Teachers union tells @vinnybelfast of fears after EA identify 27 schools which may close or merge
Bad news for some schools this morning. The Education Authority has identified 27 which may close or merge due to sustainability issues. Other schools may increase in size. It's all part of their second annual area plan which has been released this morning. Justin McCamphill is from the teaching union - NASUWT
6m Apr 11, 2018
6m
A Nolan Exclusive: former FM and DUP leader Peter Robinson says he did not promise Jim Wells that he would return as Health Minister
An exclusive story surrounding DUP MLA Jim Wells who this week said he expects the party to take disciplinary action against him after he broke ranks in a shock move to launch a strong attack on the leadership. On Monday he spoke first to the Belfast Telegraph and then to the BBC to claim he was betrayed by the party went back on a promise to re-appoint him as health minister after he resigned ...
10m Apr 11, 2018
10m
Good Friday Agreement 20 years on - has it been a success? Would you vote the same way today? @ClaireHanna, @JohnStewart1983, @DavidFordMLA and @JamieBrysonCPNI discuss #GFA20
Twenty years ago today the Good Friday Agreement was signed and 30 years of the Troubles effectively came to an end. Many people, in fact over 70%, of those who voted, backed the deal, and were hopeful of what was to come. Others, of course, were angry with the agreement and have challenged it ever since. But what we have seen, and what no-one can deny, is relative peace for the last two decade...
24m Apr 10, 2018
24m
Loyalist paramilitary organisations - UVF, UDA and Red Hand Commando - announce full support for rule of law. @ChiefConPSNI joins @StephenNolan in studio
Northern Ireland's three loyalist paramilitary organisations - the UVF, UDA and Red Hand Commando - held a press conference yesterday to announce they fully support the rule of law. Three former protestant church leaders shared the platform to support and deliver the announcement, including Archbishop Alan Harper the former Church of Ireland primate. UDA leader, Jackie McDonald said later that ...
34m Apr 10, 2018
34m
Two men jailed for selling Kodi-type TV boxes - do some people see illegal streaming as a victimless crime?
Two men have been jailed for four and a half years each, for selling hundreds of "Kodi-type" illegal streaming devices. The men were found guilty of 'conspiracy to defraud' and were sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court in England. Some of these 'Kodi-type' boxes allow you to stream movies, football matches or other sporting events - without a subscription. Do people who have these boxes in their ...
5m Apr 09, 2018
5m
Should more be done to stop people smoking outside hospitals? Caller Katrina kicked off a big debate on #BBCNolan
It's a long standing gripe - smoking outside the entrance of hospitals. Many - including patients - right under signs warning 'no smoking'. Well one Nolan listener is fuming about the issue - and after a recent visit to Antrim Area Hospital for treatment for brittle asthma put pen to paper to give off about having to walk through a cloud of smoke. Stephen spoke to Katrina earlier about her expe...
24m Apr 09, 2018
24m
Gerry Adams sparks outrage from unionists and victims by justifying IRA killings - @mikenesbittni, @StephenFarryMLA and @Jude42 react
"It's still my view that the use of armed actions in the given circumstances is a legitimate response." Controversial comments by Gerry Adams in an interview with the German magazine Der Spiegel. The former Sinn Fein president has been criticised by unionists who say his remarks justify the use of violence and could encourage so-called dissidents. Sinn Fein MLA Chris Hazzard hit back on twitter...
44m Apr 09, 2018
44m
#SugarTax on sugary drinks comes into force today. Will it really tackle obesity? #BBCNolan
From today the sugar tax comes in to force on some fizzy drinks. Depending on how much sugar is added to the drink, there'll be a levy of up to twenty four pence a litre. This is the equivalent of 6p on a standard can of Fanta or Sprite, or 8p on a can of Coca-Cola, Pepsi, or Irn Bru. A number of drink manufacturers have already changed their products to avoid the tax - including drinks like ...
15m Apr 06, 2018
15m
Thousands of most vulnerable people in Northern Ireland have been underpaid up to £3k in benefits following government blunder #BBCNolan
Mistakes in paying sickness benefits are likely to have affected more than 8,000 claimants in Northern Ireland, a Stormont department has said. The figure was revealed after a query from SDLP MLA Nichola Mallon, who said those affected have been underpaid by an average of about £3,000 each.
