UUP MLA @AndyAllen88 blasts PIP benefit assessments process
"It's an absolute farce. The PIP process is deeply flawed. It's inhumane and lacks empathy" - UUP MLA Andy Allen blasts PIP benefit assessments process
3m Nov 27, 2018
3m
Commentator @eamonderry hits out at PIP assessments saying it is an attempt to "undermine the welfare state"
"The policy of the government is to create a sense of fear and shame in people." Commentator Eamonn McCann hits out at PIP assessments saying it is an attempt to "undermine the welfare state."
5m Nov 27, 2018
5m
The PIP disability payment controversy continues - caller Gerard tells us about his PIP benefit experience
There is a man at the top of the Civil Service this morning - close to the very top - his name is Leo O'Reilly. He is a permanent secretary. What is he doing with his power to protect the most vulnerable people in our society? Another day another damming story of Personal Independent Payment assessments. Yesterday we heard from John McMullan, his son Declan has locked in syndrome, despite being...
23m Nov 27, 2018
23m
PIP assessments fail again
Another week another damming story of Personal Independent Payment assessments. Declan Mullan from Crossgar who has locked in syndrome, leaving him unable to move, talk, see or eat was not in receipt of full marks during his assessment
24m Nov 26, 2018
24m
Should we be buying Christmas presents for teachers?
Should we be buying Christmas presents for teachers? A Scottish parents’ group is says the practice should end. But are they right?
7m Nov 26, 2018
7m
The DUP is "deeply sorry" for how it handled NI's botched green energy scheme.
But is it too little too late? Arlene Foster apologised for the RHI scandal at her party's conference at the weekend
46m Nov 26, 2018
46m
Should people be allowed to vape in the work place? That's the call from some MPs
A group of MPs has called on employers to provide designated indoor vaping areas for staff. And the All Party Working Group on Vaping also wants to see areas inside public buildings set aside for the use of e-cigarettes. The chair of the group, MP Mark Pawsey, says despite the government and public health groups being clear that vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking, vapers still face huge ba...
6m Nov 23, 2018
6m
NI business leaders give Theresa May spontaneous applause as they meet about her #Brexit deal
Yesterday Northern Ireland business leaders and representatives of several major employers met the Prime Minister in Downing Street. After the talks Theresa May thanked them for supporting her Brexit deal. In a statement afterwards, the Prime Minister said their voices were "incredibly important". Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts was there - he spoke to Stephen and we got the views of for...
16m Nov 23, 2018
16m
Local families fear dream Christmas trip to Lapland will be ruined as there is no snow forecast
With Christmas just around the some families have opted to visit Santa in Lapland. But those expecting a magical winter experience may be set for disappointment as there is currently no sign of Snow. Raymond contacted us about this - he spoke to Stephen and we got reaction from travel journalist Simon Calder.
8m Nov 23, 2018
8m
"Have yourself a Derry little Christmas" - city removes billboard campaign after unionist politicians complain it is not inclusive
A billboard poster marketing Christmas shopping in Derry/Londonderry has been removed after unionist politicians complained it was not inclusive. Derry City and Strabane District Council erected the poster in the city's Waterside with the marketing slogan "Have yourself a Derry little Christmas." It has now been removed after the councillors' complaints. Unionists say the message didn't enter i...
28m Nov 23, 2018
28m
BBC NI holding series of lunchtime conversations to mark Book Week 2018
The BBC in Belfast is hosting a series of lunchtime conversations to mark Book Week 2018 which you can be part of. If you're interested in poetry and books and libraries and how the stories we read in childhood can provide a lifetime of memories then it's your chance to question some of our very special guests. Tara Mills will be hosting one of these very popular events tomorrow - and she'll be...
6m Nov 22, 2018
6m
It's #BlackFriday tomorrow! Are you hitting the shops for a retail splurge? And are those bargains as good as they sound?
Planning to hit the shops this week for a retail splurge? Black Friday is no longer just a single day - some retailers have been discounting goods for the past week or so. But are those bargains all they're cracked up to be? The consumer experts at Which checked prices of items on sale during last year's Black Friday and found that many of the goods were actually cheaper at other times of the y...
18m Nov 22, 2018
18m
Is PM's #Brexit deal good for NI? Business owner Mark and former UKIP NI leader David McNarry clash
Is PM's #Brexit deal good for NI? Business owner Mark and former UKIP NI leader David McNarry clash
6m Nov 22, 2018
6m
NI business leaders head to London to meet PM to discuss draft #Brexit deal.
