Face time consultation - how would you feel about your doctor checking you out over the phone?
Have you tried getting a doctor's appointment recently? Northern Ireland has the lowest number of GPs per head of population in the UK - just 6.1 per 10,000 patients. And some practices are reporting up to a two-week wait to see a doctor of your choice. The NHS in England is revolutionising GP services in a bid to cut waiting times. As part of a £4.5 billion investment, it's starting recruiting...
18m Feb 01, 2019
18m
From top of the world to drink, drugs and prison - former champion @TerminatorMagee talks to @StephenNolan about life after the ring.
A different start to the programme today. No politics, instead a gripping story of the ups and downs of life - the life of local man and well known former boxer Eamonn Magee. This is the biggest book club in the country, which we do in conjunction with Libraries NI. You can get a copy of the books we feature at your local library - and they also have audio books available. This is the story of ...
36m Feb 01, 2019
36m
Mother of murdered toddler Jamie Bulger pleads with makers of a movie about his killers to pull the film from the Oscars
The mother of murdered toddler Jamie Bulger has asked a filmmaker to withdraw his film from the Oscars nomination pool. Denise Fergus spoke about Vincent Lambe's Oscar-nominated short film Detainment, which centres around the police interviews of James' killers, Robert Thompson and Jon Venables, who were both 10 years old at the time. Ms Fergus has penned an open letter to Mr Lambe, She says in...
7m Jan 31, 2019
7m
Eamonn Holmes "on a crusade" to revive This Is Your Life.
This Is Your Life. The series, previously presented by Eamonn Andrews and later by Michael Aspel, ended in 2003 after 48 years. But Eamonn Holmes has said he is "on a crusade" to resurrect it. Should it come back? Would it work in 2019 and more importantly would you watch it? Stephen got the views of commentators Heidi McAlpin and Showbiz columnist Kelly Allen.
10m Jan 31, 2019
10m
Another direct rule budget as Stormont stalemate rumbles on - how long can this go on?
The Secretary of State says she's working on another Stormont budget which will be set in Westminster. But Karen Bradley says that restoring the institutions is her "top priority". It will be the third budget to be set since the Assembly collapsed. In that time - Assembly members have been paid £10 million in wages and other contributions since powersharing collapsed. That's money you have paid...
26m Jan 31, 2019
26m
‘We cannot take that gamble’ – Sinn Fein’s Brexit spokesperson David Cullinane on a potential post-Brexit hard border #BBCNolan
Sinn Fein’s Brexit spokesperson David Cullinane discusses the draw backs of a potential Irish hard border post-Brexit LISTEN TO FULL PROGRAMME HERE https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00026qr
10m Jan 30, 2019
10m
‘What they have been doing is voting for a hard border, while saying they don’t want one.’ – Labour’s Lord Adonis on DUP’s #Brexit voting record #BBCNolan
Labour’s Lord Adoniscomments of the recent Westminster Brexit vote. LISTEN TO FULL PROGRAMME HERE https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00026qr
14m Jan 30, 2019
14m
‘It was a screeching U turn’ - Former MP George Galloway on May going back on her withdrawal agreement pledge #BBCNolan
Former MP George Galloway comments of the recent Westminster Brexit vote. LISTEN TO FULL PROGRAMME HERE https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00026qr
8m Jan 30, 2019
8m
Would you pay more for your steak? Experts are calling for red meat to be taxed to improve human health and to save the planet #BBCNolan
First it was sugary drinks - now experts are calling for red meat to be taxed. A report by The Lancet Commission on Obesity said a tax on red meat was an example of the urgent action needed to address the greatest threats "to human and planetary health" - obesity, under-nutrition and climate change. It has recommended treating the food product in a similar way to tobacco to get us to change our...
11m Jan 29, 2019
11m
Retail chiefs have warned of food shortages and crippling price rises in the chaos of a no-deal #Brexit
Leading retail bosses, including the chief executives of Sainsbury's, Asda and Marks & Spencer have written to the government warning of significant disruption to food supplies. They have also warned of an increase in grocery prices as nearly a third of food eaten is imported from the EU and would be subject to import tariffs if the UK exits without a trade deal in place LISTEN TO FULL PROGRAM...