4m Apr 06, 2018
4m
Would you leave the country if there was a United Ireland? #BBCNolan callers react to Alrene Foster’s comments
DUP leader Arlene Foster has said that she might leave the country in the event of a United Ireland. The former First Minister was speaking on Patrick Kielty's Documentary 'My Dad, the Peace Deal and Me' aired on BBC One on Wednesday. Are you surprised by these comments? Does the positioning of the border change where you consider home? Is it a decision that you would make yourself?
18m Apr 06, 2018
18m
DUP leader Arlene Foster says she might leave the country if there was ever a United Ireland #BBCNolan
DUP leader Arlene Foster has said that she might leave the country in the event of a United Ireland. The former First Minister was speaking on Patrick Kielty's Documentary 'My Dad, the Peace Deal and Me' aired on BBC One on Wednesday. Are you surprised by these comments? Does the positioning of the border change where you consider home? Is it a decision that you would make yourself?
27m Apr 06, 2018
27m
More than half of young people in NI have experienced a mental health problem according to Prince’s Trust report #BBCNolan
Nearly half of young people in Northern Ireland have experienced a mental health problem according to new research by the Prince's Trust. It shows that Young people fear for their emotional health more than ever before, as worries about the future, money and generally 'not being good enough' pile up on their generation.
11m Apr 05, 2018
11m
Police are investigating after anti-Islamic leaflets were put through the letterboxes of homes in South Belfast #BBCNolan
Police are investigating after anti-Islamic leaflets  were put through the letterboxes of homes in South Belfast. The pamphlet from a group calling itself Generation Sparta calls upon followers to resist what it calls 'islamisation'. The PSNI are treating the incident as a hate crime .
6m Apr 05, 2018
6m
Critics say a zero tolerance approach to bad behaviour in our schools is cruel. How should teachers discipline unruly children? #BBCNolan
A Zero tolerance approach to bad behaviour in schools - is an "abuse" of children's rights, a "key cause" for mental health problems AND cruel. That is from a report in the Independent from the NUT section of the National Education Union, and their annual conference.
12m Apr 05, 2018
12m
#BBCNolan reporter @NWeir 'meats' NI’s awarding winning world class butchers
It's official.... Our butchers are the best in the world! Team Ireland took home the top prize at the 2018 World Butchers' Challenge cutting countries like Australia, France, New Zealand and the USA down to size with their butchery skills.
5m Apr 05, 2018
5m
Is it time to axe City of Derry Airport? One Conservative councillor has described it as ‘A colossal waste of money’ #BBCNolan
A colossal waste of money. That's one Conservative councillor's verdict on City of Derry Airport. And David Harding wants it closed and the money poured into upgrading the roads from the North West to the two Belfast airports. Airports which are only 20 miles apart! So, is Northern Ireland too small for three airports?
36m Apr 05, 2018
36m
Dog friendly bars, restaurants and cafes everywhere - so why not cinemas? Caller Janeet wants to bring her pooch Perry to a pet-friendly screening of new movie 'Isle of Dogs'
New movie 'Isle of Dogs' is proving a hit after its release on Friday. Many cinemas across the UK and Ireland have been hosting pet-friendly screenings. But what about Northern Ireland? Well Janeet has got in touch with us. She wanted to bring her pooch 'Perry' to a pet-friendly screening, but has been disappointed to find there are none here... There are dog friendly bars, restaurants and cafe...
3m Apr 04, 2018
3m
Litter fines in England have almost doubled to £150 - should we follow suit? Commentators @NewtonEmerson and Fionola Meredith discuss
People caught littering in England now face on-the-spot fines of up to £150. The penalty, which came into force across England over the weekend, is almost double the previous amount of £80. Here in Northern Ireland anyone caught littering faces a £80 reduced to £60 if paid within 10 days. But should we consider increasing fines to stop the litter louts? Vinny got the views of commentators Fiono...
6m Apr 04, 2018
6m
DUP MLA retweets message calling London Mayor Sadiq Khan 'the enemy within' - @mikenesbittni reacts
The DUP are facing criticism again following another party member's social media activity. MLA Maurice Bradley had retweeted a message which called London mayor Sadiq Khan 'the enemy within'. This comes just days after Ian Paisley apologised over a retweet of columnist Katie Hopkins. Vinny got reaction from UUP MLA Mike Nesbitt.
