The BelTel

Epizode

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  NI’s poshest hotel offers prize for hard-right gathering featuring conspiracy theorists and antivaxxers 23.07.2026 18min

  Last week in London the great and good of the political right arrived for a conference focusing on ‘saving the west’. The three-day CPAC event hosted a star-studded cast – from Nigel Farage, to Liz Truss, to Ian Paisley Jr. It also hosted conspiracy theorist and anti-vaccine speakers.  At the ‘Winston Churchill Gala Dinner’ in the programme, one of the prizes was a stay at The Galgorm, in Co. Antrim.  The link between the event which a conservative critic has deemed ‘Yankee-brained slop’ and the hotel which is home to the most expensive guinness in the UK appears to be the former north Antrim MP. The Galgorm resort and spa says that the prize is not an endorsement of the event.  Olivia Peden is joined by Sam McBride.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Andrew and Tristan Tate's falling empire – 59 charges, Miami jail and UK extradition fight 22.07.2026 26min

  This episode contains references to rape and sexual assault, and may not be suitable for everyone.Andrew Tate and his brother, Tristan, like to talk about male empowerment and freedom, yet both are currently shackled away from the outside world.  Arrested last weekend by US authorities, the pair are unlikely to find that the confines of a Miami jail cell measure up to the lavish lifestyle they routinely flaunt online – but that’s their home for now. The reason? A volley of 38 new charges, including rape and sex trafficking, courtesy of the Crown Prosecution Service in the UK, with an extradition attempt to follow. The brothers now face a total of 59 charges, all of which they deny.So, where to now for Andrew and Tristan Tate?  Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Isabella Kwai, reporter with the New York Times, to break down the complexities of the criminal investigation into the Tate brothers – and to question what made them such prominent public figures in the first place.This episode of The BelTel was created by our sister podcast, The Indo Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Does Andy Burnham really care about Northern Ireland? 21.07.2026 19min

  Andy Burnham has officially entered Downing Street, and has shook up the Labour Cabinet. In his maiden speech, the former mayor of Manchester has vowed “take power out of downing street, and carry it into every postcode in the land”. Ministers have been swiftly replaced, from the chancellor to Northern Ireland’s Secretary of state, with Welsh MP Chris Bryant replacing Hilary Benn. So what can Andy Burnham do for Northern Ireland? Olivia Peden is joined by Sam McBride.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Craigyhill UDA chief says he has "nothing to hide" after cops make murder appeal 20.07.2026 27min

   The UDA chief behind the Craigyhill bonfire in Larne won’t answer questions about his knowledge of an unsolved murder. David Murray says he has “nothing to hide”. But - he might be feeling the heat after police launched a fresh appeal about the loyalist-feud killing of Andrew Cairns in Larne in 2000. Murray was initially charged with murdering the UVF man, who was beaten before bring shot in the head at an Eleventh Night bonfire. The charge was eventually dropped and Murray pleaded guilty to assault getting a suspended prison sentence. But there’s a question for the police... why did they pose for pictures with the so-called master bonfire builder - when they had named him as a UDA commander.  Ciarán joined by John Toner from the Sunday Life and by the Belfast Telegraph’s John Laverty to discuss some of the pallets used in bonfires, if they are blue or red, they are private property – why do the cops ignore that?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  “Clearly we have an issue”: Ballymena murder-suicide latest in number of similar tragedies to shock public 16.07.2026 28min

  On Monday morning an horrific discovery was made in Ballymena - the remains of three people were found inside a house on the Old Cullybackey Road – a man, a woman and an eight-year-old girl.   It is believed that the man murdered his wife and child before ending his own life, a year after a similar tragedy in Co. Fermanagh. Since 2017 there have been 13 women and children murdered in Northern Ireland by men who later took their own lives.    This podcast discusses murder and suicide and might not be suitable for some listeners.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ann Widdecombe killed in ‘targeted attack’, say counter-terrorism police  15.07.2026 29min

