Zoo defends shooting gorilla dead to rescue child #bbcnolan
The director of a US zoo has defended the decision to shoot dead a gorilla after a small boy fell into its enclosure on Saturday. The 4 year old had climbed through a barrier and fallen about 3m (10ft) into the moat. Video shows the boy being dragged through the shallow moat.
24m May 31, 2016
24m
One of world’s first penis transplant recipients talks to @stephennolan
It made headlines across the world last week - how a hospital in Boston became the first in the United States to perform a successful penis transplant. It's been called "a surgical milestone". The patient, 64-year-old THOMAS MANNING, received the donated organ three years after his penis was amputated due to penile cancer. He is the third man to have ever had the experimental surgery performe...
21m May 31, 2016
21m
How far should universities rank in Government's pecking order? #bbcnolan
The new Stormont Executive is being urged to splash the cash on our universities.The head of Queen's University has warned of a brain drain in Northern Ireland unless there is more investment in higher education.Student leaders are also pushing for tuition fees to be axed.But how far should Stormont go when it comes to spending taxpayers' money?
9m May 31, 2016
9m
Cutting corporation tax – should it be N Ireland’s big plan? #BBCNolan
It's one of the big ideas at Stormont for boosting our economy.Cutting corporation tax - that's the tax on profits. It's currently 20%.But Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness are committed to introducing 12.5% here in 2018.The plan doesn't get a direct mention in the new Stormont Programme for Government.But it's clearly centre stage in the executive's plans. But critics - for instance in the ...
12m May 30, 2016
12m
Nude food! Would you enjoy fine dining naked? #BBCNolan
London is opening it's very first naked restaurant in June. It's going to be a pop-up restaurant -- quite literally folks. It will be called the Bunyadi and has been set up by a company called Lollipop. And get this, they already have 30,000 people on the waiting list wanting to strip off and dine. Owners say they want to 'offer an entirely natural eating experience where people are free from ...
7m May 30, 2016
7m
#topgear has hit our screens again! Was it a hit or flop?
Last night saw the first episode of the revamped Top Gear. Chris Evans and Matt Le Blanc fronted the new version of the motoring show following the departure of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. Some big shoes to fill.
22m May 30, 2016
22m
Should fans get time off work to watch the Euros? #bbcnolan
In case you hadn't noticed, the Euros are nearly hereBut should football fans get get time off work to watch the big games? Two of Northern Ireland's matches kick off at 5pm on weekdays.Will supporters be allowed to nip home early to see the matches? One of the Republic of Ireland's matches is also at 5pm on a weekday.And of course there will be massive interest in many other matches, some of w...
12m May 30, 2016
12m
@OurLogie reflects on a charity trip to Africa #BBCNolan
A voice familiar to many, local broadcaster Adrian Logan more commonly known on the airwaves as Logie has just returned from a trip to Africa where he witnessed appalling levels of poverty. The trip has been described as life changing in an interview he gave to the Belfast Telegraph this week.
11m May 27, 2016
11m
Time is nearing for the #TopGear premier. Will Chris Evans match up?
This Sunday sees the first episode of the rebooted Top Gear, since Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May left the BBC to start their own motoring show. The new version of the show, hosted by Chris Evans and Friends star Matt Le Blanc, had a glitzy launch party this week but banned some newspapers from attending, inviting only hand picked journalists. According to the Daily Telegraph "N...
4m May 27, 2016
4m
Can Mourinho revamp the Theatre of Dreams? #MUFC
So its official Jose Mourinho is the new manager of Manchester United, its just been announced that he has signed a 3 year deal. Football writer and editor of United We Stand fanzine Andy Mitten
4m May 27, 2016
4m
Are we living in a Christian country? #BBCNolan
Is it time to stop calling the UK a Christian country? New figures show the number of people who say they have no religion is rapidly escalating and significantly outweighs the Christian population in England and Wales. And while the number of people identifying as Christian here in Northern Ireland is higher - the BBC's cross border survey back in November showed that church attendance for th...
