Belfast born novelist Carolyn Jess Cooke opens up about her abusive childhood.
Belfast born Carolyn Jess-Cooke is a succesful novelist, editor, and academic. Her books have hit the No.1 Spot in the charts and her latest is is currently being adapted for TV. But - Carolyn's life has not always been so joyful. Her childhood was marred by her abusive father, spending much of her childhood dreading going home, where he would often be physically violen
13m Aug 30, 2017
13m
Do we need money-off incentives to make us move? #BBCNolan
Money off your big shop IF you can prove your family has walked so many steps each week... That is just one of a range of radical options being considered by health service big wigsin a bid to make us get off our backsidesand exercise MORE!
9m Aug 29, 2017
9m
Mayweather v McGregor - did it live up to all the hype? #BBCNolan
It was described as the biggest sporting event of the year. UFC fighter Conor Mcgregor making his boxing debut - as he faced undefeated Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas..Many had predicted an early win for Mayweather, but that win didn't come until round 10 when the referee stopped the fight. McGregor going a lot further than many had thought. So was it a great spectacle for the sport of boxing?O...
7m Aug 29, 2017
7m
Concerns over rise in heroin use - SDLP's Nichola Mallon reacts
There's been a year on year rise in people seeking help for heroin addiction in Belfast.Figures from the Belfast Trust seem to back-up a perception that heroin is a growing problem in the city. There are currently 45 individuals on a waiting list for Oral Substitution Therapy in Belfast alone. To listen to the full programme visit: http://bbc.in/2wOI8kv
6m Aug 29, 2017
6m
"He was a good man" - Ruth Dudley Edwards says IRA killer Sean O'Callaghan "deserves to be remembered in charity and forgiveness".
Last week - former IRA leader - turned Gardai informer, Sean O'Callaghan, died. The County Kerry native revealed the inner workings of the IRA in his book, The Informer, in 1999. He was jailed in the '90s after walking into a police station in England and admitting two IRA murders. Writing in the Belfast Telegraph - Ruth Dudley Edwards says he was genuinely remorseful for what he did - while a ...
30m Aug 29, 2017
30m
Care home closed due to 'serious risk to life' - one of the company's directors talks to #BBCNolan
The company that owns the troubled Ashbrooke care home in Enniskillen has told the Nolan Show that it's going to appeal the court order to close the home. Ashbrooke, owned by Runwood Homes, lost its licence to operate after a snap inspection by the RQIA revealed serious concerns for the health of elderly residents. Those residents - including some with dementia and others with complex needs - a...
18m Aug 25, 2017
18m
.@nirushika talks to @taramillstv about adoption and her quest to find her birth mother in Sri Lanka
Sheree Atcheson has been described as one of the most influential women in I.T. In the UK, but I haven't been speaking to the 27-year-old about her numerous achievements in a relatively short career... No, we're talking about something much more basic, the desire to know where you come from. Sheree was adopted by a County Tyrone family from Sri Lanka. And although she says her adoptive parents ...
10m Aug 25, 2017
10m
Mayweather v McGregor - fight of the century or a farce on an epic scale?
Unless you've been living under a large rock, you'll know that tomorrow night Conor McGregor takes on Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas. UFC champ McGregor will fight former world champion boxer Mayweather under boxing rules. Plenty of hype, but is the bout more farce than fantastic night for fans of both boxing and UFC? With the bank balances of McGregor and Mayweather being the real winners regar...
8m Aug 25, 2017
8m
£70 million health cuts - UUP MLA @roybeggs reacts
£70 million health cuts - UUP MLA Roy Beggs reacts
3m Aug 25, 2017
3m
How will politicians tackle issue of £70 million health cuts? @MarkHDurkan and @StephenFarryMLA
So what are our politicians going to do about £70 million health cuts? Tara asks SDLP's Mark H Durkan and Alliance Party's Stephen Farry.
