Labour election pledge to scrap tuition fees - with increased demands on public services, should students pay their way?
Scrap tuition fees! That's one promise from Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in his party manifesto. The pledge is estimated to have a price tag of almost £12 BILLION for the UK. Is he onto a winner? Or is it a fantasy electioneering stunt? President of the student body NUS-USI - Fergal McFerran and commentator Charlie Wolf debate
10m May 18, 2017
10m
Controversy over planned private sector bus route between Belfast and Derry/Londonderry
A private bus company wants to start operating an express bus route between Belfast and Derry/Londonderry. But the trade union Unite says Stormont should block the plan. It argues that it would threaten Northern Ireland's public transport system. Stephen spoke to Owen McLaughlin from the bus company Hannon Coach and Donal O'Cofaigh from the union Unite
9m May 18, 2017
9m
Leaked Tory manifesto - will wealthy OAPs lose their winter fuel allowance?
It seems better-off pensioners could be hit in the pocket if the Conservatives win the General Election. The Tories launch their manifesto today, with the party well ahead in the polls. Widely leaked contents include winter fuel payments being means tested instead of paid to all older people no matter how rich they are. And the better off could also have to pay for social care at home out of th...
21m May 18, 2017
21m
The radio audience figures are OUT! Guess what is the biggest show in the country?
The radio audience figures are OUT! We get these every 3 months and they tell us about how many of you are listening to the show. THANK YOU so much for your support and for tuning in to the Big Show. Without you - we simply would not be here...
6m May 18, 2017
6m
Can you be fat and medically fit? @PaulMartin and Kathryn Szrodecki discuss
Can you be fat and medically fit? It would seem that the answer is no according to experts. New research shows that people who are obese are not protected from ill health in later life, contradicting previous research. The term refers to the theory that if people are obese but all their other factors such as blood pressure and blood sugar are within recommended limits then the extra weight will...
8m May 17, 2017
8m
'The Cartel' - @SteBreen on the rise of Kinahan cartel and the bloody feud that has rocked Dublin
Stephen Breen has been a crime correspondent for over 15 years. He's covered some of the most violent and brutal crime gangs in Ireland. His new book The Cartel , written with fellow journalist Owen Conlon, looks at the rise of the Kinahan cartel and the bloody feud that has rocked Dublin over recent years. Stephen spoke to him and asked him to lay out the background to the feud.
10m May 17, 2017
10m
Sinn Fein Cllr calls MLA @GerryCarrollPBP a 'Brit' before withdrawing the remark - did that cross the line?
Another day, another row about political insults. Gerry Carroll from People before Profit has accused Sinn Fein of "gutter politics at its worst". This was after he was called a "Brit" in a social media post by a Sinn Fein councillor. The councillor Ciaran Beattie later took the post down, admitting it was inappropriate. But he also accused Gerry Carroll of "engaging in distraction politics". S...
16m May 17, 2017
16m
'Patients are in despair' - GP speaks out to expose the scale of the pressures on the health service
In March, then Health Minister Michelle O'Neill announced £31M to tackle waiting lists. The money was to ensure anyone waiting 12 months to either see a consultant or start treatment by March 2017 would be seen and treated by March 2018. But was it enough? Or just plugging an ever growing hole in health spending? Earlier Stephen spoke to GP Dr Brendan O'Hare about the pressures facing his pract...
27m May 17, 2017
27m
Former colleague of Captain Robert Nairac speaks out on his murder
Yesterday marked 40 years since one of the most high-profile murders of the Troubles Captain Robert Nairac was murdered by the IRA when he was on an undercover operation in South Armagh in 1977 It is believed he was beaten and then shot dead. The bodies of 13 of the 16 so-called 'disappeared' have now been recovered Michael Harris served in the 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards with a young Ro...
10m May 16, 2017
10m
Riches to rags - former lads mag pin-up Gail Porter opens up about going bankrupt
Gail Porter will be a name that many of you will know. The former model, lads mag pin up and TV presenter has been speaking recently about being declared bankrupt. She is calling for schoolchildren to be taught how to manage money.