18m May 27, 2016
18m
Camper van to the Euros! – who wants to go with @StephenNolan?
Stephen is going to the Euros on a camper van trip, but who would you take with you?
8m May 27, 2016
8m
Curse of nuisance phone calls - new way to block them launched today
Is it time to stop calling the UK a Christian country? New figures show the number of people who say they have no religion is rapidly escalating and significantly outweighs the Christian population in England and Wales. And while the number of people identifying as Christian here in Northern Ireland is higher - the BBC's cross border survey back in November showed that church attendance for th...
17m May 27, 2016
17m
Mother recounts the story of her son’s fatal addiction to legal highs
They were known as legal highs. A term which made some people think they were safer than illegal drugs like heroin, cocaine and cannabis. But from today a blanket ban on so-called legal highs comes into force in the UK. The move has been welcomed but some say the ban is unenforceable and will drive the trade underground.
7m May 26, 2016
7m
Should UK be proud of its record on foreign aid?
The UK is now the only major country to meet the United Nations target to spend 0.7% of GDP on international development every year. Britain's Foreign Aid budget has shot up 144% in a decade. But not every body is happy about it! Launching Ferrari's Breakfast Brief on radio station, LBC, Nick Ferrari said: "We need to 'end this lunacy now!". Are you proud that the UK is so generous or does ch...
13m May 26, 2016
13m
Should the census include a question on sexuality? #BBCNolan
Does the government have the right to ask you about your sexuality? Well the 2021 national census could contain specific questions for the first time about whether people are gay or transgender. Journalist Andrew Pierce, who came out when he was 22, says it's none of the state's business and he'll risk breaking the law by refusing to answer.
10m May 26, 2016
10m
‘The belief is huge’ – Michael O’Neill on Northern Ireland’s hopes for Euros
So this week Stephen visited the Northern Ireland squad training camp as they prepare for the Euros. It's the first major tournament we've been at since the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. The fans are in dreamland and one man who played a huge part in guiding the team to the Euros is manager Michael O'Neill.
25m May 26, 2016
25m
Brave new world? Stormont's new executive gets down to work
The first meeting of Stormont's new power-sharing executive will take place later today.It's a new look government with the DUP and Sinn Fein the only parties involved.It's a big time in politics and it's clear some tough decisions lie ahead for the new Ministers.The Irish News is reporting today on a stark memo from outgoing DUP Finance Minister Mervyn Storey.It warned of "significant public e...
16m May 26, 2016
16m
Union man Bumper Graham not hopeful on new Stormont era
Really big day in politics here.We'll know the shape of Stormont's new power sharing executive in a few hours.For the first time ever, it looks like just two parties - the DUP and Sinn Fein - will be involved.We'll soon know who gets the different Ministries.Most attention will centre on the new Justice MInister.The DUP says it won't be a Sinn Fein politician.That would seem to leave Justice wi...
4m May 25, 2016
4m
Ban smartphones for under 16s? @EJWoolf and Fionola Meredith discuss
A former Downing Street advisor has called for a ban on 16 year olds having smartphones or tablets. Steve Hilton is a former director of strategy for David Cameron. He says the move would, "make life easier for parents, better for children, and still retain the benefits of technology. We need to create a social norm that children should never have access to the internet without supervision. Ju...
17m May 25, 2016
17m
Alliance Party publishes details of five demands to DUP and SF
Really big day in politics here.We'll know the shape of Stormont's new power sharing executive in a few hours.For the first time ever, it looks like just two parties - the DUP and Sinn Fein - will be involved.We'll soon know who gets the different Ministries.Most attention will centre on the new Justice MInister.The DUP says it won't be a Sinn Fein politician.That would seem to leave Justice wi...
