Local mum tells of her fight for life-saving drug for her son
Billy Caldwell's story is a remarkable one. Billy is eleven years old and suffers from intractable epilepsy. Charlotte Caldwell has been fighting for years for a treatment that can help her son. She says her campaign has resulted in a UK first - after Billy was proscribed cannabis oil on the NHS. Stephen spoke to Charlotte and asked her how Billy's condition affected him.
13m Apr 28, 2017
13m
Snot on? Would you allow your child to pick their nose and eat it if it was good for them?
Now next up - something to put you off your breakfast. Prepare yourself. Would you allow your child to pick their nose AND EAT IT - IF it was good for them?? Oh boke.... WELL - a study from The National Center for Biotechnology Information - says eating snot could actually be GOOD FOOR YOU! They're highlighting a raft of health benefits - including protecting your teeth, and that it could help ...
14m Apr 28, 2017
14m
Principals vow to defy school budget cuts - is our school system in crisis?
It seems hardly a day can pass without a headline about school cuts, about education under pressure. Today is no different. More than forty head teachers in greater Belfast have said they will refuse to implement any more cuts to their school budgets. That will mean they will refuse to take measures like laying off staff to save money, even if it pushes them into a deficit. On top of this, cuts...
11m Apr 28, 2017
11m
.@JimAllister blasts @DUPleader after she meets Irish language groups
TUV leader Jim Allister has accused the DUP of "genuflecting to the Irish Language Brigade". The DUP say Mr Allister is threatened by engagement. So are senior DUP figures' meetings with Irish language activists a sign the party is about to do a u-turn on Irish language act? Or is it part of a listening exercise as the DUP say? Stephen spoke to TUV leader Jim Allister, commentator Patricia MacB...
30m Apr 28, 2017
30m
Packet in - will plain boxes really reduce the number of people smoking?
From last week all cigarettes for sale in the UK now must be in plain packaging with the cheapest packet will cost £8.82. The idea behind the move is to reduce the number of people taking up smoking by making it less appealing to children and young people. But do smokers cost the NHS more considering how much money they actually pay back on tax on cigarettes? Stephen was joined by commentators ...
7m Apr 27, 2017
7m
@Joey7Barton in @FA ban over gambling - does football need to do more to address gambling sponsorship?
Burnley midfielder Joey Barton has been banned from football for 18 months after admitting a Football Association charge in relation to betting. The 34-year-old has been fined £30,000 and warned about his future conduct after being charged with breaking FA rules for placing over 1200 bets on matches over a 10 year period. Barton has said that he is addicted to gambling. So does sport need to do...
10m Apr 27, 2017
10m
Belfast's bus lanes rake in £2.6M in less than two years - one camera alone has caught more than 22,000 motorists
The Nolan Show can reveal that the bus lane cameras in Belfast have raked in a whopping £2.6 million - since June 2015. The cameras have been in operation for some 22 months - with the busiest camera located on Donegall Square East. It has caught over 22 thousand motorists. So do the high figures suggest people are still not aware of the rules, or that they simply do not care? Stephen speaks to...
15m Apr 27, 2017
15m
Call for British soldiers to be shielded from prosecution over Troubles-related deaths - sign of wider amnesty?
MPs have called for former British soldiers to be shielded from prosecution over Troubles-related deaths. The controversial recommendation comes from the House of Commons Defence Committee. It's backing what's called a Statute of Limitations for former ex security force members.That would mean no investigations, no prosecutions in cases going back before the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. But does...
16m Apr 27, 2017
16m
MPs call for former British soldiers to be shielded from prosecution over Troubles-related deaths - @GerryKellyMLA reacts
MPs have called for former British soldiers to be shielded from prosecution over Troubles-related deaths. The controversial recommendation comes from the House of Commons Defence Committee. It's backing what's called a Statute of Limitations for former ex security force members.That would mean no investigations, no prosecutions in cases going back before the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. But does...