Northern Ireland business leaders and representatives of several major employers are to meet the Prime Minister in Downing Street later today. The move is seen as a show of support for Theresa May's Brexit deal and the talks are expected to be attended by about 40 individuals, including leaders of business groups and bosses of individual companies. Stephen got the views of Colin Neill from Hosp...
6m Nov 22, 2018
6m
Davy Thompson from the Unite union on Bombardier job losses - he also says Union "absolutely opposed" to May's #Brexit deal
"We need a government in NI that can actually deal with the special needs of NI" - Davy Thompson from the Unite union on Bombardier job losses - he also says Union "absolutely opposed" to May's #Brexit deal
4m Nov 22, 2018
4m
"It is a shock." - @Chris_Lyttle on news of almost 500 jobs lost at Bombardier
It has been announced that almost 500 jobs will be lost at Bombardier in Northern Ireland. The Canadian aircraft manufacturer employs around 4,000 people across several locations here. The company said it needs to cut costs and improve efficiency to help ensure its long-term competitiveness. Have you been affected? What will the impact be on you and the greater Belfast area? Stephen spoke to Al...
3m Nov 22, 2018
3m
Over 75s could lose their free TV licence should the BBC foot the bill?
The BBC has announced a consultation on licence fee for those over 75. Currently the licence is free and the cost is covered by the government but that will stop in 2020. Some options being considered is increasing the age to 80, a discounted fee or means testing. Should those over 75 be entitled to a free TV licence? Commentators Phil Kelly and Lembit Opik debate.
14m Nov 21, 2018
14m
Dept of Communities asking people with terminal cancer to sign a form saying they've 6 months to live.
A recommendation to stop making people with terminal cancer sign a form stating they have six months to live or risk losing their benefits has been rejected by the Department of Communities. The proposal was made in an independent review of the Personal Independence Payment Assessment Process, which was part of a major overhaul of the benefits system. But officials at Stormont say it would be "...
14m Nov 21, 2018
14m
Another independent review recommendation into PIP rejected by Dept of Communities - this time about enhanced training for assessors.
The Department of Communities has rejected another recommendation from the independent review into PIP. It suggested that there should be enhanced training for assessors. Today you'll hear Aisling's story. Her 16 year old son Pearse is severely disabled and Aisling is his full time carer. Pearse requires 24hr care. He has cerebral palsy, a learning disability, he takes seizures, he can't walk, ...
40m Nov 21, 2018
40m
Irish country legend Daniel O'Donnell talks to Stephen about a career spanning decades, #Brexit, religion and loss of his mother
His recording career has spanned over 35 years and is still going strong. This year he performed for the Pope and he is currently in the middle on an American residency in Branson, Missouri. Stephen spoke to Irish country music legend Daniel O'Donnell.
25m Nov 20, 2018
25m
Should we scrap the traditional 9-5 working day? Sleep science expert thinks it is the smart move
Should we look to scrap the traditional 9 to 5 working day as it may be better for our health? Dr Paul Kelley, a researcher in sleep science, wants office workers to start work later as he believes that workers who ignore their natural body clock and sleep pattern may be harming their health. He says bosses who want healthy and happy employees should delay start times so staff can work in their...
7m Nov 20, 2018
7m
"There is a solution to averting #Brexit chaos. Give Northern Ireland a referendum on the backstop now." - Malachi O'Doherty
The commentator and writer Malachi O'Doherty has suggested there should be a referendum in Northern Ireland on the backstop element of Theresa May's Brexit deal. Last night the DUP warned Theresa May to "keep her side of the bargain" on Brexit after the party's MPs withheld their support in votes on Budget measures. And earlier yesterday the head of the civil service here David Sterling reitera...
39m Nov 20, 2018
39m
Nolan exclusive - Chief Constable to appeal £30 million holiday pay case brought by nearly 4000 police officers and civilian support staff
The Nolan Show has learned that the Chief Constable has lodged an appeal against a tribunal judgement that could land the PSNI with a thirty million pound bill for backdated holiday pay. Earlier this month, a judge ruled that up to 3,700 officers and civilian staff were owed money as their holiday pay had been based on basic working hours, not the actual hours worked including overtime. Judge K...
8m Nov 20, 2018
8m
A Christmas wish - councillors and traders call for Belfast bus lanes to be relaxed for festive Saturday shoppers
Only 35 more days left until Christmas and that means you'll have to get used to sitting in traffic jams as shoppers flock to Belfast for a festive bargain. So is it time to open up the bus lanes to cars in the run up to the big day? Would that not make sense to keep the traffic flowing? Councillors and traders in Belfast have called for the rules to be relaxed on Saturdays over the next six we...