8m May 16, 2017
8m
Moors murderer Ian Brady has died. Stephen talks to journalist Peter Gould who reported on the story for many years
Moors Murderer Ian Brady has died.Brady tortured and killed five children with Myra Hindley. Four of his victims were buried in graves on Saddleworth Moor, Greater Manchester.The 79-year-old died at Ashworth Hospital, a secure psychiatric unit in Merseyside where he had been detained since 1985. Peter Gould reported on Brady for the BBC for many years.
8m May 16, 2017
8m
Nurses threaten a summer of protest over pay - Janice Smyth and @armstrong_irwin react
Nurses are threatening a summer of protest over pay.The pledge was made at the Royal College of Nursing conference in Liverpool.Janice Smyth, Northern Ireland director of the union, says nurses have "had enough" of below inflation pay rises.Janice joins me from the RCN conference Also on the line is businessman and commentator Irwin Armstrong
9m May 16, 2017
9m
Some schools in England consider allowing boys to wear skirts. Are gender neutral classrooms the future?
Should your children have 'Gender neutral uniforms'? An LGBT charity Educate and Celebrate claims at least 120 schools across the UK now have that very policy in place. This comes as another London school considers the move which would allow boys to wear skirts!Highgate School consulted parents on whether to allow gender-neutral uniforms, boys and girls to choose between skirts and trousers and...
30m May 16, 2017
30m
Scottish Government plans to ban the use of wild animals in circuses. Should we follow suit?
Campaigners have welcomed plans to ban the use of wild animals in circuses performing in Scotland. The Scottish Government has set out proposals to 'strengthen animal welfare legislation', with a bill to ban the use of any wild animal in a circus - on ethical grounds. Should we follow suit? Joining me from 'Northern Ireland says no to Animal Cruelty' - Daniel Barkley And Circus Ringmaster and ...
9m May 15, 2017
9m
Stephen’s planning a stay-cation. Where should he go?
Stephen’s planning a stay-cation. Where should he go?
13m May 15, 2017
13m
@Edwina_Currie and @adi_peltz clash over study suggesting 2 in 3 adults face mental health problems
"34 million UK adults are mentally ill? What utter nonsense. Man up...and focus on those who REALLY need help" - a tweet from TV presenter and journalist Piers Morgan. He was questioning an article quoting the 'Mental Health foundation', and a study suggesting 2 in 3 adults face mental health problems. His comment angered many, with some claiming - views like that contribute to people feeling ...
20m May 15, 2017
20m
Election spat as Arlene Foster’s ‘blonde’ comment about Michelle O’Neill sparks sexism row with Sinn Fein
A row has erupted after DUP leader Arlene Foster described Sinn Fein's Stormont leader as "blonde". Speaking to the Sunday Independent journalist Niamh Horan in a word association exercise at the end of an interview, Mrs Foster was asked to describe Michelle O'Neill in one word. After saying "blonde", she went on to add: "Michelle is very attractive. She presents herself very well and she alw...
27m May 15, 2017
27m
Big interview - @alstewitn on media, news, and his work in the industry
Our big interview this morning is with Alastair Stewart, known to millions as the presenter of ITV News at One. He's been in the realm of TV election coverage for more than three decades and made TV history when he moderated the first ever election debate between David Cameron, Gordon Brown and Nick Clegg in 2010. Stephen spoke to him and asked if he had always wanted to be a journalist.
24m May 12, 2017
24m
Live from the Balmoral Show - @vinnybelfast and @nweir1 went down for a muck-about
Live from the Balmoral Show - Vinny and Nicola went down for a muck-about
6m May 12, 2017
6m
Big football debate on #BBCNolan this morning - if you're not happy with your team, should you choose another?
For football fans the season is drawing to a close for some fans its been a good year others not so. But how about this for a radical thought. If you are not happy with your team should you choose another? That is what one football fan is proposing. Damian Reilly, writing in The Spectator, is a former Manchester United supporter - he is now an Arsenal fan and has said that those not happy with ...
22m May 12, 2017
22m
Campaigners clash over leaked Labour manifesto pledge to have abortion on demand for women in NI
A leaked copy of Labour's manifesto has pledged to extend abortion rights to women in Northern Ireland. The document says the party will continue to ensure a woman's right to choose a safe legal abortion - including here. But with the main parties at Stormont opposing abortion-on-demand here - would a Labour government have any right to do this? Or is this a bold step to secure equal rights acr...
