polling shows sharp divisions on some touchstone societal issues. Among the issues surveyed in the latest poll were…
The BelTelKincora: Lord Mountbatten, MI5, William McGrath and Tara – the search for the truth
Kincora was a home for vulnerable boys in east Belfast – but controlled by paedophiles. It was a place where dozens of boys and teenagers were abused. It was…
The BelTelGerry Adams’ BBC defamation trial: Jury hears final arguments
A jury in a Dublin court has heard a third week of evidence in the Gerry Adams defamation trial. The former Sinn Féin leader is suing the BBC over a claim made…
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EXTRA: Kneecap's Mo Chara faces charge under terrorism act over Hezbollah flag
When west Belfast rapper Mo Chara, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, of Kneecap allegedly displayed a Hezbollah flag on stage in London, he didn’t just spark controversy –…
The BelTelFormer PSNI officer challenges ‘Sean’ allegations of anti-Catholic sectarianism in the force
One of the PSNI’s first Catholic recruits, told the Belfast Telegraph he had faced sectarianism, including references to “Fenian b******s”. Despite Chief…
The BelTelBryson, McKay and O’Hara misconduct trial to begin in Belfast – Allison Morris reports
Loyalist Jamie Bryson, former Sinn Fein MLA Daithi McKay and party member Thomas O’Hara will be standing trial at Belfast Crown Court charged with conspiracy…
The BelTelGerry Adams defamation case: BBC vigorously defends its journalism
The former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams is suing the BBC over allegations made in a Spotlight programme that he sanctioned the murder of Denis Donaldson – an…
The BelTelSkortgate: The ‘totally absurd’ row over what Camogie players wear
Camogie players have criticised the sport’s association for kit rules deemed as ‘archaic’. Traditionally, camogie players have worn skorts in their kit, but…
The BelTelStarmer’s “island of strangers” migration crackdown and what it means for NI
Sir Keir Starmer has set out plans to reduce migration saying high figures have caused “incalculable” damage to British society. He says Britain risks becoming…
The BelTelGerry Adams accused BBC barrister of trying to persuade a jury he has “no reputation whatsoever”
Gerry Adams has been under cross-examination in Dublin. The former Sinn Féin leader has taken a defamation case against the BBC. He claims a Spotlight…
The BelTelSéamus Ruddy: The Newry man ‘disappeared’ by INLA in Paris
Séamus Ruddy was 33 when he was abducted, tortured, shot dead and buried in secret in northern France by the INLA in 1985. A former member of the IRSP, His…
The BelTelConclave: White smoke and dark secrets, Catholic cardinals are choosing the next pope
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…
The BelTelKew Files: Sam McBride on what secret files reveal about David Ervine, Gerry Kelly and the UDA
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…
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Meet the ‘freemen of the land’ who believe they are above the law
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…
The BelTelKneecap: Terror cops confirm 'grounds for further investigation', politicians push for bans, musicians rally
Rap band Kneecap maintain they have "faced a coordinated smear campaign" in recent days over their pro-Palestinian stance. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch wants the…
The BelTelOfficials say minister wrong to suggest opinion polls will trigger Irish border vote – who is right?
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…
The BelTelAustin Stack: ‘The IRA couldn’t admit my father’s murder was sanctioned because of political repercussions’
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…
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Sallins Train Robbery: Osgur Breatnach, a false confession, the Garda 'Heavy Gang', and convicted by a sleeping judge (Part 2)
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…
The BelTelSallins Train Robbery: The IRSP members wrongly imprisoned for IRA heist (Part 1)
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…
The BelTelWhat is Micheál Martin saying (or not) about a United Ireland?
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…
The BelTel‘Every one of them looks like someone’s grandfather’: Belfast pensioners sentenced for running grooming gang
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…
The BelTelThe National Front, Tartan gangs and Combat 18: Loyalism and the far-right
How successful were far-right attempts to influence loyalism and how deep do radical right links with loyalism go today? From the National Front to Combat 18…
The BelTelRory McIlroy achieves sporting immortality with Masters victory
On Sunday night at Augusta National, Rory McIlroy defeated Justin Rose in a heart-stopping playoff to win the Masters for the first time in his career. The…
The BelTelJoe Lynskey and Robert Nairac: 'Bodies will never be found’, IRA source admits
Joe Lynskey, one of the Disappeared, was murdered by his IRA colleagues in 1972 and his body secretly buried. Remains recently found in a County Monaghan grave…
The BelTel'Burn them out': The long history of fascism and the far-right in Ireland
Ireland has long flirted with the far-right – and has had political movements with profoundly antisemitic views. Historian Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc has written a…
The BelTelSam McBride: Paul Givan and the case of the missing civil servant
A few months ago, one of Stormont’s most senior civil servants vanished. Mark Browne was the top official in Stormont’s Department of Education. But sources…
The BelTelSSPX Resistance: Who are the group behind masses Catholic Church in Derry says are ‘illicit’?
The Catholic Bishop of Derry has warned of “illicit” masses being held in the city by clergy not recongnised by the hierarchy. Bishop Dónal Mac Keown claims…
The BelTelControversial Ballymena ‘brand builder’ Darren Campbell quits after months of controversy
The owner of a controversial Ballymena based ‘brand building’ company has announced its closure. FBA Brand Builder was run by 34-year-Darren Campbell – he…
The BelTelTrump's tariffs: 'Brexit means NI could pay more for some goods if we're stuck in the middle of a trade war'
In a speech on America’s so-called ‘Liberation Day’, Trump accused the global community of stealing American jobs and ‘ransacking’ US industry. The President…
The BelTelInternment without trial: ‘The single biggest mistake that the British state makes in the Northern Ireland conflict’
Internment was a key event in the history of the Troubles; In an effort to deal with increasing violence Stormont and the British Government decided to…
The BelTelSecret JFK Files reveal how the CIA spied on Irish and British intelligence services
The assassination of US President JFK in November 1963 shocked the world and has inspired conspiracy theories for over 60 years. President Trump has ordered…
The BelTelOne year on, Jeffrey Donaldson’s shock resignation and its impact on the DUP
One year ago, 29th of March, journalists began to realise that a massive political story was breaking - -the DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson had deleted his…
The BelTelSam McBride: Secret files suggest Robert Nairac was meeting with an informant before disappearance
Captain Robert Nairac was meeting an informer when he was abducted and murdered, secret military documents indicate. Those files, discovered by the Belfast…
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The MAGA Manosphere: Why are Conor McGregor and the UFC punching right?
From Conor McGregor to Andrew Tate, why are fans and prominent figures in the MMA and sports-combat world embracing extreme politics? Are teenage boys in the…