  The murder of firebrand politician Ann Widdecombe has sent shockwaves through the British establishment, prompting fresh debate around the safety of public figures.  An unapologetic straight-talking stateswoman, Widdecombe served as an MP for 23 years, and was famed for controversial outspoken views on abortion, gay rights and women’s issues.  Despite her divisive nature, Widdecombe managed to win fans away from the political arena thanks to a memorable run on Strictly Come Dancing and other unlikely forays into reality TV. Now, as the investigation into her murder evolves into a terrorism probe, serious questions are being asked of the authorities in Britain, not least by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who called attention to the need for more money to be spent on security for public figures just days before Widdecombe’s death.  On Tuesday evening, counter-terrorism police in the UK stated that the murder of Ann Widdecombe is officially recognised as a “targeted attack” while noting that it has “not been declared as a terrorist incident”. Fionnán Sheahan is joined by TRT World presenter Enda Brady to discuss the latest on the investigation, and to look at the sometimes contradictory life of Ann Widdecombe and an increasingly threatening climate for politicians.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Where did Jeffrey Donaldson’s fortune go – and can he afford an appeal? 14.07.2026 31min

  Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson earned massive sums over a successful career. But the Belfast Telegraph understands the now convicted pedophile's fortune is ebbing away – and that he still has a mortgage on his Dromore home.   He has to pay a legal bill of half a million pounds – can he afford an appeal?  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Orange Order and the Twelfth, how did it come about? 12.07.2026 26min

  Long associated with the Orange Order, marching bands and bonfires – the Twelfth goes back a long way. But what is the origin of the celebrations, of the order itself and does the organisation have a future? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by historian Dr David Hume.This episode of The BelTel was originally released in July 2022. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Conor McGregor: Why does America keep giving the disgraced fighter a platform? 11.07.2026 20min

  t’s fight week, and Conor McGregor has come out swinging.   ‘The Notorious’ finally steps back into a UFC octagon this weekend for a main event match-up, and while some are questioning his physical prowess, his microphone game remains as brash as ever.   Sat in front of the media once more, McGregor espoused his divine beliefs, proclaimed his innocence and once again weighed in on Ireland’s immigration debate.   This weekend’s event will have plenty of eyes on it, but should Conor McGregor be allowed fight at all? Or granted a platform of this size to spread his views, for that matter?    And why are American fans and fixtures so happy to assist in his rehabilitation tour?    On this episode host Dave Hanratty is joined by sports and entertainment journalist Andy McCarroll to look at a much-criticised return to the octagon.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Bonfire season heats up as man arrested following replica of mosque placed on pyre 09.07.2026 24min

  Summer has begun, and once again, controversies continue to surround bonfire season. A man has been arrested over the erection of a replica of a mosque on top of a bonfire in Moygashel with a loyalist source in the area warning that any attempt to move in on the bonfire will result in a ‘stand-off’. Paramilitary flags remain flying on streets and other bonfires across Northern Ireland just weeks after the PSNI were legally given powers to remove them, including banners in Antrim and Dungannon eulogising Loyalist Terror Chief Billy Wright. Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast telegraph reporter Abdullah Sabri.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Woman claims Jeffrey Donaldson sexually assaulted her in Westminster DUP offices 07.07.2026 20min

  Jeffrey Donaldson looks set to be investigated again after a further allegation of sexual assault on a woman in the DUP offices at Westminster. The young woman at the heart of the allegations says that the former DUP leader tried to get her to drink vodka shots in his office, that she refused to do, before he allegedly tried to kiss her on the mouth and put his hand up her skirt.The DUP has commissioned an investigation into who knew what and when, and if members failed to act, or turned a blind eye to Donaldson’s behaviour.Olivia Peden is joined by Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  New evidence revealed as John George murder trial expected to begin in January 05.07.2026 22min

  The trial for the murder of father-of-two John George is expected to begin in January 2027. The remaining suspect in the case, Newtownabbey man Johnny Smyth, is in a Spanish jail awaiting trial. A man who was occupying the villa where John George was last seen was stabbed in Lisburn City Centre last week - after previously suffering a knife attack in spain last year.Meanwhile, footage has emerged of wife of Johnny Smyth, Madison Allen , receiving multiple lacerations to her face from a man she is seen kissing just moments before.  Belfast Telegraph Crime Correspondent Allison Morris joins Olivia Peden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Noah Donohoe inquest adjourned following ‘unprecedented’ late night sitting 03.07.2026 17min

  The Noah Donohoe inquest has been adjourned until later in the year following an “unprecedented” late-night sitting. Jurors were sent out on Tuesday to begin discussions about their verdict and had been deliberating for almost 25 hours. The jury of eight men and two women were asked to deliver a verdict on teen’s death, and were asked to cover “what police knew, when they knew it and what they did in response”. Court was adjourned until at least August or September. Gareth Hanna joins Belfast Telegraph Journalist Liam Tunney.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  'In the first four weeks, I spent £3 million' : The east Belfast man who won £10 million 02.07.2026 41min