9m Jan 29, 2019
9m
With just under two months to go before Brexit, MPs are to vote on what to do next. Will they try and axe the backstop? #BBCNolan
MPs are preparing to vote on amendments to Theresa May's Brexit deal that could shape the next stage of negotiations with the EU. Conservative MPs have been told by Theresa May to support a proposal for an alternative to the Irish backstop - the insurance policy against the return of a hard border. But it is not yet known which amendments will be chosen for a vote LISTEN TO FULL PROGRAMME HE...
8m Jan 29, 2019
8m
Tough man Charlie Lawson's most emotional radio interview to date, he describes breaking down about his recent mini stroke #BBCNolan
Actor Charlie Lawson is one of Northern Ireland's best loved actors. Playing Big Jim MacDonald in Coronation Street made him a household name throughout the UK. But last year Charlie had a major health shock. While performing on stage Charlie knew something was wrong when he suddenly had problems with his vision and hearing. He was playing Ian Rankin's Rebus in Edinburgh, and found out later th...
33m Jan 29, 2019
33m
Was the Beyond Brexit conference in Belfast a sign of a new confident and assertive nationalism? #BBCNolan
A newly confident and assertive nationalism. That's how the Beyond Brexit conference at the Waterfront on Saturday has been described. 1600 people attended the event which included figures from Irish politics, civic society and academia but controversially to some, no unionist politicians. Did you go? What did you make of it? And do you think nationalism is gaining momentum? LISTEN TO FULL PR...
15m Jan 28, 2019
15m
Shock revelation that a NI 12-year-old victim of sexual assault had to travel to England under police escort for an abortion #BBCNolan
MPs have been told that a 12-year-old victim of sexual assault in Northern Ireland had to travel to England under police escort for an abortion. That's the shocking revelation from Dawn Purvis, the former director of the Marie Stopes pregnancy advice service in Belfast. She was giving evidence to the Commons Women and Equalities Committee during its hearing on Northern Ireland's abortion law. M...
29m Jan 28, 2019
29m
Discount retailer slammed over "Gift of Nothing" - an empty, plastic, heart-shaped box.
Discount retailer Poundland has sparked controversy with it's "Gift of Nothing" - an empty, plastic, heart-shaped container. The tag line is "exactly what you asked for!" Environmentalists have slammed the £1 gift for it's use of "wasteful plastics" and another said, "It is a symbol of everything that is wrong with our view of the world." But Poundland have defended it as "a bit of fun". What w...
15m Jan 25, 2019
15m
Commentator Fionola Meredith takes a swipe at our social media addiction. She debates with @antsrantz
In her column in the Belfast Telegraph today Fionola Meredith has suggested that we are all guilty of spending too much time on our phones given the detrimental effect they have on our attention spans, sleeping habits and mental health. She also said that if you can't put your phone away while driving you shouldn't be on the road! Fionola joined Stephen this morning along with self confessed ph...
6m Jan 25, 2019
6m
Organisers of a major #Brexit conference in Belfast under fire for not inviting unionist politicians.
Organisers of a major Belfast conference on Brexit have come under fire for not inviting unionist politicians. The event at Belfast's Waterfront Hall has been organised by Ireland's Future - and will include figures from Irish politics, civic society and academia. But is it a mistake to exclude unionists? Stephen got the views of commentator Nelson McCausland, commentator Andree Murphy and Jane...
20m Jan 25, 2019
20m
Animal rights campaigners under fire after they barbecue a fake dog to promote veganism.
"If you wouldn't eat a dog, why eat a lamb? Go vegan!" The latest message from animal rights campaigners PETA. They sparked outrage in Sydney Australia for barbecuing a fake dog to promote veganism, at shopping centre. But is this the exact kind of hard hitting message we need to make us realise we are selective with what animals we eat? Or a simple and upsetting step too far? Stephen got the v...
24m Jan 25, 2019
24m
Would you be happy for your salary to be made public to reduce the gender pay gap?
