Could NI's TV and film industry be at risk because of our abortion laws?
Could Northern Ireland's TV and film industry be at risk because of our abortion laws? Entertainment giants Disney and Netflix have warned politicians in the state of Georgia in America that they are unlikely to make any more films there, if new stricter abortion laws are introduced. Georgia is the third-largest film production hub in the US. So it's a big decision to quit working there. But wh...
28m May 31, 2019
28m
Former pop star is found not guilty of raping a woman in his hotel room.
Former JLS star Oritse Williams has been found not guilty of raping a woman in his hotel room. The 32 year old singer had always denied the attack after a concert in December 2016. It has re-opened the debate around anonymity for those accused of rape - until they are convicted. Commentator Fionola Meridith and barrister and former MP Jerry Hayes discuss.
11m May 30, 2019
11m
Local homeless organisation says it will close its doors forever tomorrow if it doesn't find new premises.
A local homeless organisation - drop in centre, says it will close its doors forever tomorrow if it doesn't find new premises. 'Belfast Homeless Services' currently operates from within a venue on Amelia Street in the city, and provides help, support and food to a range of people including homeless, people living in hostels, battling addiction or mental health problems. They say they've been tu...
10m May 30, 2019
10m
Gender in work, politics and broadcasting - should it matter what sex you are?
It all kicked off on Nolan Live last night when we discussed what's been an historic week for women in politics in Northern Ireland. For the first time, the Northern Ireland electorate returned three female MEPs - Diane Dodds, Naomi Long and Martina Anderson. The media hailed it as a victory for women in politics, and a sign of how far we've come. But should gender matter? Stephen spoke to Bron...
25m May 30, 2019
25m
Translink chief says NI spends 50% less on public transport than other parts of UK.
More than 84.5 million journeys were made on Translink services in the last year, according to new figures. An increase of 3.4 million on the previous year. But Chris Conway, Translink Group chief executive says that funding for public transport in Northern Ireland is 50% less than that of other UK regions. So should we be putting more funding into buses and trains? How do we get more people to...
26m May 30, 2019
26m
People from the worlds of sport, education, and trade unions sign open letter to the British and Irish governments calling for an Irish language act
Some big names in sport, education and politics in Northern Ireland have signed an open letter in the Irish News today - aimed at the British and Irish Governments, calling for an Irish language act. It's been put together by the grassroots campaign for an Irish language act, An Dream Dearg. Stephen spoke to Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin, a spokesman for the group and the political commentator Nelson...
49m May 29, 2019
49m
A dog is put down in Newry after a suspected acid attack.
Police are investigating a suspected acid attack on a dog in Newry yesterday evening. The bull terrier was put down by a vet after suffering serious injuries. It was found by a woman in the Pound Road area of the city. A PSNI spokesman told the Nolan Show that tests are being carried out and the incident is being treated as a deliberate attack on the dog. Stephen spoke to David Wilson from the ...
5m May 29, 2019
5m
Are headlines about NI's three MEPs being women really the most newsworthy element of their election victories?
Are headlines about NI's three MEPs being women really the most newsworthy element of their election victories? Journalist Amanda Ferguson, commentator Heidi McAlpin and Green Party NI leader Clare Bailey discuss.
15m May 28, 2019
15m
Should mobile phones be BANNED from concerts?
A music festival which took place recently banned revellers from using their mobile phones. The two-day FLY Open Air Festival in Edinburgh made those attending lock their phones away in special cases. The idea behind it was to allow people to 'live in the moment' while they enjoy the music. What do you think? Would you even think of going to a music event without your phone? Stephen got the vie...
12m May 28, 2019
12m
UUP leader Robin Swann tells @StepheNolan he considered his position after poor #EUelections2019 result
UUP leader Robin Swann tells Nolan he considered his position after poor #EUelections2019 result
6m May 28, 2019
6m
After Alliance Party electoral success, is there a change in the way NI people are thinking about their politics?