7m Apr 04, 2018
7m
18 people dead and hundreds more injured in border protest - just what is happening in Gaza? Former Mossad chief Danny Yatom and @benabyad debate
Just what is happening in Gaza? On Friday, 18 people died and hundreds more were injured after Israeli forces fired on what they claimed were rioters and insurgents. As always, in that region, there many different accounts as to what constitutes truth. Vinny spoke to Danny Yatom, a former director of Mossad, Israel's National Intelligence Agency, and he also served as a military advisor to the ...
13m Apr 04, 2018
13m
Possible SDLP / Fianna Fáil merger? @Jude42 and @brendanbelfast discuss
The Belfast Telegraph are reporting today that there could be a possible SDLP merger with Fianna Fáil. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has refused to rule out "a realignment in Irish politics" that would see his party standing aside and Fianna Fáil organising in Northern Ireland. Senior SDLP sources told the Belfast Telegraph that around 80% of the party supported it "leaving the stage" to make way ...
16m Apr 04, 2018
16m
'My Da, the Peace Deal And Me' - 30 years on @PatricKielty reflects on the murder of his father in BBC One documentary, tonight 9pm
Patrick Kielty has enjoyed a long career in TV, radio and stand up comedy making his name with routines that met the violence and sectarianism of the Troubles head on. Paddy's father Jack, was murdered by loyalist paramilitaries in 1988 when he was just 16. Now, twenty years after the Good Friday Agreement, Paddy has returned to this subject with a documentary "My Da, the Peace Deal And Me" whi...
21m Apr 04, 2018
21m
Sir Harry Gregg? Campaigners are pushing for the Man United legend to be knighted #BBCNolan
Campaigners are pushing for former Manchester United goalkeeper and 'hero' of the Munich air disaster Harry Gregg to be given a knighthood. Gregg, now 85, and Sir Bobby Charlton are the only surviving members of the 'Busby Babes' caught up in the disaster.
9m Apr 03, 2018
9m
Why should any anthem be played before a football match? @markjmcintosh and @KeithJBailie discuss
National anthems - should they have a place in football? Sun journalist Mark McIntosh has raised the issue ahead of the Irish Cup final when Cliftonville will take on Coleraine next month. The show piece final being held at Windsor Park on May 5th would traditionally start with the national anthem but should it if a vast majority of a clubs support comes from a nationalist background? And shoul...
6m Apr 03, 2018
6m
Petrol bombs and stones thrown at police vehicles during illegal republican parade in Derry
Petrol bombs and stones have been thrown at police vehicles during an illegal dissident republican parade in Derry. About 200 people attended the Easter Rising 1916 commemoration parade in the Creggan estate yesterday. Vinny spoke to journalist Leona O'Neill who witnessed events
9m Apr 03, 2018
9m
That Good Friday booze ban - did you know it doesn't apply at Stormont?
Much has been said about Good Friday booze legislation in Northern Ireland. Current restrictions mean that alcohol can only be sold from 5pm - 11pm on Good Friday. But guess what... it seems that doesn't apply at Stormont. Vinny spoke to Barbara, she was in Stormont Parliament Buildings on Friday afternoon for lunch - and was pleasantly surprised when she learned that her and her friends could ...
15m Apr 03, 2018
15m
On the road to unity - is it time for a referendum to bring north and south together again?
Sinn Féin's Vice-President says there should be a referendum on Irish unity within the next five years. Michelle O'Neill was speaking at an Easter parade in Milltown cemetery in west Belfast on Sunday. Sinn Fein's Vice-President also said she was confident of the benefits a united Ireland would bring and that unionists would be treated as equals in it. Do you want a referendum? A chance to vote...
34m Apr 03, 2018
34m
Are EU workers more willing to work longer and anti-social hours than people born here? - a report says UK employers also see EU workers as "more reliable"
UK employers are "fearful" about what a future migration system will be like after Britain leaves the European Union, according to a new report. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) said businesses are concerned about their ability to recruit workers from the EU and employers also see EU workers as "more reliable" and more willing to work long and anti-social hours than UK born workers.
21m Mar 30, 2018
21m
Ireland’s first ever nudist beach set to open – would you get your kit off by the sea? #BBCNolan
How about a dip in the sea - in the NIP!! The first nude beach on the island of Ireland will officially open at Hawk Cliff in Dalkey, south Dublin in April. Maybe its time for a Nolan Show road trip? Maybe we should look into a naked nook - on Portrush beach?