7m Nov 19, 2018
7m
New documentary tonight on BBC One at 9pm tells the story of the Maguire Seven
A new documentary airing tonight on BBC One at 9pm reveals a family's devastation and lasting trauma after they were wrongfully convicted and imprisoned. The Maguire Seven: 'A great British Injustice' - looks at the story of the Maguire family, who were blamed for the IRA Guildford and Woolwich pub bombings in 1974. All seven had their convictions quashed in 1991. Annie Maguire was born in Belf...
11m Nov 19, 2018
11m
Equality Commission says they will contact Belfast city council over Britain's Got Talent poster ban
Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission Michael Wardlow says he will contact Belfast city council over Britain's Got Talent poster ban.
5m Nov 19, 2018
5m
Another flag row at Belfast City Council - this time a poster for a Britain's Got Talent event is banned because it features a union flag.
Belfast City Council removed posters for Britain's Got Talent auditions on their premises because they contained an image of the Union flag. An email from a council employee told colleagues that the poster may contravene the Council's Good and Harmonious policy. This story was first highlighted by Jamie Bryson - he and callers spoke to Stephen.
30m Nov 19, 2018
30m
"Bit of a fuss about nothing" - @GeorgeWParker on NI position in UK with PM's draft #Brexit deal
"Bit of a fuss about nothing" - Political Editor of the Financial Times George Parker on NI position in UK with PM's draft #Brexit deal
3m Nov 16, 2018
3m
"The DUP feel betrayed - personally betrayed and politically betrayed - that's hugely embarrassing for them" - Alex Kane
"The DUP feel betrayed - personally betrayed and politically betrayed - that's hugely embarrassing for them" - political commentator Alex Kane
5m Nov 16, 2018
5m
"The union is totally safe and is certainly not under threat" - Conservative MP Simon Hoare
"The union is totally safe and is certainly not under threat" - Conservative MP Simon Hoare
7m Nov 16, 2018
7m
"The DUP has played the last 10 days extremely well - we've been measured, we've been consistent, we've been very clear" - @Jim_Wells_MLA on PM's draft #Brexit deal
"The DUP has played the last 10 days extremely well - we've been measured, we've been consistent, we've been very clear" - DP MLA Jim Wells on PM's draft #Brexit deal
25m Nov 16, 2018
25m
"This is an opportunity for Northern Ireland" - @tinamckenz on PM's draft #Brexit deal
"This is an opportunity for Northern Ireland" - Tina McKenzie NI Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Business NI
8m Nov 16, 2018
8m
"We would ask the DUP to consider voting for this deal" - Wesley Aston Chief Executive of the Ulster Farmers Union
"We would ask the DUP to consider voting for this deal" - Wesley Aston Chief Executive of the Ulster Farmers Union
3m Nov 16, 2018
3m
"A disaster for unionism - a complete triumph for Dublin" - @BenLowry2 on PM's proposed #Brexit deal
"A disaster for unionism - a complete triumph for Dublin" - Newsletter deputy editor Ben Lowry on PM's proposed #Brexit deal
24m Nov 15, 2018
24m
"This is the least painful Brexit from a business perspective that could possibly have been arranged" - @NewtonEmerson
"This is the least painful Brexit from a business perspective that could possibly have been arranged" - Newton Emerson
4m Nov 15, 2018
4m
PM's proposed #Brexit deal - Anna Soubry MP and Andrew Pierce discuss
PM's proposed #Brexit deal - Anna Soubry MP and Andrew Pierce discuss
6m Nov 15, 2018
6m
"They have been completely blindsided by what was coming down the track here" - @RobinSwannUUP hits out at DUP after PM's #Brexit deal
"They have been completely blindsided by what was coming down the track here" - UUP leader Robin Swann hits out at DUP after PM's #Brexit deal
17m Nov 15, 2018
17m
"Disastrous for Northern Ireland in all its forms" - @JimAllister on PM's proposed #Brexit deal
"Disastrous for Northern Ireland in all its forms" - TUV leader Jim Allister on PM's proposed #Brexit deal
5m Nov 15, 2018
5m
The deal is done but how long will it survive? What's in it and is it good or bad for Northern Ireland?
So the deal is done but how long will it survive? Yesterday Theresa May took 5 hours to persuade her cabinet to back her Brexit withdrawal agreement with the EU. Although several ministers are understood to have spoken against it. But now the backlash has started. From Tory arch Brexiteers to Mrs May confidence and supply partners in the DUP. Sammy Wilson has described the agreement as "A poor ...