7m Aug 25, 2017
7m
What are our MLAs going to do about £70 million health cuts? @taramillstv challenges @JohnODowdSF
£70 million of planned cuts to the health service; members of the public -- like you listening this morning -- being asked where they would wield the axe; no Assembly; no Executive; no health minister. The word 'crisis' is overused, but if this isn't a crisis in our health service, what is? Doctors say we need a minister, now. So what are our politicians going to do about it? Tara asks Sinn Fei...
10m Aug 25, 2017
10m
Biggest Book Club in the Country is back with Paul McVeigh's 'The Good Son'
The Biggest Book Club in the country is back! This month's book is 'the Good Son' by the Belfast author Paul McVeigh. It's about a young Belfast lad growing up in Belfast during the Troubles. Paul very kindly came into the studio to read a bit of it for you. You'll be able to get a copy of Paul McVeigh's book The Good Son in your local library today. As you may know the Nolan Show has been work...
4m Aug 24, 2017
4m
Nolan Show reveals thousands of calls to vital welfare support line missed on just one day
The Nolan Show can reveal that thousands of calls to a vital welfare support line were missed on just one day last week. The Discretionary Support Line is supposed to help some of the most vulnerable people in Northern Ireland. But last Monday, thousands of calls went unanswered. The SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone has told us that staff are overwhelmed with the number of calls they're dealing with.
6m Aug 24, 2017
6m
New book 'The Face of Evil' tells story of victims of notorious serial killer Robert Black
Robert Black was one of the UK's most notorious serial killers, convicted of four murders of little girls, but suspected of many more. In 2011, he was found guilty of murdering nine year old Jennifer Cardy from Ballinderry, near Lisburn. He died in Maghaberry Prison in January last year. Jennifer's older brother Mark has contributed to a new book, The Face of Evil, which links Robert Black to m...
15m Aug 24, 2017
15m
Health cuts - would you sacrifice your local hospital for greater good?
Today's the day when you get to have your say on what cuts need to be made to the health service here. Or maybe you're opposed to any moves to slash services, close hospitals or reduce staffing? Northern Ireland's five health trusts have been told by the Department of Health that they have to deliver £70m of savings before March next year. Today, officials are sharing their cuts proposals at a ...
18m Aug 24, 2017
18m
Battle lines drawn over history of local statues - this time over statue of republican hero and committed supporter of slavery
This week Sinn Fein councillor Jim McVeigh referred to Queen Victoria as "the famine queen". He asked if there's a statue of the monarch at City Hall - why not James Connolly? Now former culture minister Nelson McCausland has urged republicans to take a look at some of their own historical monuments. He cites a statue of a former republican MP John Mitchel in Newry - a supporter of slavery in t...
26m Aug 24, 2017
26m
Serious flooding in the North West following overnight thunderstorms #BBCNolan
Huge thunderstorms hit Northern Ireland last night. The skies lit up with lightning across the country. Roads were damaged and bridges collapsed in the flood water. The north-west was particularly badly hit - with serious flooding in Londonderry.
25m Aug 23, 2017
25m
#BBCNolan callers react to Enniskillen care home closure
More than 40 residents of an Enniskillen nursing home that's been closed down because conditions posed a "serious risk to life" are now waiting to see where they'll be re-homed. What the inspectors found when they arrived at Ashbrook: The home was dirty, there was a strong odour of faeces and urine, some residents had stained clothes and unwashed hair, there was no evidence that some had been ...
28m Aug 23, 2017
28m
.@BBCNolan digs into the Enniskillen care home closure
More than 40 residents of an Enniskillen nursing home that's been closed down because conditions posed a "serious risk to life" are now waiting to see where they'll be re-homed. What the inspectors found when they arrived at Ashbrook: The home was dirty, there was a strong odour of faeces and urine, some residents had stained clothes and unwashed hair, there was no evidence that some had been ...