10m Apr 27, 2017
10m
.@markdurkan reacts to @moneillsf plans to speak at rally honouring eight IRA 'martyrs'
SDLP MP Mark Durkan reacts to Michelle O'Neill plan to speak at rally honouring eight IRA 'martyrs'
7m Apr 26, 2017
7m
Death at Tandragee 100 races raises questions over safety of the sport - @PhillipMcCallen and @malodoherty discuss
A rider has died after he crashed during a motorbike race in County Armagh at the weekend. Italian Dario Cecconi, 38, sustained critical injuries in the last lap of the senior support race at the Tandragee 100. It was the first event of the road racing calendar. It again raises the questions about how safe the sport is. Stephen was joined by former road racer Phillip McCallen and commentator Ma...
5m Apr 26, 2017
5m
Pacts talks stumble as Green Party's @StevenAgnew launches attack on SDLP’s @AlasdairMcD_MP
So the Green Party in Northern Ireland has ruled out being involved in an anti-Brexit pact at the General Election. It had been involved in talks on the idea with Sinn Fein and the SDLP. But leader Steven Agnew yesterday said it was a no. He said the SDLP's choice of Alasdair McDonnell as a South Belfast candidate killed any chance of an agreed runner in that constituency. And he cited the SDLP...
13m Apr 26, 2017
13m
Former MP @Edwina_Currie rubbishes idea of millions of kids going hungry in the UK
Up to three million UK children are at risk of being hungry in the school holidays. So say MPs on the All-Party Committee on Hunger. But its report has been rubbished by former Tory Minister Edwina Currie. The All-Party Committee proposes funding for free meals projects for children during the summer holidays. It says it received evidence of pupils returning to school malnourished, sluggish, an...
17m Apr 26, 2017
17m
SF leader to attend rally honouring eight IRA men - insult to victims, or legitimate commemoration of the dead?
A row has broken out over plans by Michelle O'Neill to attend an event commemorating eight IRA men shot dead by the SAS. The event is to mark 30 years since the men were killed as they blew up a police station in Loughgall. It's been criticised by the DUP. But is it an insult to victims - or a legitimate commemoration of the dead? Stephen spoke to commentator Jude Collins and victims campaigner...
9m Apr 26, 2017
9m
Controversy as SF leader Michelle O'Neill to speak at rally honouring eight IRA 'martyrs'
A row has broken out over plans by Michelle O'Neill to attend an event commemorating eight IRA men shot dead by the SAS. The event is to mark 30 years since the men were killed as they blew up a police station in Loughgall. It's been criticised by the DUP. But is it an insult to victims - or a legitimate commemoration of the dead? Stephen got the views of Andersonstown news columnist Andree Mur...
28m Apr 26, 2017
28m
Teaching union warns over cuts impact
So we still don't have a budget. But Secretary of State James Brokenshire has given us a clear idea of the budget he will introduce if there's direct rule. And his plans include cutbacks to some departments - including an estimated 2.5% cut in education. Health will get a 3% increase. Justin McCamphill from the teachers union NASUWT warns of 'severe impact' cuts will have.
4m Apr 25, 2017
4m
.@SteveAikenUUP claims @newbelfast budget would have mirrored Brokenshire's
UPP MLA SteveAiken claims Máirtín Ó Muilleoir's budget would have mirrored Brokenshire's
50s Apr 25, 2017
50s
Pothole pay-outs - we reveal £500K compensation paid out over three years
More than £500,000 has been paid out over three years to drivers here for damage done to their cars because of potholes and road defects! The Nolan Show can reveal that the compensation was paid out to more than 4,000 drivers between 2013 and 2016. Earlier we were talking about possible cuts budgets - so how much priority should our roads get? Or are our finances stretched enough already? And w...
22m Apr 25, 2017
22m
Fresh calls to stop MLA pay if there is no breakthrough in the Stormont stalemate
Former Secretary of State Owen Patterson has backed calls for an end to MLA pay. The Government has decided to extend the Stormont talks deadline beyond the General Election. So the parties now have until the end of June to reach a deal. But the body overseeing MLAs pay has said the Secretary of State must 'turn off the tap' should those talks fail. Stephen got the views of Alan McQuillan - who...
23m Apr 25, 2017
23m
Direct rule fears - @JBrokenshire gives clear idea of the budget he will introduce if Stormont stalemate continues
So we still don't have a budget. But Secretary of State James Brokenshire has given us a clear idea of the budget he will introduce if there's direct rule. And his plans include cutbacks to some departments - including an estimated 2.5% cut in education. Health will get a 3% increase. We were joined by John Campbell, BBC NI Economics & Business Editor, Justin McCamphill from the teachers union ...