Political commentators Newton Emerson and Patrica MacBride discuss.
10m May 28, 2019
10m
NI's voters "sick of stale politics" - that's the claim from @naomi_long after historic #EUelections2019 victory
For the first time ever the Alliance Party has won a seat in the European Elections. Party leader Naomi Long joins the DUP's Diane Dodds and Martina Anderson of Sinn Fein who retained their seats. The Alliance leader claimed Northern Ireland's voters are "sick of stale politics". She spoke to Stephen this morning.
22m May 28, 2019
22m
‘They need to wake up!’ – Alastair Campbell calls for Labour Party to support a People’s Vote on Brexit
Former Labour Party Director of Communications comments on the result of the UK European Elections.
12m May 27, 2019
12m
New MEP Anne Widdicombe hails electoral success of the Brexit Party in the UK’s European Elections
The Brexit Party is the clear winner in the UK's European elections, with the pro-EU Lib Dems coming second. The Conservatives and Labour suffered huge losses, with the former expected to get less than 10% of the vote. Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage said he was ready to "take on" the Tories and Labour in a general election.
11m May 27, 2019
11m
Secretary of State for NI tells a victim of the contaminated blood scandal that extra money for those affected should be a matter for a functioning Assembly
Karen Bradley has found herself caught up in another row over financial support for victims failed by the state. This time the secretary of state has said any decision over more money for victims of the contaminated blood scandal should be a matter for the assembly. The Infected Blood Inquiry is looking into what has been called "the worst treatment scandal" in NHS history.
25m May 24, 2019
25m
Theresa May resigns as Prime Minister - @StephenNolan gets political reaction
Theresa May has said she will quit as Conservative leader on 7 June, paving the way for a contest to decide a new prime minister. In an emotional statement in Downing Street, she said she had "done my best" to honour the 2016 EU referendum result.
25m May 24, 2019
25m
An SAS TV presenter faces a backlash after saying he would tell his 10 year old son to "man up" if he saw him crying
TV presenter Ant Middleton has received a backlash after saying he would tell his 10 year old son to "man up" if he saw him crying. The host of SAS: Who Dares Wins insists he is teaching his son how to manage his emotions. He received criticism from Loose Women's Saira Kahn, who said he was "failing" as a parent. She added, 'I have a son and I would never say man-up or grow-up.' Is i...
17m May 23, 2019
17m
Raise minimum wage to £10 an hour, that's the call from Jeremy Corbyn – Do you agree?
Pay everyone at least £10 an hour, even those under the age of 18?! That's the call from Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Currently, under-18s are entitled to a minimum wage of £4.35 per hour, compared with £8.21 for over-25s. Stephen spoke to businessman Irwin Armstrong and People Before Profit Councillor Eamonn McCann.
15m May 23, 2019
15m
A new George Best statue in Belfast. Is the tribute warranted given the football star’s chequered history?
Yesterday would have been George Best's 73rd birthday and to mark the occasion many of his family, friends and fans gathered in Belfast for the unveiling of a commemorative statue. The life size bronze figure has already been attracting a lot of attention. Some people aren't convinced the statue looks exactly like George. But the bigger debate is - should there be a statue at all for someon...
34m May 23, 2019
34m
‘We’re here to see Karen Bradley, to let her know we haven’t gone away’ - Historical Institutional Abuse victims protest outside Fermanagh garden party
Historical institutional abuse victims are not going away. That was the message to the Secretary of State, Karen Bradley, during a protest outside Castle Coole in Fermanagh yesterday. Inside the Estate Ms Bradley was hosting a garden party for the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. Meanwhile, at the gates, victims of abuse wanted to know why their compensation claims are be...
6m May 22, 2019
6m
Schools in NI might have to drop to a four day week if funding crisis continues – claims local Headteacher
Some schools might have to drop to a four day week if the funding crisis continues. BBC research shows that almost half of all Northern Ireland schools were in budget deficit last year. The headteacher of a secondary school in Londonderry says teachers are struggling to cope and there might be no option but to cut the number of hours pupils are in the classroom. Stephen spoke to Mich...