26m Aug 23, 2017
26m
Ashbrooke Care Home closed over 'serious risk to life'
A care home in County Fermanagh is to close following an inspection which found serious failings. Ashbrooke Care Home was ordered to shut its doors last Friday amid serious concerns over the risk of life, health and well being of residents. The decision was taken by Northern Ireland's watchdog the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority. Evelyn Hoy the Chief Executive to the Commissioner f...
21m Aug 22, 2017
21m
Free travel for spouses and partners - is this an acceptable perk of a job at Translink?
Do you think you pay too much for the bus or train? Could Translink be doing more to keep its ticket prices down? Well, the Nolan Show has learned that nearly 3,000 spouses and partners of Translink staff enjoy free travel right across Northern Ireland. The 'spouse travel pass' can be used on any Translink scheduled service with no restrictions with regards to times or routes. So, is this an ac...
10m Aug 22, 2017
10m
‘I’m absolutely furious’ - #BBCNolan caller blasts new statue call for Belfast City Hall
‘I’m absolutely furious’ - caller David blasts new statue call for Belfast City Hall
5m Aug 22, 2017
5m
Sinn Fein calls for new statue at Belfast City Hall celebrating life of an Irish republican hero
Winifred Carney? Does the name mean anything to you? Try this one: Mary Ann McCracken. Those are two historical figures - both republicans - who Sinn Fein thinks should be celebrated with new statues at Belfast City Hall. Or perhaps you'd rather see City Council money spent on a memorial to the Belfast Blitz, when German air raids killed over a thousand people in 1941? The United States is embr...
25m Aug 22, 2017
25m
Belfast Trust have branded its own urological cancer waiting times as 'unacceptable' - @nweir1 reports
The Belfast Trust has branded its own urological cancer waiting times as 'unacceptable'. They say "that their capacity to deliver urological cancer surgery falls below the level of demand for the service that's actually required. They say the waiting times are unacceptable and are an ongoing and significant challenge for the Trust." That's come to light after a county Antrim woman contacted the...
5m Aug 21, 2017
5m
Police in Wales ask for dash cam footage to scoop dodgy drivers - should we do same in NI?
Would you report a dodgy driver to the police by handing over dash cam footage of them driving badly or dangerously? Police in Wales are going to start to ask drivers to do that, but should we do the same here in Northern Ireland? Would you hand over your dash cam footage to the cops? Stephen got the views of former PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Alan McQuillan and Joanna Williams from Spiked O...
11m Aug 21, 2017
11m
Mayweather v McGregor - a farce, or the biggest fight in combat sports ever?
Mayweather v McGregor - a farce, or the biggest fight in combat sports ever? Next weekend, what's predicted to be the biggest-grossing boxing match of all time is being staged in Las Vegas. And it's not even for a title. In one corner will be Floyd Mayweather, an unbeaten fighter regarded by many as the greatest defensive boxer ever. In the other will be a man who has never even competed in a s...
13m Aug 21, 2017
13m
Are NI students at a disadvantage when applying for Uni places? @QueensUBelfast rep explains
It's a stressful time of year for many prospective Uni students here. But it may be a lot harder depending on where you live. The Nolan Show has looked at the entry requirements for students from NI trying to get into Queen's in Belfast. And it's a bit of a bleak picture. For example, if you're trying to get into a management course - and you're from NI - they're all closed. However, if you're ...
8m Aug 21, 2017
8m
Stormont talks merry-go-round - #BBCNolan callers react
Stormont talks merry-go-round - Nolan Show callers react
17m Aug 21, 2017
17m
Stormont talks merry-go-round back on? UUP, SDLP, Alliance and Green Party react
A Sinn Fein stunt - that's how the DUP have described calls to restart Stormont talks by Michelle O'Neill - are we back on the tragic roundabout? UUP's Steve Aiken, SDLP's Claire Hanna, Alliance Party's Kelli Armstrong and Green Party's Clare Bailey react.