18m Mar 30, 2018
18m
Republic of Ireland pubs lift Good Friday alcohol ban – should NI do the same? #BBCNolan
Good news on Good Friday. That's if you're going down south and want a pint or glass of wine. For the first time in nearly 100 years, pubs in the Republic can sell alcohol today. It's after the Dail voted in new legislation lifting a 90 year ban on the sale of alcohol on religious holidays. Pubs in the south will open from 10:30 am. Closing time is 12.30 tonight. In Northern Ireland there's ...
29m Mar 30, 2018
29m
#BBCNolan reporter @nweir1 chats to country superstar Nathan Carter from Craigavon Hospital
9m Mar 29, 2018
9m
Exclusive footage of a homeless man being forcibly removed from a Belfast hostel onto the street #BBCNolan
An exclusive story on Nolan this morning. We have obtained CCTV footage that shows a homeless man , on crutches , being forcefully removed by members of staff from the Morning Star Hostel in Belfast. They appear to drag him and throw him outside - followed by one of his crutches.
14m Mar 29, 2018
14m
Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding are found not guilty of all charges by Jury #BBCNolan
Ireland and Ulster rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding have been cleared of rape. They both denied raping the same woman in Mr Jackson's house in the early hours of 28 June 2016. Blane McIlroy, who was accused of exposure, and Rory Harrison, who was charged with perverting the course of justice and withholding information, were also found not guilty. The verdicts came in the ninth ...
18m Mar 29, 2018
18m
Should families using private tutors to help get their child into grammar school pay extra tax?
Should families who use private tutors to help get their child into a grammar school pay extra tax? According to a report by academics at the UCL Institute of Education the tax could be used to pay for deprived children to have the same extra lessons. Is this a good idea or just another tax on the middle class? Stephen got the views of commentators Angela Epstein, Bumper Graham and heard from v...
12m Mar 28, 2018
12m
“Hands off our special schools” protest against changes to schools in Belfast - @nweir1 reports
Hands off our special schools! That was the message from over 200 protestors at a rally outside the City Hall in Belfast yesterday. It was organised by People Before Profit MLA, Gerry Carroll, in opposition to Education Authority proposed plans to merge seven of the ten special schools in Belfast. Our reporter, Nicola Weir, was there.
5m Mar 28, 2018
5m
Implement new bonfire report recommendations - Sinn Fein
Implement the recommendations from Belfast City Council report on bonfires now. That's the call from Sinn Fein this morning. Former Northern Ireland Ombudsman Tom Frawley was appointed to investigate the council's controversial storage of bonfire material last summer. His report is now with Belfast City Council's six largest parties. Sinn Fein say "the council needs to deal with excesses around...
21m Mar 28, 2018
21m
"Rubs salt in the wound" - priest Fr Eamon Murray speaks out against appointment of Dr Boyce to Diocese of Dromore
Following the resignation of Bishop McAreavey in the aftermath of the abuse scandal of a former principal of St Colman's school, the Pope has appointed a new man to the job from outside the diocese - namely Dr Philip Boyce - formerly Bishop in the Diocese of Raphoe. He'll be the man leading the Diocese of Dromore at a time when the PSNI have set up a dedicated team to investigate the circumstan...
40m Mar 28, 2018
40m
Parallel bills aimed at introducing same sex marriage to NI will be entered into the House of Lords and the Commons this week - do you welcome this?
A Bill to bring same sex marriage to Northern Ireland will be introduced in the House of Lords today. The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) (Northern Ireland) Bill, will be introduced by Conservative peer Lord Hayward. Tomorrow Labour MP Conor McGinn will introduce his identical Bill in the House of Commons. Would you welcome it? Vinny got the views of John O'Doherty from the Rainbow Project and Dr G...
22m Mar 27, 2018
22m
Jeremy Corbyn apologises to the Jewish community for anti-Semitism he admits has surfaced in the Labour Party - @7815PWK and @HCH_Hill debate
Prominent Labour figures have called on Jeremy Corbyn to do more to "root out" anti-Semitism from within the party. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has said the time for words was over and told Mr Corbyn to show he is "prepared to act". The Labour leader himself has been facing criticism for sending an apparently supportive message to the creator of an allegedly anti-Semitic mural. Yesterday p...