Gender pay inequality has been an ongoing issue for sometime. This week the BBC was criticised by a group of MPs who published a new report claiming the broadcaster is refusing to admit it has a problem when it comes to equal pay. They say it has failed to learn lessons and faces a backlash from staff. The Money Savings Expert Martin Lewis yesterday asked if all our pay should be public? This w...
19m Jan 24, 2019
19m
Director of Féile an Phobail, Kevin Gamble, responds to a concerns raised over public funding for the event.
Director of Féile an Phobail, Kevin Gamble, responds to a concerns raised over public funding for the event.
23m Jan 24, 2019
23m
£200K of funding put on hold for Féile as Cllrs raise concerns about how money was awarded.
£200,000 of funding for the West Belfast festival has been put on hold after councillors raised concerns about how the money was awarded. Funding has also been put on hold for two other festivals. Féile an Phobail is one of the most successful and well established festivals in Northern Ireland. It's been going for 30 years and attracts some major names. But does it get too much funding? Or is i...
30m Jan 24, 2019
30m
TV star Gemma Collins accuses Dancing on Ice judges of body shaming.
There was outrage from some at comments from the 'Dancing on Ice' judge Jason Gardiner - aimed at contestant Gemma Collins at the weekend. Some called on him to apologise for what they described as 'body shaming'. But is it fair comment? Gemma Collins has put herself out there by signing up to the show and to be critiqued. But is this a step too far? Or should she suck it up? Stephen got the vi...
6m Jan 23, 2019
6m
Physically and mentally devastated after four dates for knee replacement op cancelled at last minute
A Magherafelt woman says she's physically and mentally devastated after getting five dates for a knee replacement operation - four of them cancelled at the last minute. Heather, who is 55 years old, is in constant pain and agreed to accept a cancellation date if one became available in order to get the operation done earlier. However, she says she had no idea that by doing this it would delay r...
9m Jan 23, 2019
9m
Hard border "obvious" outcome of a no-deal #Brexit warns EU chief
The European Commission's chief spokesman says it is "obvious" that there will be a hard border in Ireland in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Margaritis Schinas made the comments yesterday at the Commission's daily media briefing. The UK and Irish governments have both pledged to avoid a hard border. But how exactly are they going to make that happen in the event of a no-deal Brexit? Stephen got...
25m Jan 23, 2019
25m
Another referendum a threat to "social cohesion". That's what Theresa May said yesterday. Could that lead to civil unrest?
Was the Plan B announced by the Prime Minister yesterday really just Plan A repackaged? Was it even repackaged? She's focusing on selling a deal to the DUP and Tory Brexiteers by getting changes to the backstop. And a second referendum is out - Theresa May says it would threaten social cohesion. Is she right? Stephen got the views of commentators Brendan Mulgrew and Jamie Bryson.
25m Jan 22, 2019
25m
Make vacant buildings and grounds of Belfast City Hall available to rough sleepers - that's the call from a homeless charity here.
The head of a homeless charity in Northern Ireland has called for owners of vacant buildings to consider making them available for those sleeping rough during winter cold snaps. Tony McQuillan from Shelter NI says it would also be a good idea if the grounds of the City Hall could be transformed into a heated shelter during particularly cold weather. So what do you think? Should we be making mor...
31m Jan 22, 2019
31m
Big choices ahead for DUP leadership after PM's #Brexit plan rejected
Theresa May will return to the Commons this afternoon to explain her Plan B - just days after her original Withdrawal Agreement was rejected by MPs. And there are big choices ahead for the DUP leadership. At the weekend the Newsletter's political editor Sam McBride said that the DUP faces a choice between a hard or a soft Brexit. How does the party leadership feel about the momentous decision t...
10m Jan 21, 2019
10m
The fate of freight in a no-deal #Brexit - Seamus Leheny from @Freight_NI fires warning
The deadline has passed for lorry drivers to apply for licences to drive on the continent in the event of a no-deal Brexit. The haulage industry says only 1,200 annual permits were offered, but that 40,000 were needed. The Department for Transport insists it's working on contingency plans. Stephen spoke to Seamus Leheny from the Freight Transport Association in Northern Ireland.