28m Aug 21, 2017
28m
'The corridors are empty' - @ClareBaileyGPNI on the Stormont stand off
Sinn Fein are calling for a resumption to talks next Monday. But the DUP have called it a stunt and said they were ready for government months ago. As we all know - key decisions on health, education, legacy aren't being made. So, with all that - and a lot more - you'd imagine there's a big push on the Hill to get things going. Not so - according some MLAs up there at the moment. One MLA has de...
4m Aug 21, 2017
4m
Mum hits out over swimming pool policy that turned her child away
How have you been keeping the kids entertained over the summer holidays? A trip to the swimming pool is always a popular choice. But if you have more than one youngster in tow, you could end up being turned away. Listener Aveen Hogg got in touch to tell us about a family day trip that didn't go quite as planned...
5m Aug 18, 2017
5m
Health service cuts – MLAs @roybeggs and @StephenFarryMLA react
Health service cuts – UUP MLA Roy Beggs and Alliance MLA Stephen Farry react
17m Aug 18, 2017
17m
What will £70 million cut mean to health service? Former health chief spells it out
What will £70 million cut mean to health service? Former head of the Health and Social Care Board John Compton spells it out
4m Aug 18, 2017
4m
Equal marriage debate back to the politicians after landmark court rulings - but can deal be done?
Two landmark rulings on equal marriage in NI yesterday. A judge decided that social policy in Northern Ireland was a matter for the Assembly and not the courts. It was a day of deep disappointment for some after years of legal battles. So - it's back to the politicians. But can a deal be done? Stephen got the views of commentators Daithi McKay and Nelson McCausland.
13m Aug 18, 2017
13m
Health cuts - GP Dr George O'Neill reacts to news of seven months to save £70 MILLION
Health cuts - GP Dr George O'Neill reacts to news of seven months to save £70 MILLION
3m Aug 18, 2017
3m
Seven months to save £70 MILLION - former Health Chief fires warning
Seven months to save £70 million. The Nolan Show can reveal this morning that all 5 hospital trusts will hold public meetings next Thursday throughout Northern Ireland to reveal their plans to slash £70 million from hospital budgets. These meetings are being called "extraordinary meetings". You can go along to these meetings - they are public consultations - so we are giving you a heads up abou...
22m Aug 18, 2017
22m
Shoe brand Clarks caught up in sexism row over 'Dolly Babe' kids footwear
Shoe manufacturer Clark have removed their 'Dolly Babe' kids shoe from its website - following outrage from some of their customers. With pink insoles and dainty hearts - the shoes are aimed at little girls, but parents were furious at the alternative boy choice - which is called 'Leader'. Sturdy, black and decorated with footballs. They've been accused of sexism - but what do you think? Clarks...
21m Aug 17, 2017
21m
Taxi licence backlog - drivers hit out at delays affecting their livelihoods #BBCNolan
Last week, the Department of Infrastructure publicly told all of you that you had to licence your eBikes - and although they knew you literally could not do that - they didn't tell you. They sat on that information with the result that some of you went on a wild goose chase. It seems the Department of Infrastructure has done it again. And this time the ones getting the run around are hard worki...
20m Aug 17, 2017
20m
UK says NO to Brexit border checks - will EU chief buy it? @davidcullinane and @StephenFarryMLA discuss
The government has said there must be an "unprecedented solution" for the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic after Brexit. A paper detailing its proposals focuses on the need to avoid a hard border. The government stresses there should be no physical infrastructure, such as customs posts, at the border, which has almost 300 crossing points. Critics say the proposals lack credible ...
29m Aug 17, 2017
29m
@AngieBest addresses George Best domestic violence claims
Angie Best addresses George Best domestic violence claims
53s Aug 16, 2017
53s
Not perfect by any means but still a good role model - @AngieBest on the George she knew
On yesterday's show we discussed the football pitch where George Best first kicked a ball - is to be protected forever. But - should we be continually celebrating someone with a hugely chequered past? Alcoholism and accusations of domestic abuse? Stephen spoke to George's first wife Angie Best.