27m Apr 25, 2017
27m
Alliance's Farry questions SF commitment to talks deal
Alliance Party's Stephen Farry questions Sinn Fein commitment to talks deal
1m Apr 24, 2017
1m
UKIP want ban on full veils worn by Muslim women. Henry Reilly and Fionola Meredith clash over #GE17 manifesto pledge
UKIP is to include a ban on full veils worn by some Muslim women as part of its General Election manifesto. Leader Paul Nuttall speaking on BBC's Andrew Marr Show said wearing a burka in public was a barrier to integration and a security risk. He also said that Muslim women who defied the ban could face a fine. Stephen was joined by former UKIP member and now independent councillor Henry Reilly...
11m Apr 24, 2017
11m
Are you rich if you earn £70,000 AND should you pay more tax? @armstrong_irwin and @EJWoolf debate
Are you rich if you earn £70,000 AND should you pay more tax? Well according to Shadow chancellor John McDonnell you are. He set out his vision for a "fair taxation system" in an interview on Radio 4 where he said that those earning above £70,000 should pay more in tax. He said "we want to get a system that is fair, so the corporations and the rich pay their way more." Should you pay more at £7...
7m Apr 24, 2017
7m
Jeremy Corbyn pledges more UK bank holidays - a good move, or just electioneering?
How would you feel about more bank holidays? Well if Jeremy Corbyn was to get his way that would be the plan. The Labour leader says that if he were to be in power a Labour Government would create an additional 4 bank holidays which would be on each nation's patron saint day. He believes the move would "celebrate the national cultures of our proud nations". Currently the UK has fewer bank holid...
8m Apr 24, 2017
8m
Reaction as Jim Wells threatens to quit the DUP if they fail to block gay marriage
There would be a split in the DUP if a petition of concern was not used to veto gay marriage in Northern Ireland. That's the big claim from MLA Jim Wells reported in the Belfast Telegraph. "Peter will not marry Paul in Northern Ireland," he is quoted as saying. And asked whether the party would lift its veto in the Assembly, Wells said: "Don't even think that. That's an absolute no," he added. ...
21m Apr 24, 2017
21m
Pacts are us - is that going to be the story of #GE17 in Northern Ireland? @StephenFarryMLA and @StevenAgnew discuss
Just over six weeks until the General Election and talk of pacts is still dominating the campaign here. The Irish News front page headline today says pact talks between remain parties are going to intensify. In an article for today's Belfast Telegraph, DUP leader Arlene Foster says only her party can win the South Belfast seat for unionism. The Ulster Unionist Party meanwhile has said it will n...
26m Apr 24, 2017
26m
Controversy as Ulster's showpiece women's rugby final won't be played at Kingspan stadium
This weekend is the showcase event in women's club rugby in Ulster. Cooke will met Ballynahinch in the final of the Rosie Stewart Memorial Bowl. But, unlike similar men's events, the final won't be held in the Kingspan stadium. It will be held at Malone. Is that an appropriate venue? Or is it just not good enough for the biggest game of the season? Vinny spoke to Ron Higgins who is a coach at C...
7m Apr 21, 2017
7m
'It's like walking through mud - you feel lost' - Debbie McGee on losing husband Paul Daniels
We all lose people we love, but how do you cope when you have to deliver the euology - at their funeral? Is it OK to tell funny stories? And how do you stop yourself from crying? Have you had to deliver a euology? Or maybe you couldn't face it. The TV presenter Debbie McGee lost her husband, magician Paul Daniels, last year. She spoke to Vinny about grief this morning.
6m Apr 21, 2017
6m
World champ snooker player opens up about computer game addiction - is it something we need to take more seriously?
Snooker player Neil Robertson has opened up about his battle with computer games. Australian Robertson - said that he is now 2 months sober after getting hooked playing online games. The former world champ revealed he would sit up all night playing games which was having a major effect on his snooker career. Is this something that we need to take more seriously and should be warning gamers abou...
9m Apr 21, 2017
9m
Puberty blocking treatment – should there be an age limit?