7m May 25, 2016
7m
Big day at Stormont - @AlexKane221b and @Jude42 discuss
Really big day in politics here.We'll know the shape of Stormont's new power sharing executive in a few hours.For the first time ever, it looks like just two parties - the DUP and Sinn Fein - will be involved.We'll soon know who gets the different Ministries.Most attention will centre on the new Justice MInister.The DUP says it won't be a Sinn Fein politician.That would seem to leave Justice wi...
12m May 25, 2016
12m
Better relationship with DUP is my top priority - @M_McGuinness_SF talks to @StephenNolan
Really big day in politics here.We'll know the shape of Stormont's new power sharing executive in a few hours.For the first time ever, it looks like just two parties - the DUP and Sinn Fein - will be involved.We'll soon know who gets the different Ministries.Most attention will centre on the new Justice MInister.The DUP says it won't be a Sinn Fein politician.That would seem to leave Justice wi...
19m May 25, 2016
19m
Should the next Bond be female? #janebond
The name's Bond....James Bond...but should that be JANE Bond? Could a woman take on the role of the spy who likes it shaken, not stirred, preferably in the company of several glamorous women? Well actress Gillian Anderson says she'd be interested in the role. A fan mocked up a 007 poster featuring the X Files actress after reports the current Bond, Daniel Craig, rejected a £68 million offer to ...
9m May 24, 2016
9m
Disturbing self-harm statistics – Andrea Cairns from @AwareNI and Dr Philip McGarry discuss
Six thousand people went to emergency departments across Northern Ireland last year after they self-harmed. The majority were young people, aged between 15 and 24. And records show that a number of people sought help on more than one occasion with over 8,000 incidents in 12 months. The statistic is from the chief medical officer's annual report. We spoke to Michael McBride yesterday and he sa...
15m May 24, 2016
15m
Do you give your children pocket money or do they have to earn it? @TinaCalder & @PaulMartin discuss
Do you give your children pocket money or do they have to earn it? Dragons Den entrepreneur Sarah Willingham says we should pay children to work instead rather than just handing them money. She says "There are all sorts of ways kids can earn their pocket money, from washing the car to walking dogs - but the point IS that pocket money should be earned not expected". So do you make your kids wo...
15m May 24, 2016
15m
The destructive grip of problem gambling – recovering addicts tell their stories
For many of us - years ago - gambling was what we did on Grand National day... Queueing in a smoky bookies to put on a few quid. And whether we won or lost, we didn't darken that door until the same day next year. Many bookies nowadays look more like upmarket coffee bars - AND there's dozens of ways to gamble - as you sit in your armchair. What starts out as a harmless flutter, can, however,...
30m May 24, 2016
30m
Do you know the symptoms of oral cancer? #BBCNolan gets expert advice
A disturbing finding from the chief medical officers report yesterday was that over half of respondents did not know ANY of the symptoms of oral cancer. Incidence rates have been rising in the UK in recent years - and - unlike some cancers, are predicted to continue to do so. Without early detection, around half of people with oral cancer will die, but early diagnosis can give patients a 90% ...
7m May 24, 2016
7m
Controversy over pro-fat report on dieting
A report by the National Obesity Forum has suggested eating fat could help cut obesity and type 2 diabetes. Last night on my radio 5live show I was speaking to Naveed Sattar who is a Professor of Metabollic Medicine at the University of Glasgow and Dr Zoe Harcombe who is an independent obesity researcher and supports the National Obesity Forum.
12m May 23, 2016
12m
Is EU referendum campaign getting overheated? #bbcnolan
The war of words on Brexit is now in full swing, with both sides firing out headline grabbing warnings on issues like the economy and immigration.But is there a danger of the debate overheating, with campaigners overdoing the claims and counter claims?Do both sides need to calm it down a bit? Joining Stephen is Labour MP Kate Hoey and former Conservative MInister Edwina Currie
14m May 23, 2016
14m
Is Stormont opposition a step towards ‘normalisation’? @NewtonEmerson and @dmcbfs discuss
A step towards the normalisation of Northern Ireland politics.That's being claimed about the big developments at the Assembly.The SDLP, UUP and probably Alliance are going to be on the Opposition benchesAnd that would leave the DUP and Sinn Fein as the only parties in Government.But is this really a move towards normalisation? Columnist Newton Emerson isn't convincedStephen is also joined by p...