  In 1996, Peter Lavery's life changed overnight. The Short Strand man was earning £300 a week driving buses when he became one of Northern Ireland's biggest ever lottery winners, scooping up a £10.2 million. Nearly 30 years later, he's one of Belfast's best-known businessmen. Today, he's the founder of Titanic Distillers, bringing whiskey production back to the city for the first time in almost 90 years, despite giving up drinking after being given what he calls a health 'ultimatum'.He joined Cathy Martin to talk about working the day after winning the jackpot, legendary nights out, and if money really can buy you happiness.This edition of the BelTel is an episode of the Belfast Telegraph's business and lifestyle podcast, In Good Company - available wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Jeffrey Donaldson: Did MI5 and PSNI know of MP’s innapropriate behaviour? 01.07.2026 35min

  Two decades ago, a senior PSNI detective who had come from MI5 headquarters in London saw something he couldn’t believe – DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson entering a gay sauna.That story, which was revealed last week, has fed into speculation around what the police and intelligence services knew about Jeffrey Donaldson’s behaviour. It has now become clear that police were aware of the far more serious accusations of pedophilia against the former DUP leader before he led the DUP back to Stormont in January 2024 – just months before he was charged with historical sex offences.Belfast Telegraph Northern Ireland Editor Sam McBride joins Olivia Peden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Affairs, gay saunas, and drinking excessively: Former MLA on the Jeffrey Donaldson he knew 29.06.2026 25min

  Jeffrey Donaldson was an “unmitigated liar” and was living a double life while working in Westminster – according to former DUP MLA Jim Wells. In the days following Jeffrey Donaldson’s guilty verdict for child sex offences, more information has arisen about the disgraced MPs personal life – including affairs, the use of gay saunas, and drinking to excess. Former MLA and DUP member Jim Wells joined Olivia Peden.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots out of control? A strange decision, a huge U-turn...and no explanation 28.06.2026 27min

  Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots has performed a massive U-turn on a strange decision which has caused unusual controversy around Stormont. Last month, Mr Poots blocked MLAs from discussing a proposal which survivors of abuse wanted to become law.The episode was extraordinary - because a large majority of MLAs not only wanted to discuss the proposal, but to vote for it to become law.Mr Poots has now changed his mind but has refused to give any explanation for why he did what he did. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Jeffrey Donaldson: Convicted paedophile’s mentor Enoch Powell also accused of preying on children in NI 25.06.2026 17min

  Throughout the trial of Jeffrey Donaldson, his work for what he called “the local MP” was referenced in court. That MP was Enoch Powell – one of the most controversial British politicians of the 20th century. Donaldson served as Powell’s election agent in the mid-80s. Powell, who passed away in 1998, had been accused of being a paedophile, with allegations arising from around the time Jeffrey Donaldson had been working for him.Former DUP leader Donaldson was found guilty of historical sex offences, including rape, at the start of this week. Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast telegraph reporter Andrew Madden Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Jeffrey Donaldson: Allison Morris on what we couldn’t report while trial was ongoing 23.06.2026 44min

  Jeffrey Donaldson has begun his new life in Maghaberry Prison. Donaldson and his wife, Eleanor, are set to be stripped of their honours. The former MP and DUP leader, Jeffrey Donaldson was found guilty of 18 child sex offences on Monday - including one count of rape.   The 63-year-old had pleaded not guilty, but the jury of seven men and five considered its verdicts for ten hours over three days, believing his victims. His wife Eleanor Donaldson was found to have committed the acts relating to offences of aiding and abetting following a trial of the facts.   Allison Morris joined Ciarán Dunbar to talk about what we couldn’t report while the trial was ongoing.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  “Donaldson was a fraud”: Allison Morris, Sam McBride and Suzanne Breen react as Jeffrey Donaldson found guilty of sex offences 22.06.2026 25min

  Jeffrey Donaldson has been found guilty of 18 historical sex offences, including one count of rape, 13 of indecent assault and four of gross indecency. The offences were against two women when they were children. His wife Eleanor Donaldson has been found to have committed the acts relating to offences of aiding and abetting following a trial of the facts. The leaders of the UUP and TUV immediately called for the Donaldsons to be stripped of their titles.  Jeffrey Donaldson has been taken to Maghaberry prison to start his sentence. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Allison Morris, Sam McBride, and Suzanne Breen.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.