Sam Mcbride and Sarah Creighton join Ciarán Dunbar for an update on global politics, including how the Palestinian – Israeli conflict seems to divide Northern Ireland 

Also discussed are the prospects of Stormont’s return, the battle for the future of unionism and the SNP’s big troubles in Scotland.  

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.

The BelTel

Politics: The Israeli-Hamas war and the NI split over it 

Jeffrey Donaldson was doing paid work for the ministry of defence in Africa even as acute political turmoil was engulfing his party at home in Northern Ireland. 

Why was the then DUP leader undertaking sensitive work in dictator-led Cameroon just a week after he himself collapsed Stormont in 2022? 

Why was he helping sell arms in Egypt alongside a British general? 

Why did a special forces officer say he’d worked with Donaldson before? 

Profound political questions remain over who all the now convicted paedophile was working for – alongside concerns about whether he had access to children in developing countries. 

Sam McBride joined Ciarán Dunbar.  

Jeffrey Donaldson: Dark questions over ex-DUP leader’s curious African shadow career 

The Burkes are back, but this time it's not Enoch grabbing the headlines, it's his sister Ammi.

In 2019, Ammi Burke was dismissed from her role at one of Ireland’s most prestigious law firms, Arthur Cox, after just over three years with the company.

Seven years, multiple legal battles and countless court appearances later, Ms Burke wants her job back. She and her former employer are facing off at the Workplace Relations Commission.

So, what exactly happened between the two sides? And why is a dispute that began years ago still rumbling on in court today?

Tessa Fleming is joined by court reporter Seán McCárthaigh as Ammi Burke takes on her old employer.

Ammi Burke: Solicitor's legal showdown with her former employer

Jeffrey Donaldson received a 15 year sentence in prison for his crimes. He was given 11 years for rape against Victim B and four years for all offences against Victim A, to be served consecutively.
The former MP and ex-DUP leader was sentenced in Newry Courthouse on Thursday morning.
However, later on Thursday after the Lady Chief Justice confirmed Donaldson will actually walk free in seven-and-a-half years.
That is because the crimes were committed before the law changed in 2008, so he will automatically be entitled to 50pc remission of his sentence.
He was found guilty of 18 child sex abuse charges, including rape, in June.
Donaldson is trying to win an appeal, and his denials were an aggravating factor in the sentencing.
However, as it stands, the 63-year-old will emerge from prison as a 78-year-old pensioner.
Ciarán Dunbar spoke to Allison Morris outside Newry Crown Court.

Politics: The Israeli-Hamas war and the NI split over it

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