12m Mar 27, 2018
12m
"It's a hit I can't take - I'm disabled and this is going to really hit me hard" - victim of online scam on being robbed of thousands of pounds
Ciaran got in touch with the show because he had been a victim of an online scam - robbing him of thousands of pounds. Vinny has been talking to him.
13m Mar 27, 2018
13m
Reports that Sinn Fein has also been involved in excluding civil servants from meetings in order to avoid official minutes being taken - @SJAMcBride and @malodoherty discuss
Last week we heard how the current head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service David Sterling revealed that meetings with government ministers sometimes weren't minuted to stop freedom of information requests. This morning the Belfast Newsletter has revealed that just over a year a go the then Sinn Féin Infrastructure Minister, Chris Hazzard, had been due to bring civil servants to a meeting wit...
18m Mar 27, 2018
18m
@Nigel_Farage: Irish Border may need border checks #Brexit #BBCNolan
The Brexit Secretary David Davis has said the UK will agree to a 'backstop' text for the Irish border, but not the one proposed by the EU. In February it was proposed Northern Ireland stay in the customs union or single market if there was no other way to maintain a soft border. The UK has accepted the need for a backstop to be written into the Brexit withdrawal agreement. EU leaders have gi...
2m Mar 26, 2018
2m
Maxed out Credit Cards, multiple loans and stealing from the Post Office to pay off debts! The unbelievable story of a punter who gambled away €10m #BBCNolan
His life changed after placing his first bet on a world cup game in 1998. That bet lead to him gambling over 10 million euro and stealing €1.75 million to fund his addiction, going on the run and serving a prison sentence. He has now written a book called Tony 10 which was his user name. The book is out now and is published by Gill Books If you have been affected by anything you have heard y...
17m Mar 26, 2018
17m
Would Donald Trump be welcome in NI? #BBCNolan
Could the President Of The United States be set to visit Northern Ireland? There have been reports over the weekend that Donald Trump could be making a visit after he was invited by a unamed "major figure within the community" and the visit could be as early as June this year.
17m Mar 26, 2018
17m
BREAKING: Prince Harry and his future wife Meghan Markle are in Northern Ireland today for a royal visit #BBCNolan
There will be a Royal Visit to Northern Ireland. Prince Harry and his future wife Megan Markle have just arrived. BBC Reporter Sara Girvan is there on the scene.
4m Mar 23, 2018
4m
Mid Ulster Council have voted to bring in bonfire licences. Could they be brought in across Northern Ireland? #BBCNolan
A row has erupted over a licensing scheme for bonfires in Mid Ulster. Last night the council there voted through a new policy which means bonfire builders will have to get a permit to build a bonfire on council land. Organisers will have to ensure that "no hazardous or toxic materials are collected, stored or burned" and that no flags, emblems or effigies are burnt on the bonfire. The move -...
26m Mar 23, 2018
26m
‘We need to give people an outlet.’ - Former head of CEOP centre Jim Gamble supports a public inquiry into historical child abuse
17m Mar 23, 2018
17m
SF's Conor Murphy reveals he was physically abused and sexually groomed by the paedophile priest Fr Malachy Finnegan
Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy has spoken out about his time at at St Colman's College, Newry, and said paedophile priest Fr Malachy Finegan physically abused him and tried to sexually groom him. In an interview with the Press Association Mr Murphy described the priest as a "violent, volatile, bullying drunkard" and recounted an incident from when he was a 14-year-old pupil at the school. He has b...
26m Mar 23, 2018
26m
Royal Ascot have banned male race goers who don’t wear socks - is it ok for men to their show their ankles? #BBCNolan
For decades Ascot races has been renowned for its strict dress code and each year the annual Royal Ascot style guide clearly advises racegoers on how to ensure that their attire is appropriate. This year event organisers have stressed that all male attendees must wear socks with their shoes or they may be denied entry. Shirts and ties must be worn as bow ties and cravats are banned. So is this...
20m Mar 22, 2018
20m
Unions claim it’s ‘vital’ NI health staff receive same pay deal as England #BBCNolan
Northern Ireland will get additional money from the Treasury following an NHS pay deal agreed in England. But it is unclear if the cash will be used to fund similar wage increases in Northern Ireland. The trade union Unite has said it is "vital" health staff here get like-for-like rises.
5m Mar 22, 2018
5m