31m May 22, 2019
31m
Pro-Choice campaigners outraged at Alabama's near-total ban on abortion focus their attention on NI’s abortion rules
There was widespread criticism last week of a new law in Alabama which makes it much more difficult for women to get an abortion. But pro-choice campaigners say that Northern Ireland's abortion laws are just as strict. Of course anti abortion supporters say that's the good thing. Just like in Alabama, women here are only able to access abortions if their life is at risk, or there is a serious...
22m May 20, 2019
22m
D-Day for Secretary of State for NI Karen Bradley as victims of historical abuse will demand that she legislates for compensation payments
Campaigners for victims of past abuse in homes run by religious orders and by the state are to meet the Secretary of State Karen Bradley today, to demand she put legislation through Westminster which would enable them to access compensation payments. Margaret McGuckian is from the group Survivors and Victims of Institutional Abuse and she's one of the delegation of four meeting Karen Bradley.
27m May 20, 2019
27m
It's the first @StephenNolan #EUelections2019 special.
This morning we want to give you a chance to hear from some of the candidates that are standing for the European Elections. Joining Stephen this morning was Green Party's Clare Bailey, Robert Hill from UKIP NI, Independent candidate Jane Morrice and Independent candidate Neil McCann.
25m May 17, 2019
25m
Pressure mounts on Secretary of State over compensation delay for victims of institutional abuse - with victims calling on her to resign
Pressure is mounting on the Secretary of State Karen Bradley as she faces an onslaught of anger at her decision to add the 'stalled compensation scheme' for abuse survivors - to the agenda for the latest talks process at Stormont. Some have called for her to resign. Victims allege they are being used as a political football. Stephen got reaction from News Letter political editor Sam McBride and...
28m May 16, 2019
28m
@KateHoeyMP takes aim at Secretary of State over compensation delay for victims of institutional abuse.
Pressure is mounting on the Secretary of State Karen Bradley as she faces an onslaught of anger at her decision to add the 'stalled compensation scheme' for abuse survivors - to the agenda for the latest talks process at Stormont. Some have called for her to resign. Victims allege they are being used as a political football. Stephen got reaction from MP Kate Hoey.
6m May 16, 2019
6m
"If you want to negotiate about bonfires you have to go through us" - that's the demand from a group including former members of the UVF.
"A strategic voice for all the bonfires under the umbrella". That's what the East Belfast Cultural Collective say they're hoping to provide for bonfires in the East Belfast and Ards/North Down areas. The group will represent loyalists who the group claims has been "targeted by statutory agencies". But will the group be able to help calm tensions which exploded last summer? Stephen spoke to unio...
17m May 15, 2019
17m
David - a victim of institutional abuse - waves his anonymity to speak out as compensation for victims of institutional abuse is delayed again
David - a victim of institutional abuse - waves his anonymity to speak out as compensation for victims of institutional abuse is delayed again .
5m May 15, 2019
5m
Campaigners hit out at Secretary of State as compensation for victims of institutional abuse is delayed again
"A shameful betrayal of abuse victims, who have been let down time after time". That's the damning verdict of the human rights group Amnesty after the Secretary of State once again delayed the process of compensation for victims of institutional abuse. Karen Bradley has written to victims' groups to say that instead of pushing legislation through Westminster, she wants the issue dealt with as p...
32m May 15, 2019
32m
Jeremy Kyle Show suspended after guest death
ITV has suspended The Jeremy Kyle Show after a guest died shortly after filming. Several newspapers are reporting that the 63 year old man was found dead a week after appearing on the show. He had apparently failed a lie detector test -- a regular feature of the programme. The broadcaster is conducting a review into the episode which was due to be aired yesterday morning and says its "shocked a...