27m May 12, 2017
27m
'People need to stand up and be who they are' - JoJo tells @StephenNolan about being transgender
'Stay'n Alive...So I am' is a new drama production in the Grand Opera House on Friday 19th of May. The dramatic musical is performed by adults and young people who have had various obstacles to overcome in life. And - it's main message is one of hope and overcoming hardship. One cast member is 19 year old Jo Jo McChesney. JoJo is going through process of changing gender - he joined Stephen in t...
10m May 11, 2017
10m
The #TopTable on @BBCOneNI last night - who said young people don't care about politics?
The Top Table kicked off last night on BBC One. Its on the iPlayer if you missed it - bbc.co.uk/nolan. This is the show where young people - take on the politicians! Did you see it? What do you reckon? Stephen and Vinny got the views of Andersonstown News columnist Andree Murphy and journalist Alex Kane.
18m May 11, 2017
18m
Playing with fire at a young age - TV star @Benfogle says kids should be able to take risks. Do you agree?
Children should be able to take risks - so says TV star Ben Fogle. The adventurer and broadcaster, who has been married to his wife Marina for over ten years, said they also let their children play around with fire and snakes in the hope it will kill any unhealthy obsessions in the future. Earlier Stephen spoke to Mike Fairclough who is a primary school principle in Eastbourne - his school has ...
14m May 11, 2017
14m
A rates discount in NI if you pay your bill in one go - but is that really a tax perk for the rich?
Home owners and businesses will receive their rate bills this week after a delay because of the collapse of Stormont. As usual for domestic ratepayers there is a 4% discount if they pay their bill in full on or before the discount date of 16th June 2017, something that former Sinn Fein Finance Minister, Máirtín Ó Muilleoir planned to phase out. That proposal went on hold when the Executive fell...
6m May 11, 2017
6m
Plans to allow taxis in Belfast bus lanes for further 6 months - a good idea to ease city traffic jams?
Should taxis be allowed in bus lanes? There is a currently a trial period that has been running for the last 12 weeks which permits taxis to use bus lanes on the East and West Belfast Rapid Transit routes. It is due to end this weekend. Now Belfast City Councillors have passed a motion in favour of permitting all taxis to use bus lanes for an additional six months. The council will now write an...
29m May 11, 2017
29m
.@realDonaldTrump fires FBI director - abuse of power, or just the president doing his job?
It's one of Trump's most controversial moves in office so far. The US president has fired FBI director James Comey. Comey was investigating links between the Trump campaign and Russia. The move has divided opinion in the country. Is this the biggest political abuse of power since Watergate - or just the president doing his job? Stephen spoke to commentator and Trump fan Charlie Wolf and comment...
7m May 10, 2017
7m
Is the time right to give the vote to 16 year olds? #GE17
Should the voting age be lowered? Stephen's new debate show The Top Table was filmed last night and as you'll see tonight, it shows that not all young people are not interested in politics. There was a lot of engagement as teenagers tackled the politicians on the big issues. So should we be listening to the younger generation more and should we let more of them have a say in elections? Stephen ...
16m May 10, 2017
16m
Should the North West 200 get more Government funding?
Should the North West 200 get more funding from the Government, more taxpayers' money? North West 200 Mervyn Whyte thinks the event doesn't get its fair share. In the Belfast Telegraph today, he compares its treatment to that given to showpiece golfing events. And he says there should a level playing field. So is he right? Should the North West get more Government support - despite all the dang...
27m May 10, 2017
27m
'Not tonight mate' - should bars and restaurants still have a dress code in this day and age?
When going out for a meal would you find it acceptable to wear trainers? Some of London's most exclusive eateries have relaxed their strict dress codes to accommodate trainer-loving celebrities such as Mick Jagger and David Beckham who are regularly seen wearing trainers with jeans and even suits. Is it ok to wear trainers when out for dinner or should dress codes be stricter and smart shoes be...
16m May 09, 2017
16m
Labour election pledge to raise income tax for anyone earning over £80K - is taxing the rich the way forward?