16m Nov 15, 2018
16m
@JamieBrysonCPNI claims PM @Theresa_May's proposed #Brexit deal could bring "a grassroots unionist reaction that would dwarf the anger of the flag protests and Drumcree".
Jamie Bryson claims PM Theresa May's proposed #Brexit deal could bring "a grassroots unionist reaction that would dwarf the anger of the flag protests and Drumcree".  He discusses with commentator Tom Kelly.
10m Nov 14, 2018
10m
Is PM @Theresa_May's proposed #Brexit deal better than no deal? @newbelfast reacts
Is PM Theresa May's proposed #Brexit deal better than no deal? Máirtín Ó Muilleoir reacts
9m Nov 14, 2018
9m
"Anybody who listens to Jacob Rees-Mogg and thinks he cares one jot about this place is mistaken" - Colum Eastwood
"Anybody who listens to Jacob Rees-Mogg and thinks he cares one jot about this place is mistaken" - SDLP leader Colum Eastwood
10m Nov 14, 2018
10m
Is PM's proposed #Brexit deal better than no deal? What is best for NI?
Is PM's proposed Brexit deal better than no deal? What is best for NI? Commentators Alex Kane and Chris Donnelly discuss.
9m Nov 14, 2018
9m
PM @Theresa_May proposes a #Brexit deal blasted as a "humiliation" by DUP
So a draft deal has been done. Now Theresa May will try to win colleagues' support for the agreement between the UK and EU as she faces at a crunch cabinet meeting this afternoon. Senior ministers will gather in Downing Street at 2pm amid calls to reject the deal from both senior Brexiteers and some Remain supporters. Sammy Wilson has tweeted his total opposition to the agreement this morning s...
27m Nov 14, 2018
27m
Should a woman born in NI, who identifies as Irish, have to go through UK immigration procedures so her American husband can live here?
Emma de Souza was born in county Derry in Northern Ireland. She married a man from America but doesn't want to go through UK immigration procedures so he can live here. That's because she says she identifies solely as Irish and holds only an Irish passport. that's led to a three year legal battle with the UK Home Office. Emma now claims that there are an alarming number of Home Office decisions...
30m Nov 13, 2018
30m
A #NolanByrneLive #Brexit special
Did you watch Byrne Nolan live last night? It got very fiesty at times. If you didn't see it the programme was the Nolan Live TV show broadcast simultaneously north and south with RTE's Claire Byrne Live programme. Last week we polled over a thousand people in the Republic of Ireland and over a thousand people in Northern Ireland for their opinions on BREXIT. We asked the following question - "...
24m Nov 13, 2018
24m
SDLP MLA Claire Hanna accuses Jeremy Corbyn of a crushing failure of leadership after the Labour leader says Brexit can't be stopped
"Crushing failure of leadership from Jeremy Corbyn. Brexit can be stopped, should be, and would be if he wasn't so vacuous and indulged by so many otherwise reasonable people. " That's the verdict from SDLP MLA Calire Hanna after the Labour leader told a German newspaper that Brexit can't be stopped. This comes as four Stormont parties, which campaigned to remain in the EU, including the SDLP...
41m Nov 12, 2018
41m
Children’s parties – a health time bomb?
Children are facing a health time-bomb because of the amount of sugar that they eat at birthday parties according to new research. It shows that kids can consume up to 12 times their daily allowance at just one party. Commentator Lata Sharma and journalist Niamh Horan discuss with Stephen.
6m Nov 12, 2018
6m
BBC presenter says the corporation should change the name of its Drivetime show 'because it celebrates a form of transport that kills 1,700 people a year'
The BBC should change the name of its Drivetime show because it celebrates a form of transport that kills 1,700 people a year. That's the call from presenter Jeremy Vine who said the show needed a new name "for post-car Britain" adding that "our addiction to the motor vehicle has made our cities traffic sewers; made us asthmatic, fat and angry; and made our planet suffer”
19m Nov 12, 2018
19m
2.7 million parents in the UK are currently living with so-called 'boomerang kids'
2.7 million parents in the UK are currently living with so-called 'boomerang kids' - grown up children who flew the nest only to come back later, and the research found only 41% of these boomerang children are charged any rent. So are these kids free loaders who are taking advantage of mum and dad's kindness, or are they victims of austerity and a rise in rent and house prices?
6m Nov 09, 2018
6m