26m Aug 16, 2017
26m
Controversial Bogside bonfire slammed for burning of poppy wreaths and flags
Let's talk about what sometimes passes for culture in this country whether it's on the 11th of July or the 15th of August - it includes the burning of national flags, of emblems many would feel were sacred to them. Last night in Derry, poppy wreathes that had been stolen from War Memorial in the city's Diamond were thrown onto the bonfire; also up in flamer were British and US flags. There was ...
14m Aug 16, 2017
14m
Prince George 'gay icon' row - gay rights campaigner and callers debate
Prince George 'gay icon' row - Rainbow Project's Gavin Boyd and callers debate
12m Aug 16, 2017
12m
Nigel Evans MP reacts to Edwin Poots 'paedophilia' tweet
A tweet by Edwin Poots at the weekend has been reported to the Assembly's commissioner for standards. The Green Party say the tweet linked homosexuality and paedophilia. The tweet - supporting a letter by TUV MLA Jim Allister criticising Pink News for calling Prince George a 'gay icon' , read: "Totally supporting Jim on this one, making children an icon of sexuality today, pedophilia (sic) tomo...
9m Aug 16, 2017
9m
Former Health Minister Edwin Poots denies linking homosexuality to paedophilia - @GreenPartyNI react
A tweet by Edwin Poots at the weekend has been reported to the Assembly's commissioner for standards. The Green Party say the tweet linked homosexuality and paedophilia. The tweet - supporting a letter by TUV MLA Jim Allister criticising Pink News for calling Prince George a 'gay icon' , read: "Totally supporting Jim on this one, making children an icon of sexuality today, pedophilia (sic) tomo...
20m Aug 16, 2017
20m
Preserving forever the pitch George Best first played on - but was he a good role model for children?
The football pitch where George Best first kicked a ball - is to be protected forever. 'Cregagh Green' is the spot in the centre of a housing estate in the east of the city - where Best's talent first flourished as a schoolboy in the 1950s. The open space will now be protected "in perpetuity" through a legal deed - between Belfast City Council and 'Fields in Trust'. But - should we be continual...
23m Aug 15, 2017
23m
Brexit report - is British government all at sea and just playing for time?
The UK has set out the "ambitious new customs arrangement" it wants to secure with the EU after Brexit. Ministers said the plans would mean the "freest and most frictionless possible trade" with the rest of Europe. This could include a "temporary customs union" after Brexit to prevent border problems as the UK leaves the EU. That sounds a bit like having the cake and eating it? Isn't too good t...
6m Aug 15, 2017
6m
'All I want to do is get back to work' - taxi drivers hit out at DVA over wait for licence applications
Taxi drivers say the length of time it's taking the DVA to process licence applications is threatening their livelihoods. Cabbies have to renew their licences every five years, as well as sitting an annual written test. One driver, Sean, has contacted The Nolan Show with his story. His current licence is about to expire. But ten weeks after he applied for a new one, there's still no sign of it ...
22m Aug 15, 2017
22m
Vigilante 'paedophile hunters' - PSNI Chief Superintendent George Clarke reacts
A self-styled "paedophile hunter" vigilante group has been warned to stop its stings on suspected sexual predators as they could jeopardise official court cases and puts lives in danger. The plea from the PSNI comes after a Facebook group calling itself Silent Justice confronted two men in Northern Ireland over apparent sex crimes against children and streamed the confrontation online. Last wee...
11m Aug 15, 2017
11m
Vigilante 'paedophile hunters' - do you support them, or should it be left to the police?
A self-styled "paedophile hunter" vigilante group has been warned to stop its stings on suspected sexual predators as they could jeopardise official court cases and puts lives in danger. The plea from the PSNI comes after a Facebook group calling itself Silent Justice confronted two men in Northern Ireland over apparent sex crimes against children and streamed the confrontation online. Last wee...
10m Aug 15, 2017
10m