Is taxing the rich the way forward? The Labour Party is pledging no income tax increases for anyone under £80,000. The Lib Dems however want a general 1p income tax increase to boost health service funding. The Tories have pledged not to increase VAT but have not ruled out other tax rises. But are tax rises the way forward? Are you prepared to pay extra tax to finance public services? Vinny got...
28m May 09, 2017
28m
What more can be done so that people feel comfortable to discuss mental health in the workplace?
Today marks the start of mental health awareness week. It comes after last week a new survey suggested that half of people in the UK wouldn't be happy to discuss mental health issues at work. 49% said they would be unlikely to tell their boss about problems such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Only 35% said they'd be happy to tell colleagues. So what more can be done so that people ...
10m May 08, 2017
10m
Irish police investigate @stephenfry over 'blasphemous' comments - where does this sit with free speech?
Police in the Republic of Ireland have launched an investigation after a viewer claimed comments made by Stephen Fry in an RTE TV interview were blasphemous. Officers are examining whether the British comedian committed a criminal offence under the Defamation Act over the comments he made in 2015. He later said he was not "offensive towards any particular religion". Vinny got the views of comme...
29m May 08, 2017
29m
'We have dreamt of this day' - sister of Seamus Ruddy reacts to finding of body in France search
Human remains have been found in France in a search for the remains of Seamus Ruddy, one of The Disappeared. The find was made in a wooded area in northern France at the weekend. Seamus' family believe it is his body. The 32 year old Newry man was teaching in Paris in 1985 when he was shot dead by the INLA and buried in a secret grave. His sister Anne Morgan spoke to Vinny from France.
21m May 08, 2017
21m
'The Journey' - we get reaction to the new movie about Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness
Last night saw the UK and Ireland premiere of 'The Journey'. The movie centres on Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness, and their transition from fierce opponents - to being dubbed 'The Chuckle Brothers'. It has received mixed reviews from the critics. Vinny spoke with actors Colm Meaney and Timothy Spall and the films writer - Colin Bateman. And our two political pundits Alex Kane and Malachi O'D...
15m May 05, 2017
15m
'Brought to the very edge of death' - caller Jim shares his incredible story of surviving Enniskillen bomb
'Brought to the very edge of death' - caller Jim shares his incredible story of surviving Enniskillen bomb
28m May 05, 2017
28m
Mind your shears - tomorrow is World Naked Gardening Day
If you have been listening this week or following Stephen on Twitter you will have noticed his new found love of gardening. Well apparently tomorrow is World Naked Gardening Day. Two of his favourite things gardening and being naked. Stephen spoke to Jenny Barnes, a regular naked gardener and gardening expert Gareth Austin.
6m May 05, 2017
6m
'I was prepared for death' - incredible interview with rescued surfer who survived 32 hours stranded at sea
A rescued surfer told his family he had "made himself at peace" with not surviving after 32 hours adrift at sea. Matthew Bryce, from Airdrie in North Lanarkshire, was found on Monday night after going surfing on Sunday morning. From his hospital bed in Belfast yesterday, he said he watched the sun set, believing he would not survive another night. The BBC's Ireland correspondent has been speaki...
19m May 05, 2017
19m
Woman in hospital 8 weeks because she can't get care package to go home
Elizabeth Canavan who is 59 has been in the mid-Ulster hospital for 8 weeks as the Northern Trust hasn't been able to find a care package for her at home. Elizabeth suffers from motor neurone disease and had a fall two months ago. She sustained four fractures in the fall. But she hasn't been able to go home as there is no care package available. Stephen spoke to Elizabeth's husband Pat.
11m May 04, 2017
11m
Online trolls - how far is too far when it comes to comments on social media?
Model and business woman Katie Price has launched an anti-bullying campaign and online petition calling for zero tolerance for trolls. She wants online abuse to be treated as a criminal offence and those caught to be registered offenders. It comes after her teenage son Harvey, who has a number of disabilities, was targeted. Stephen got the views of commentators Kate Smurthwaite and Niamh Horan.
11m May 04, 2017
11m
Should Belfast be designated a 'holiday resort' to allow shops to open longer on Sundays?