4m May 23, 2016
4m
Mourinho in, Van Gaal out – the right move for #MUFC ?
Mourinho in. Van Gaal out. The football managerial roundabout took another turn at the weekend. The BBC understands Jose Mourinho will take charge at Man Utd shortly. Controversy surrounds the news after the man he will replace, Louis Van Gael, won the FA cup with United on Saturday. So has Van Gael been badly treated or was his sacking par for the course in modern football? Stephen is joined...
17m May 23, 2016
17m
Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride spells out public health priorities
Big controversy today over diet adviceA report by the National Obesity Forum has suggested eating fat could help cut obesity and type 2 diabetes.But that has been condemned as irresponsible and potentially deadly by the chief nutritionist in the English health service. By coincidence, Northern Ireland's chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride has his annual report published today - dealing wi...
30m May 23, 2016
30m
No women allowed! – golf club under gender controversy
Rory McIlroy has entered the row over women golfers being banned from Muirfield golf club. The Irish sports star is leading calls urging Muirfield to "see sense" after the club voted not to change its rules and allow women members. Governing body the R&A responded with its ban on Muirfield hosting The Open until the club changed its rules. Was that the right response? Or should golf clubs be ...
9m May 20, 2016
9m
What will opposition mean? – @dmcbfs and @AlexKane221b discuss
It's all change on the Stormont hill.The SDLP is joining the UUP on Assembly Opposition benches.And Alliance says it's not in a position - as things stand - to accept the Justice Ministry.So it looks like the DUP and Sinn Fein will be the only two parties in Government.After a day of drama, politics is in a different place.And we also have a new nickname - Martin and Arlene are being jointly ca...
4m May 20, 2016
4m
A day of Stormont drama – and a new nickname in politics #marlene
It's all change on the Stormont hill.The SDLP is joining the UUP on Assembly Opposition benches.And Alliance says it's not in a position - as things stand - to accept the Justice Ministry.So it looks like the DUP and Sinn Fein will be the only two parties in Government.After a day of drama, politics is in a different place.And we also have a new nickname - Martin and Arlene are being jointly ca...
2m May 20, 2016
2m
Alliance’s @StephenFarryMLA and TUV’s @JimAllister on Stormont upheaval
It's all change on the Stormont hill.The SDLP is joining the UUP on Assembly Opposition benches.And Alliance says it's not in a position - as things stand - to accept the Justice Ministry.So it looks like the DUP and Sinn Fein will be the only two parties in Government.After a day of drama, politics is in a different place.And we also have a new nickname - Martin and Arlene are being jointly ca...
22m May 20, 2016
22m
Stormont upheaval - @conormurphysf and @ClaireHanna clash @bbcnolan
It's all change on the Stormont hill.The SDLP is joining the UUP on Assembly Opposition benches.And Alliance says it's not in a position - as things stand - to accept the Justice Ministry.So it looks like the DUP and Sinn Fein will be the only two parties in Government.After a day of drama, politics is in a different place.And we also have a new nickname - Martin and Arlene are being jointly ca...
25m May 20, 2016
25m
DUP fag spat - @ianpaisleymp raps @Jim_Wells_MLA on cigarette packaging
More drama on the NI political scene today - an internal row between two DUP members.
8m May 20, 2016
8m
Glengormley High teacher speaks out in defence of school
We had a huge reaction to the bullying story we broadcast last week. A distraught mother had contacted the Nolan show with claims her daughter was being bullied and that her school was not doing enough about it. Paula said that her daughter now dreads going to school and her health is suffering as a result. She's a pupil at Glengormley high school, a school where bullying has previously been hi...
6m May 19, 2016
6m
Sugar tax – nanny state in action or much-needed measure.
