Is it time to get out of EU? DUP MP Ian Paisley and Tory Frank Shivers discuss
The gloves are off in the fight over whether the UK should stay in the European Union.The referendum is coming, it could be less than six months away.David Cameron thinks he has a deal that will persuade voters to back staying in.But not everyone is convinced, including in his own party.Now you might be thinking EU, Brexit, referendum - this is all a bit waffly.But there are huge issues involve...
20m Feb 03, 2016
20m
Gay rights campaigner @PeterTatchell on his Ashers bakery u-turn
A prominent gay rights campaigner has said he was wrong to support the legal campaign against Asher's bakery. Peter Tatchell made the admission just days before an appeal against the decision. That starts tomorrow in Belfast. Action was taken against Ashers after they refused to bake a cake with a message supporting gay marriage.
9m Feb 02, 2016
9m
Cllr Jim Rodgers and Alliance’s @NualaMcAllister clash over Belfast rates rise
Belfast rates are set to rise by 1.48% after a 3 year freeze. There were heated exchanges in the council last night as the issue was being debated. The UUP voted against the rise - and tabled the motion to freeze rates - but this was found NOT TO BE competent because it wasn't supported by costings. Alliance councillor Nuala McAllister And UUP councillor Jim Rodgers
7m Feb 02, 2016
7m
'Anti-motor car Taliban' - Sammy Wilson snipe at DUP-run department
Now on the show - Belfast's traffic system. Few things get the phones jumping more than that.DUP MP Sammy Wilson has had massive dig at the DRD's new 20 mph speed limit in the city - and at bus lanes as well.He claims there's a "war against motorists" and and says (quote) "the road safety anti motor car Taliban don't know when to stop"Why is this big new news? Well the DRD - the Department for ...
29m Feb 02, 2016
29m
Decision time - will Assembly vote to widen the availability of abortion in NI?
MLAs will be voting as early as next week on whether to change N Ireland's abortion law.That's a very big moment for our politicians.Abortion legislation here dates back to the 19th century.But next week, the crunch decision is whether the law should be widened to allow abortions in cases of fatal fetal abnormalities.That means cases where doctors decide the unborn baby has no chance of surviva...
19m Feb 02, 2016
19m
Kids kept waiting up to 20 months for autism diagnosis #BBCNolan
Kids kept waiting up to 20 months for autism diagnosis #BBCNolan
30m Feb 01, 2016
30m
Remembering Sir Terry Wogan – a broadcasting legend
Remembering Sir Terry Wogan – a broadcasting legend
30m Feb 01, 2016
30m
‘We’ll put negativity in the dustbin’ – politics pledge from @M_McGuinness_SF
"We're going to put Stormont negativity in the dustbin." That's what Martin McGuinness says he and Arlene Foster are going to do. Really interesting comments. Arlene Foster has said she is tired of Stormont being a watchword for bickering. Are the DUP and Sinn Fein planning for a new era of political harmony? Can it be achieved? Commentator Alex Kane and journalist Paul Gosling discuss
15m Jan 29, 2016
15m
The Raheem Sterling row – sour grapes from @mikeparry8? #BBCNolan
Most of us enjoy a good argument about football and this week a row started over a crucial goal in the League Cup semi final match between Man City and Everton. It seems the ball had gone out of play before Raheem Sterling crossed for City to score. Now should he have held his hands up and admitted that the ball was out. Commentator and Everton fan Mike Parry thinks Sterling had a moral obligat...
6m Jan 29, 2016
6m
Today is Ulster FRYday - is it a national dish to be proud of? #BBCNolan
Today is Ulster FRYday. FRY-Day. Get it? It comes on the last weekday of January - Breakfast month. We're often bumming and blowing about our Fry ups, but are they really something to be proud of? With them being pretty unhealthy - should we have a different national dish? Or should we just ignore the critics and shout about our fried egg and bacon? And the great beans debate rumbles on. Should...
