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Red Lines

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The back-stop’s here? Bad puns with top political coverage from Northern Ireland. Red Lines brings you essential analysis and commentary by BBC NI’s politics team.

Latest episodes

Drumcree: The Winners?

Who are the political winners and losers from the Drumcree dispute? Mark Carruthers chats to Gareth Gordon, Sam McBride & David McCann

30 Sep 2026 · 38 min
Trump: Orange is the new Green

Mark Carruthers discusses the recent comments on Irish unity by US President Donald Trump with David Young, Ben Lowry and Diarmaid Ferriter.

16 Sep 2026 · 34 min
The Adrian Dunbar Interview

Mark Carruthers chats to Line of Duty's Adrian Dunbar about growing up in Northern Ireland and his political influences.

2 Sep 2026 · 47 min
The Kate Nicholl Interview

Mark Carruthers speaks to Alliance MLA Kate Nicholl about her political influences.

19 Aug 2026 · 44 min
The Martina Anderson Interview

Mark Carruthers asks former Sinn Féin MEP and IRA member Martina Anderson about her political life and experiences.

5 Aug 2026 · 52 min
The Emma Little-Pengelly Interview

Mark Carruthers sits down with the deputy First Minister to talk about her political inspirations & influences.

21 Jul 2026 · 49 min
Donaldson's downfall

Mark Carruthers is joined by Gareth Gordon, Suzanne Breen and Tim Cairns to discuss the disgraced former DUP Leader.

24 Jun 2026 · 34 min
Makerfield Matters?

Will Andy Burnham make it to Downing Street? And what impact might he have on NI? Mark chats to Adam Payne, John Rentoul, Cat Neilan & David McCann

11 Jun 2026 · 33 min
Talking ballots

Mark Carruthers is joined by Suzanne Breen, David McCann and Jayne McCormick to look ahead to the Assembly election next year.

27 May 2026 · 42 min
Celtic fringe benefits?

What impact might three nationalist first ministers have on UK politics? Mark Carruthers talks to Tom Kelly, Prof Jon Tonge and Prof Ailsa Henderson.

13 May 2026 · 32 min
Come on Arlene

Mark Carruthers is joined by Gareth Gordon, Suzanne Breen and Tim Cairns to reflect on the resignation of DUP Leader Arlene Foster five years ago and the party chaos it caused.

29 Apr 2026 · 38 min
Anglo-Irish Editions

Mark Carruthers is joined by British writers Iain Dale and James Hawe to discuss their views and appreciation for Ireland.

15 Apr 2026 · 35 min
Old Tensions: New Ties

Mark Carruthers is joined by Paul Johnston, former British Ambassador to Ireland; Mark Hennessey, The Irish Times; and Brigid Laffan from the European University Institute.

1 Apr 2026 · 37 min
West Winging it

Mark Carruthers reflects on an eventful St Patrick's Day in Washington with Enda McClafferty, Caitriona Perry, Louise Burne and Liam Kennedy.

18 Mar 2026 · 37 min
Unionists for Unity?

Former UUP deputy leader John Taylor says Irish unification is inevitable. Mark Carruthers discusses his comments with Alex Kane, Linzi McLaren & Wallace Thompson

4 Mar 2026 · 37 min
Stormont on tick

Mark Carruthers discusses Stormont's financial challenges and the £400 million advance with John Campbell, Jodie Carson and Andrew Webb.

18 Feb 2026 · 35 min
Mrs Little-Pengelly goes to Washington

Mark Carruthers asks Paul Colgan, Shane Greer and Mark Devenport who they think will travel to Washington this year and just how important the St Patrick's Day access really is.

4 Feb 2026 · 34 min
The Nicola Sturgeon Interview

Mark Carruthers asks the former First Minister of Scotland about how devolution works best, the independence debate and culture wars.

30 Jan 2026 · 24 min
Does Northern Ireland need Reform?

Will Nigel Farage's Reform UK contest elections in Northern Ireland? Mark Carruthers chats to Suzanne Breen, Ben Lowry, David McCann & Anna Gross

21 Jan 2026 · 34 min
Contest or coronation

Mark Carruthers weighs up the options for the UUP leadership with Gareth Gordon, David McCann, John McCallister and Linzi McLaren.

7 Jan 2026 · 40 min