How young is too young to start changing your gender? Some parents are concerned that children are starting medical treatment to block puberty before they've had the chance to explore who they are. But organisations that support transgender people say kids - no matter how young - need to be accepted when they want to change identity. On yesterday's show, we talked to people on both sides of tha...
10m Apr 21, 2017
10m
Public displays of religion - is there a time and a place? Big debate on #BBCNolan this morning
How do you feel about public displays of religion? Is there a time and a place, or should it be ok to express your beliefs, no-matter who's around?Kelly has got in touch with the show after a recent dinning experience. So what do you think? Would this have made you feel uncomfortable? Or should faith be something we can share and express wherever we are? Journalist Fionola Meredith and Pastor B...
30m Apr 21, 2017
30m
Deadline for Stormont talks extended to the end of June - @dmcbfs and @AlexKane221b discuss
When is a deadline NOT a deadline? Northern Ireland politicians are set to be given more time to reach a deal to restore a power-sharing executive at Stormont. Secretary of State James Brokenshire had set early May as the deadline but its now thought it will be the end of June. A fair move to get things sorted in Westminster - then sort out Northern Ireland? Or perhaps - you've had your fill of...
12m Apr 21, 2017
12m
Tomboy or sex change candidate - how young is too young to label a child transgender?
Are we too quick to label kids transgender when they don't conform to type? Some parents and doctors are concerned that children are starting medical treatment to block puberty before they've had the chance to explore who they are. But organisations that support transgender people say children need to be accepted when they want to change identity. Joining Vinny this morning parenting coach and ...
8m Apr 20, 2017
8m
Is it ok to leave your dog alone for long periods? @NISNTAC and @NiamhHoran debate
Is it ok to leave your dog alone? For long periods? Do they suffer from loneliness? And should the powers that be, prosecute? 'Northern Ireland says NO to animal cruelty' is calling on the government to publicly recognise isolation as a cruelty issue. Daniel Barkley from the group joined Vinny this morning along with commentator Niamh Horan. Are we obsessed with our pets. Dogs in particular? Do...
12m Apr 20, 2017
12m
Cyclists want more respect from drivers - but what about the way they treat pedestrians? @IRLPatricia and @malodoherty discuss
One of the most contentious subjects we cover on this programme - CYCLISTS! The ongoing friction between cyclists, motorists and pedestrians. But what is the proper etiquette when it comes to cycling on the footpath? Vinny gets the views of commentator Patricia MacBride who has recently had a run in with a cyclist on the footpath, and commentator and keen cyclist Malachi O'Doherty.
18m Apr 20, 2017
18m
When #GE17 was called, what consideration was given to the Stormont crisis? @basilmccrea, @NewtonEmerson and @Jude42 discuss
When the General Election was called, what consideration was given to the Stormont crisis? Northern Ireland? The border? Not a word about Northern Ireland in Theresa May's speech calling an election. So does the Government care about what's going on here? Is it deliberate? Or should we get over ourselves? Vinny gets the views of commentator and journalist Newton Emerson, former MLA Basil McCrea...
27m Apr 20, 2017
27m
Who says politics is boring? A #BBCNolan #GE17 montage
Just when you think we couldn't possibly have any more political twists and turns - the Prime Minister goes and calls for a General Election. Who says politics is boring? Here's a flavour of the last 48 hours....
5m Apr 20, 2017
5m
Should elderly drivers be made to re-sit their driving tests?
A petition calling for the compulsory re-testing of older drivers has been signed by more than 250-thousand people. It was started by Ben Brooks-Dutton, whose wife was killed by an 82-year-old driver who had mistaken the accelerator for the brake, and was travelling at 54mph in a 20mph-zone. Currently, people over 70 have to renew their licence every three years -- but only have to fill in a se...
18m Apr 19, 2017
18m
'We will not be doing pacts with any party' - Alliance leader @naomi_long on #GE17 call
'We will not be doing pacts with any party' - Alliance leader Naomi Long reacts to Prime Minister's General Election call.