9m Jan 29, 2016
9m
Should all election posters be banned in Northern Ireland? #BBCNolan
How much do election posters annoy you? Some say that they're a vital part of the political process. But they still rub people up the wrong way. Especially if they're left up long after an election's over. Well, a plan form the Ulster Unionists to ban election posters might have fallen at the first hurdle. The Ulster Unionist Party Chairman, Lord Empey, has asked if local parties could agree a ...
27m Jan 29, 2016
27m
Is it possible to be both fit and fat? #BBCNolan
Is it possible to be both fit and fat? In this weeks Daily Mail there was an article about three overweight women who claim that yes you can indeed be obese and still be healthy. Between them, the women run marathons, compete in Ironman competitions and teach others how to get fit. However, rather than svelte size 10s, their weight ranges from 14 stone up to 20 stone. They believe when it comes...
12m Jan 28, 2016
12m
Smacking - teaching a lesson that violence pays? #BBCNolan
'Smacking a child is 'often the first form of child abuse'! That's what some experts are claiming. Recent comments from presidential candidate Texas Senator Ted Cruz have sparked fresh debate about smacking. Cruz said he spanks his five-year-old daughter when she lies. But Dr Ronald Pies from SUNY Upstate Medical University criticised his remarks citing research likening spanking to abuse. He ...
4m Jan 28, 2016
4m
'Peace of mind' - politician on why he had black boxes installed in his kids' cars
A local politician has had black boxes installed in his kids' cars to make sure they behave behind the wheel. Newry and Mourne SDLP councillor Mark Murnin said he needed to put them in for his "own peace of mind" and make sure his children don't speed. Mark says his 23-year-old son Matthew and 21-year-old daughter Aoife were both ok about the move and he urged other parents to do the same.
4m Jan 28, 2016
4m
High noon for Nolan - Belfast's new 'Sheriff' Jim Rogers will run him outta town #BBCNolan
Yesterday on the show we were talking about the revelation that Former Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers - has taken up a new post. Apparently he's threatening to run Stephen out of town. As Belfast's new High Sheriff...
8m Jan 28, 2016
8m
Controversy over probes into past actions of soldiers - @molloy1916 and @BeattieDoug discuss
Tim Collins, the former army colonel from Northern Ireland, has condemned probes into the past actions of soldiers. The News Letter reports that he described the current criminal investigation into Bloody Sunday as a "farce". He also hit out into investigations into past military actions in Iraq. It follows comments by David Cameron last week. The Prime Minister claimed "there is now an industr...
23m Jan 28, 2016
23m
Just how dangerous are prisons in NI? @BBCNolan reveals shock new figures
The Nolan Show can reveal shocking new figures this morning. It's not just prison officers under threat in our jails. Over the last three years there have been over 800 prisoner on prisoner assaults in Northern Ireland. 409 were in Maghaberry. Safety at Maghaberry prison is in the spotlight again this morning. Inspectors are to report to Stormont's Justice committee later today. That's after it...
15m Jan 28, 2016
15m
Should pyjamas be banned at school gates? Big debate today on @BBCNolan !
Is it wrong for parents to drop their kids off at school - in their pyjamas and slippers? A headteacher in England has blasted parents that don't 'dress appropriately' saying it sets a bad example to the children. What do you think? Should Pj's be banned at school gates? Or altogether outside of the house?!? Stephen got the views of commentator and writer Emma Woolf and journalist and mum Tina ...
15m Jan 27, 2016
15m
Should we condemn big companies for avoiding tax? @RichardJMurphy and @CharlieSeaWolf debate
Is it absurd to condemn big companies for trying to avoid tax? Tory politician Boris Johnson thinks so. He says company chiefs have a legal duty to mimimise tax exposure. Criticising that, he claims, is like blaming a shark for eating seals. Boris Johnson was commenting on tax controversies about the likes of Apple and Google. He also claims tax is not about what feels right or how much people ...