13m Jan 21, 2019
13m
97yo Prince Philip spotted driving without a seatbelt 48 hours after car crash
The Duke of Edinburgh has been pictured behind the wheel again days after the 97 year old was involved in a collision near Sandringham estate when his Land Rover collided with a car at a crossroads. It has raised the issue of older drivers and should they be tested regularly to ensure they're safe to drive? Stephen got the views of commentator Lembit Opik and commentator Bill Jeffrey who is com...
11m Jan 21, 2019
11m
PSNI say people evacuated "just in time" moments before a car bomb exploded outside a courthouse in Derry/Londonderry
The PSNI say people were evacuated "just in time" moments before a car bomb exploded outside a courthouse in Londonderry at the weekend. It's believed police were just leaving the area when it went off. It's being linked to a group calling itself the 'new IRA' and four people have been arrested. Stephen spoke to PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton and got reaction from SDLP leader Colu...
21m Jan 21, 2019
21m
@DavidMeadeLive talks to @vinnybelfast about becoming a family man and difficult times in his youth.
Funnyman, TV presenter, teacher, mind reader and mentalist - David Meade talks to Vinny about becoming a family man and difficult times in his youth.
23m Jan 18, 2019
23m
'Fiver' birthday parties replace gifts with £5 - genius idea, or insulting?
A new trend in children's birthday parties has caused a bit of a stir on social media. A "fiver" party is where guests don't buy presents but put a £5 note in a card instead. A thread on Mumsnet was started by a mother who thought fiver parties were a good idea but felt uncomfortable to ask parents for cash instead of gifts. People responded with various views including some who thought fiver p...
8m Jan 18, 2019
8m
A momentous week in #Brexit politics - @endamcclafferty looks at where we are now and where we might go from here
A momentous week in #Brexit politics - BBC NI political correspondent Enda McClafferty looks at where we are now and where we might go from here
12m Jan 18, 2019
12m
Insurance warning for NI drivers in Republic in the event of no-deal #Brexit
Do you let the train take the strain on a trip to Dublin? Hassle-free, isn't it? Not after Brexit, perhaps. The boss of Irish Rail says the company is planning for possible passport checks on board if we leave the EU without a deal. And you may need to carry documents if you're driving across the border. The Association of British Insurers says motorists who don't carry a Green Card from their ...
25m Jan 18, 2019
25m
NI Audit Office report finds benefit claimants here have not yet felt the full impact of welfare reforms
More low income families in Northern Ireland could be driven to foodbanks when the full impact of welfare reforms kick in here. The Audit Office says benefit claimants here have been protected from severe hardship because of a special fund worth half a billion pounds put in place by Stormont to cushion the effects of cuts. But it's due to run out in a year's time - and there are no plans to rep...
25m Jan 17, 2019
25m
Jersey politicians have voted to outlaw smacking. Should we follow suit?
Jersey politicians have voted to outlaw smacking children. As they join over 53 other countries, including the Republic of Ireland, to have outlawed the practice - should we follow suit? Vinny got the views of commentators Simon Warr and Tina Calder, and NI Commissioner for Children and Young People Koulla Yiasouma.
15m Jan 17, 2019
15m
PM saved in a vote of no confidence by the DUP - but #Brexit deadlock as May and Corbyn set red lines
Saved by the DUP. Theresa May survived a motion of no confidence in the government last night. The Prime Minister would have been defeated without the help of her confidence and supply partners. After the Commons vote Mrs May said she now wants to work on a cross-party basis in order to see Brexit through. The Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said that ministers must first rule out no deal. So this ...
23m Jan 17, 2019
23m
UUP put forward a plan to get around #Brexit border question - they're calling for a common travel area for goods
UUP put forward a plan to get around #Brexit border question - they're calling for a common travel area for goods . Party leader Robin Swann sets out how it would work.
5m Jan 17, 2019
5m
Where does #Brexit - and Theresa May go from here?
Where does #Brexit - and Theresa May go from here? Listen back to the journey the UK has taken to get to where we are today.
7m Jan 16, 2019
7m
PM's #Brexit deal plans shot down by MPs in huge defeat for the government.
PM's #Brexit deal plans shot down by MPs in huge defeat for the government.  What happens next? Vinny gets the views of Allison Morris from the Irish News and Sam McBride from the Newsletter.