10m May 14, 2019
10m
Tackling sectarianism - Ulster Uni report makes 50 recommendations - among them a new sports anthem for all.
A new government department, lowering the voting age to 16 and a new anthem for all sports are among over 50 measures suggested in a new report by the Ulster University to reduce sectarianism. It said that sectarianism - both religious and political - "shows no sign of going away." What do you reckon? Do we need a new universal sports anthem to bring us all together? Stephen got the views of co...
26m May 14, 2019
26m
Patients facing waits for bedpans, basic observations not being carried out and patients dying alone - shocking assessment of our Health Service by the Director of the Royal College of Nursing.
Patients facing waits for bedpans, basic observations not being carried out and dying patients not getting proper care. That's the shocking state of our health service according to Director of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). Pat Cullen blames serious staffing shortages, ignored warnings and a large disparity in pay between here, and the rest of the UK and Ireland are behind the major issues...
26m May 13, 2019
26m
Belfast boxer Michael Conlan says sorry for his controversial ring walk to pro-IRA song. But should he have to apologise?
Belfast boxer Michael Conlan has apologised to "the people he offended" by a ring entrance song which contained lyrics supporting the IRA. He was criticised after the Wolfe Tones' Celtic Symphony, which includes the line "Up the Ra", was played before his St Patrick's Day bout in New York. Stephen spoke to commentator Phil Kelly and we took your calls.
24m May 10, 2019
24m
Is it the end of the road for the contentious 'peace centre' at the Maze?
Confusion this morning over whether a 'peace centre' at the former Maze prison site is still on the table. The Ulster Unionist Party say that plans for the centre have been dropped. But the Executive Office have told today's papers that no decisions have been made. A row between Sinn Fein and the DUP over plans for the centre have seen the redevelopment of the site put in ice for years. But is ...
18m May 10, 2019
18m
Should Belfast City centre streets remain permanently pedestrianised?
Now, have you liked that there's been no traffic going through the City Centre recently? The roads around Bank Buildings - where the Primary fire happened - have been closed since August. But that might be set to change. Our reporter, Nicola Weir, was there live for us this morning.
11m May 10, 2019
11m
Marathon runner Joe hits out at Belfast course cock-up as route was 460 metres longer than it should have been
Last weekend the Belfast City Marathon took place for the first time on a Sunday rather than the traditional bank holiday Monday. But it ended in controversy when it was discovered afterwards that the course was actually longer than the 26.2 miles. Joe ran the marathon and got in touch after he received his revised times .
14m May 09, 2019
14m
Banks in ROI to place tracking devices and dye packs in ATMs vulnerable to theft.
It has been reported in the Sunday Times that banks in the Republic have agreed to place tracking devices and dye packs in ATMs in rural areas vulnerable to attack from theives. With the PSNI acknowledging the all-Ireland nature of organised crime - should the same happen here to stop the criminals? Stephen spoke to Glyn Roberts from Retail NI.
5m May 09, 2019
5m
Spurs beat Ajax in another Champions League thriller.
Well we had barely recovered from the Liverpool win when Spurs worked their magic coming back from two nil down at half time to beat Ajax in the dying seconds. You couldn't make it up! What a game. Stephen got reaction from Spurs fan Brendan Mulgrew and Liverpool fan Steven Beacom.
23m May 09, 2019
23m
Tory MP @JohnnyMercerUK on strike in protest over prosecution of military veterans.
"The Government have failed to act for years now and I'm not prepared to put up with it any more". That's what Conservative MP Johnny Mercer said of his party's handling of prosecutions of Northern Ireland veterans. But is he right, should government be protecting former soldiers, or should due process be allowed to take its course? Stephen got the views of former NI UKIP leader David McNarry a...
24m May 09, 2019
24m
Should we stop the spoils of trophy hunting coming into the country?