7m Apr 19, 2017
7m
How will NI parties tackle #GE17? MPs @telliott_UUP and @markdurkan discuss
Theresa May has set out her position. And Labour's Jeremy Corbyn says they're up for the fight. But what does it mean for Northern Ireland? Is it the death knell for the Stormont talks? And are we headed for the most divisive election yet? Former Stormont spin doctor David Gordon, UUP MP Tom Elliott and SDLP MP Mark Durkan discuss.
17m Apr 19, 2017
17m
What will @Number10gov General Election call mean for Stormont talks? @IRLPatricia and @DGordonoldhack discuss
Theresa May has set out her position. And Labour's Jeremy Corbyn says they're up for the fight. But what does it mean for Northern Ireland? Is it the death knell for the Stormont talks? And are we headed for the most divisive election yet? Commentator Patricia MacBride and former Stormont spin doctor David Gordon discuss.
5m Apr 19, 2017
5m
Prime Minister calls General Election - are Stormont talks doomed? Gregory Campbell and @JohnODowdSF discuss
Theresa May has set out her position. And Labour's Jeremy Corbyn says they're up for the fight. But what does it mean for Northern Ireland? Is it the death knell for the Stormont talks? And are we headed for the most divisive election yet? DUP MP Gregory Campbell and Sinn Fein MLA John O'Dowd discuss.
18m Apr 19, 2017
18m
Are we taking our carers for granted?
Labour's Jeremy Corbyn has pledged this morning to increase carers allowance if the party get back into power. He described people who care for vulnerable relatives as "unsung heroes". The £10 weekly increase would bring carers allowance into line with jobseekers allowance. At the weekend On Your Behalf's Linda McAuley spoke to 92-year-old Jenny who looked after her 58 year-old son Martin, who ...
20m Apr 18, 2017
20m
'We could see someone injured or loss of life' - MLA @stewartcdickson on Larne disturbances
A County Antrim hairdressers has been extensively damaged in a suspected arson attack. A car was reversed through the salon's metal shutters on Larne's Main Street on Monday evening. Police are investigating the cause of the fire, which comes after arson attacks on eight vehicles in the town at the weekend. Vinny got an update from the Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson.
4m Apr 18, 2017
4m
Time to set Stormont talks deadline date? @AlexKane221b and @daithimckay discuss
Good Friday's gone. Easter is over and six weeks on from the election - there is still no sign of any deal from the folks on the hill. More talking is expected, but, if the latest comments from the parties are anything to go by, they still seem to be nowhere near a breakthrough. So is it time to set a deadline date, either for a new election or a return to direct rule? And how long should we gi...
11m Apr 18, 2017
11m
'You hope no one has to live this again' - father who lost his son to ecstasy launches new #1PillWillKill campaign
A North Belfast man is so determined to stop young people risking their lives with drugs, that he's made an extraordinary gesture. William Burns recently stunned an audience when he held up a small plastic bag containing the ashes of his 23 year old son, Jamie, who died last November after taking just one ecstasy pill on a night out. William has launched a hard-hitting new campaign called One P...
27m Apr 18, 2017
27m
Another @BBCNolan book club
Now it's time for our book club for April. Vinny spoke to our regular reader and reviewer Charlie Lawson about our next book in the book club now, it's Britt-Marie Was here by Frederik Backman.
12m Apr 14, 2017
12m
Ed Sheeran has been touring Ireland - but is Galway Girl the worst Irish song ever written?
Ed Sheeran's hit Galway Girl is currently riding high at number 2 in the official chart and recently he was seen in Galway filming the music video to accompany the song. But there has been a lot of criticism of the song on social media with many suggesting that it's the worst Irish song ever.
12m Apr 14, 2017
12m
The mother of all bombs. US blasts IS with a huge mega bomb. Were they right to use it?
What's been described as the 'mother of all bombs' has been dropped on an IS stronghold in Afghanistan. The device was dropped by the US military on a network of caves and tunnels in the east of the country. It killed 36 militants and destroyed their base.
20m Apr 14, 2017
20m
@BBCNolan show reveals over a thousand PSNI officers taking legal action against the Chief Constable
The Nolan show can reveal that more than a thousand PSNI officers are taking legal action against the Chief Constable over holiday pay. The officers, who are being backed by the Police Federation, claim they're owed money going back almost 20 years. The action, if successful, could cost the force millions of pounds.
7m Apr 14, 2017
7m