The Cameron government has vowed to press ahead with the Sugar tax! The Queen's Speech has confirmed the controversial tax will go ahead in 2018 - despite protests it will hit the poor. Drinks such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Red Bull could cost around 20p more per litre in a bid to tackle fears over kids' obesity in UK schools. In the Speech, the Government said the new legislation would encourag...
24m May 19, 2016
24m
Controversy over call for decriminalisation of abortion – callers react
The Royal College of Midwives has controversially called for abortion to be totally decriminalised right across the UK.Critics claim it could open the way to many more late stage terminations.Would it also end prosecutions for the purchase and use of abortion pills bought online?
16m May 19, 2016
16m
‘My son was the product of rape’ – woman tells her story to @stephennolan
We were contacted by a listener who told us about becoming pregnant after she was raped. She believes that women should have a choice, but she continued with her pregnancy and that's a decision she says she's very glad that she made. Her son is now in his teensShe spoke to Stephen but for the purpose of this interview we have used the voice of an actress to protect the woman's identity.
12m May 19, 2016
12m
Controversy over call for decriminalisation of abortion - @dawnpurvis and @peterlynas discuss
First up this morning. It's one of the most difficult and emotional debates - as Stormont knows all too well. Should there be reform of the abortion laws. Well now the Royal College of Midwives has controversially called for abortion to be totally decriminalised right across the UK.Critics claim it could open the way to many more late stage terminations.
26m May 19, 2016
26m
Death of the death penalty? @CharlieSeaWolf and @lembitopik discuss
Drugs company Pfizer has blocked use of its drugs in lethal injections for executions. But is the ban another step towards the ending of the death penalty - a time when it is viewed as morally unacceptable throughout the world? Or are US states that retain the death penalty right to fight on - and even consider alternative forms of execution like the electric chair and firing squad? Stephen got...
6m May 18, 2016
6m
Ian Paisley MP seeking more Government funding for motorcycle road racing
The debate continues over the North West 200 in the wake of the latest race tragedy. But a prominent politician has spoken out in defence of motorcycle road racing. In an article for the Belfast Telegraph, DUP MP Ian Paisley calls for more Government funding for the sport. And he says the family of Malachi Mitchell Thomas, the racer who was killed at the weekend, do not need hear road racing cr...
27m May 18, 2016
27m
UUP MLA hits out over Assembly disability assessment #BBCNolan
The UUP MLA Andy Allen has hit out claiming he's been asked to prove he's disabled by Assembly officials. Mr Allen lost both legs serving in Afghanistan. Speaking in the Belfast Telegraph he says "it's nuts and that his condition is pretty clear." Stephen was joined by Andy and by Alan McQuillan from Stormont's Independent review panel
9m May 18, 2016
9m
Hands off our recipes - public outcry at BBC food website moves
If you're a fan of the BBC food website - get the recipes you love off it quick! Yesterday it was reported more than 11,000 recipes were to be archived from the BBC website as part of a review of the corporation's online output! BUT - A huge public outcry, including a petition signed by more than 159,000 people, has provoked a climbdown at the BBC. In a statement issued the corporation said it ...
12m May 18, 2016
12m
The Stormont guessing game - could Green Party end up with Justice Ministry?
Who will get the justice ministry at Stormont? Yesterday former deputy leader of the Alliance Party, Seamus Close, said on the Nolan Show it would be a "fundamental error" for the party to take the Justice Ministry. The Alliance Party has now given a document to the DUP and Sinn Féin setting out its key issues before it decides whether to accept the justice ministry. But another party has shown...
8m May 18, 2016
8m
Should parents have the right to take school children on holiday during term time?
Rules to stop English parents taking children on holidays during school terms have been thrown into disarray by a court ruling. The High Court has ruled in favour of a father who refused to pay a fine for taking his daughter on holiday during term time. Jon Platt, originally from Northern Ireland, argued he had no case to answer as his daughter went to school regularly. Mr Platt's local council...
10m May 17, 2016
10m