The UK will NOT be banning imports from trophy hunting yet, the Environment Secretary Michael Gove has told the BBC. Hunters, mainly from Europe or the US, often pay thousands of pounds to take part in a hunt, and keep a "trophy" - usually the head or skin of the animal. They can take their "trophy" back to the UK with a special permit. It's a big business in some African countries. Mr Gove sai...
9m May 08, 2019
9m
Prominent DUP Cllr John Finlay hits out at the party's hierarchy over its first openly gay councillor.
Ian Paisley 'must be turning in his grave'. That was a warning before the election from Cllr John Finlay to the DUP leadership over the party's decision to run a gay candidate. The News Letter's story this morning quotes Mr Finlay as saying "we will lose votes on May 2 as a result of the Bennington decision". But this morning - after the party's vote went up - Mr Finlay has "nothing to say" add...
45m May 08, 2019
45m
Liverpool stun Barcelona on shocking Champions League semifinal victory
Its being described as the greatest comeback ever as Liverpool overturned a 3-0 first leg defeat, to beat Barcelona 4-0 and book their place in the Champions League final in an unbelievable night at Anfield. Stephen got reaction from former Liverpool player Mark Lawrenson and sports journalist and Liverpool fan Steven Beacom.
17m May 08, 2019
17m
@naomi_long tribute to Seamus Close, former deputy leader of Alliance Party, who has died after a short illness
The former deputy leader of the Alliance Party, Seamus Close, has died after a short illness. Mr Close served as the Lagan Valley MLA from 1998 until 2007. Stephen spoke to Alliance Party leader Naomi Long.
6m May 07, 2019
6m
'These closed door talks have always given way to side-deals' - Jim Allister
Jim Allister reacts to Conor Murphy claim that UK government gave SF gay marriage assurance.
5m May 07, 2019
5m
Sinn Fein's @conormurphysf claims UK government gave SF gay marriage assurance
Allison Morris and Sam McBride react
7m May 07, 2019
7m
Sinn Fein's @conormurphysf claims UK government gave SF gay marriage assurance
Sinn Fein's Conor Murphy claims UK government gave SF gay marriage assurance
18m May 07, 2019
18m
A 'watershed for Northern Ireland that will change the dynamic of local politics for good' - @naomi_long on Alliance #LE19 gains
An "incredible result" that is a a watershed moment for Northern Ireland politics. That's how Alliance leader Naomi Long hailed her party's result in last week's local government elections. The party saw a 65% rise in its representation. But, the DUP and Sinn Féin are still the two biggest parties. So, has something fundamental changed in Northern irish politics? Stephen spoke to the Alliance P...
29m May 07, 2019
29m
Turn down your heat, cut out red meat, avoid flying - are you prepared to give any of this up to help save the planet?
Would you turn down your heating to save the planet? What about cutting out red meat, or avoiding taking any flights? A major new climate change report from MPs is telling us to set the thermostat at a maximum of 19°C and ditch gas boilers. The Committee on Climate Change says the UK could cut greenhouse gases to nearly zero by 2050 just by following some simple steps. The issue has achieved a ...
15m May 03, 2019
15m
Is it time Belfast had an adult film theatre that screens porn movies?
Just a warning ahead of this item. If you've kids listening you might not want them to hear this next interview. Should Belfast have an adult film theatre that screens porn movies? This was part of a recent public discussion by the Belfast film discussion group 'cinepunked'. It questioned the line between - what is, and what is not accepted in mainstream cinema and porn. Co-Founder Robert Simps...
13m May 03, 2019
13m
NI's biggest manufacturing company - aerospace firm #Bombardier - is selling its local operation.
It's the end of an era that puts thousands of well-paid manufacturing jobs at risk. Bombardier's decision to put its Northern Ireland factories up for sale is a huge blow to the workforce and the wider economy here. The Canadian-owned company employs about 3,600 people making aircraft parts at a number of sites around Belfast. But when suppliers are included, it's estimated to impact on up to 1...
30m May 03, 2019
30m