Should shops open longer on Sundays? A Belfast City Council public consultation into extended opening hours closes at the end of this week. Currently larger shops are only allowed to open for a maximum of five hours between 1pm and 6pm. If permission was granted, those larger shops could extend opening hours on 18 Sundays in a calendar year between March 1 and September 30 - except for Easter S...
6m May 04, 2017
6m
'Never in 40 years had a ticket' - 80 year old blue badge holder in long fight over parking ticket
Parking tickets are always a hot topic on this show. 80 year old Brian McMullan received one after parking in Belfast City centre. He had his blue badge displayed and he believed he was parked in an appropriate place. Our reporter Nicola Weir has been speaking to Brian to find out why, after over a year, he's still fighting the fine.
22m May 04, 2017
22m
Fresh calls for investigation into loyalist murders linked to collusion claims
The Pat Finucane Centre has called on the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee at Westminster to examine murders of people who were killed with guns shipped from South Africa. The call comes after the committee said victims of Libyan-sponsored terrorism had been let down by successive governments. The victims lobby group say this would be logical - if the committee want "a level playing fi...
24m May 04, 2017
24m
Belfast City Council backs plans to appoint Irish language officer - SDLP and callers react
Belfast councillors last night backed proposals for an Irish language officer. The move was opposed by unionists - and supported by SF, the SDLP, Alliance and People Before Profit. The DUP have called for the city's ratepayers to oppose the move in consultation. The party's councillor Graham Craig called the Alliance Party 'Sinn Fein's lapdog' on twitter. Sinn Fein said the DUP's actions show t...
17m May 03, 2017
17m
Children's charity calls on next Stormont Executive to make law change over smacking your child
'Everyone should be clear that physically disciplining a child is as wrong, as hitting an adult' - the words of the head of the NSPCC in NI - Neil Anderson. They are calling for the executive to make a law change 'a priority' for any new Executive. But what do you think - should smacking your child be made illegal? Stephen spoke to Neil and to writer and broadcaster Lynette Burrows.
29m May 03, 2017
29m
Belfast City Council backs plans to appoint Irish language officer - but unionists are not happy about it
Belfast councillors last night backed proposals for an Irish language officer. The move was opposed by unionists - and supported by SF, the SDLP, Alliance and People Before Profit. The DUP have called for the city's ratepayers to oppose the move in consultation. The party's councillor Graham Craig called the Alliance Party 'Sinn Fein's lapdog' on twitter. Sinn Fein said the DUP's actions show t...
29m May 03, 2017
29m
Calls for clampdown on drinking duty free booze on flights - good idea or plane crazy?
An airline industry body has called for a clampdown on drinking duty free alcohol on planes and say it should be made a criminal offence. Airlines UK, which represents the likes of BA and easyJet, says the move would reduce incidents of "air rage" fuelled by booze.Does this sound like a wise move - what do you think about the attitudes to alcohol at airports and on planes? Stephen got the views...
11m May 02, 2017
11m
.@StephenNolan is getting green fingered in his old age – he gets gardening advice from our new Nolan Show expert Gareth Austin
Stephen has found a real love for gardening at the minute. Although he was watering his pink roses yesterday and people on social media were telling him it was the wrong time of the day to be doing it. He spoke to gardener Gareth Austin to find out where he's been going wrong.
6m May 02, 2017
6m
New row involving Ashers bakery after it is alleged they refused order for engagement cake for gay couple
The Belfast bakery Ashers is in the headlines again. It comes as the company allegedly refused to make an engagement cake with a same-sex marriage slogan on it. The Sunday Life reported that Grainne McCann ordered and paid for a cake online for her friend Joe Palmer, who is to wed his partner Andy Wong. She requested the wording 'gay marriage rocks! Happy engagement, Andy and Joe! Lots of love ...
12m May 02, 2017
12m
Controversy as Sinn Fein leader Michelle O'Neill voices pride over IRA at republican commemoration
Michelle O'Neill has called on her political opponents to 'stop fighting a war that's over'. The Sinn Fein leader in Northern Ireland made the comments at an event commemorating the shooting of 8 IRA men in Loughgall 30 years ago. But do victims and political opponents of Sinn Fein not have a valid case for opposing the commemoration of IRA men? Or is it Michelle O'Neill right - is it time to a...
29m May 02, 2017
29m