6m Jan 16, 2019
6m
What now for business in NI after the massive rejection of Theresa May's #Brexit plans last night?
What now for business in NI after the massive rejection of Theresa May's #Brexit plans last night? Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen and Aodhán Connolly from Northern Ireland Retail Consortium discuss.
10m Jan 16, 2019
10m
Humiliation for PM as #Brexit withdrawal deal vote sees huge defeat
Humiliation for PM as #Brexit withdrawal deal vote sees huge defeat. Conservative MP Mark Francois and SDLP MLA Claire Hanna discuss.
10m Jan 16, 2019
10m
A crushing humiliation for theresa may as the government falls to a huge defeat in last night's Brexit vote.
The biggest defeat for any Prime Minister in the history of Westminster. Where does Brexit and Theresa May go from here? Parliament and the country deeply divided. The UK on the brink of crashing out of Europe with no deal. And the Government facing a vote of no confidence. Vinny got reaction from TUV MLA Jim Allister, Alliance MLA Stephen Farry and Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy.
24m Jan 16, 2019
24m
Countdown to the big #Brexit withdrawal deal vote - is a heavy defeat inevitable tonight?
So MPs are set to vote tonight on whether to back Theresa May's deal for leaving the European Union. The Prime Minister is widely expected to lose the so-called "Meaningful Vote" in parliament. Vinny got the views of DUP MLA Jim Wells and Alliance MLA Stephen Farry.
11m Jan 15, 2019
11m
The ethics of gene editing - is it a medical revolution? Or could it be a step towards designer babies?
Back in November, a Chinese scientist announced that he had helped create the first ever gene edited humans. Gene editing has the potential to remove debilitating diseases caused by a single faulty gene. There are more than 10,000 such disorders including hemophilia and cystic fibrosis as well as serious later-onset conditions such as inherited breast cancer. This type of gene editing can perma...
13m Jan 15, 2019
13m
Are dating apps turning us into narcissists?
What are dating apps doing to our mental health? According to one professor, they bring out behaviours which psychotherapists would have historically regarded as "slightly pathological and narcissistic." Psychotherapist Denise Dunne was talking to BBC online's Like Minds. So - are dating apps turning us into narcissists? Are they making us display pathological behaviours? Or is it all just a bi...
10m Jan 15, 2019
10m
Is it the end of the road for Theresa May? The PM faces a crushing defeat in the withdrawal agreement meaningful vote tonight.
The Cabinet is gathering in 10 Downing Street for its regular Tuesday meeting. But there's nothing regular about today at Westminster. The scene is set for a vote that could define the future of the UK - and the future of the Prime Minister. MPs will vote tonight on the deal struck by Theresa May setting out the terms of Britain's departure from the European Union. Many - including some Tory MP...
17m Jan 15, 2019
17m
A woman suffering from Crohn's disease forced to sit in a chair for 29 hours in the Royal's A&E Department
A woman suffering from Crohn’s disease was forced to sit in a chair for 29 hours in the Royal's A&E Department because of a shortage of beds and trolleys. 57 year old Yvonne Henry has battled the bowel disorder for most of her life and at the weekend took ill with a severe bout of the condition. After being sent to A&E by her doctor, Yvonne had a lengthy and very uncomfortable wait - as her dau...
15m Jan 15, 2019
15m
Scrap sentences of less than 6 months - that's the call from prisons minister Rory Stewart.
The Ministry of Justice in England and Wales is considering banning jail sentence of less than 6 months. Ministers argue such sentences are less effective at tackling reoffending than community sentences. Prisons minister Rory Stewart told the Daily Telegraph that such sentences were "long enough to damage you and not long enough to heal you." In Scotland, a presumption against prison sentences...
10m Jan 14, 2019
10m
Tragedy on the Mournes as two men die in separate falls.
Two men died in separate incidents on the Mourne Mountains yesterday in conditions described as treacherous. The police and other emergency services were called but both men were pronounced dead at the scene. Vinny spoke to Joe McKnight from the Mourne Rambling Club, who was walking in the Mournes yesterday.
5m Jan 14, 2019
5m