11m Jan 27, 2016
11m
Flushed away - big push to stop misuse of toilets #BBCNolan
Happy Crapper day! No we're not being rude - today commemorates the 1910 anniversary of the death of Thomas Crapper, who popularised the use of the flushable toilet! AND - we're asking - Do you ever flush something you shouldn't down your toilet? NI Water is urging people to stop putting things that shouldn't be there down the bog. Items on the naughty list are - money, nappies, baby wipes, bui...
6m Jan 27, 2016
6m
Health Minister confirms new moves to tackle waiting lists - but is it enough? #BBCNolan
Tackling the waiting list misery in our health service. The Department of Health has confirmed that it's back using private hospitals to help bring waiting times down. It's part of a £40m initiative. But how far can that money go in sorting this huge problem out? Using the private sector is a controversial policy. It's been condemned as 'disgraceful' by a senior trade unionist. Stephen got reac...
10m Jan 27, 2016
10m
Push to tackle health waiting list misery - we talk to Minister @SimonHamilton #BBCNolan
Tackling the waiting list misery in our health service. The Department of Health has confirmed that it's back using private hospitals to help bring waiting times down. It's part of a £40m initiative. But how far can that money go in sorting this huge problem out? Using the private sector is a controversial policy. It's been condemned as 'disgraceful' by a senior trade unionist. We spoke to Heal...
14m Jan 27, 2016
14m
Is animal testing ever justified? John Carmody and Bella Williams discuss
'Animals subjected to 20,000 lab tests in Northern Ireland in one year'. That's a recent Belfast Telegraph front page splash. It claims Queens University and Ulster University research made up 70% of that - testing on mice and rats - ALTHOUGH Ulster university accounted for just 9 percent of that figure. It also claims that tests in other unnamed organisations included tests on dogs, cats and s...
10m Jan 26, 2016
10m
Is time running out for Louis Van Gaal at Manchester United? #BBCNolan
Speculation is mounting this morning that Manchester United manager, Louis Van Gaal, will leave the club. Reports have suggested the Dutchman will meet with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward today to discuss his future. The mood has turned sour in recent weeks at Old Trafford with the final straw seemingly coming during the course of Southampton's 1-0 win over United on Saturday with boos and...
5m Jan 26, 2016
5m
Belfast gets controversial 20mph zone #BBCNolan
20 miles per hour. That's the new speed limit for parts of Belfast city centre. It's meant to improve road safety. But critics say it will lead to more congestion. The Department for Regional Development says it isn't an anti-car measure. Other 20mph speed limits have already been introduced in Newtownabbey, Ballynahinch, Ballymena and Ballycastle. If you live there how have they affected your ...
8m Jan 26, 2016
8m
'Frustrated' with politics - MLA @JudithCochrane on why she's leaving Assembly #BBCNolan
'Frustrated' with politics - MLA Judith Cochrane on why she's leaving Assembly
2m Jan 26, 2016
2m
Are we all 'dog-ist'? Wildlife presenter hits out at barring pets from restaurants #BBCNolan
Are we a dog-ist society? BBC wildlife presenter Chris Packham says we are - AND that we needlessly restrict our dogs from restaurants and shops. Chris says that his dogs are "the most important organisms on the planet" over and above his partner and stepdaughter. But what do you think - should we make it commonplace to have our furry friends in restaurants - when we go for a meal? Commentators...
18m Jan 26, 2016
18m
Can Stormont fix our under-pressure health service? #BBCNolan
It seems every week, there are health problems in the headlines. People waiting for operations in pain for months, as waiting lists grow and grow. A&E departments under pressure. Funding under huge pressures. The SDLP is alleging there's been a failure of political leadership. That's a big claim. Stephen spoke to the party's health spokesman Fearghal McKinney, DUP's Edwin Poots and commentator ...
27m Jan 26, 2016
27m
Reaction to Irish News front page story - ‘Shankill bomb mastermind was RUC informer'
A really big claim on the front page of the Irish News today. The headline is 'Shankill bombing mastermind was RUC informer'. It claims "the IRA commander who planned the Shankill bombing told his handlers of the plan to blow up Frizzell's fish shop in 1993". The story is by Irish News Security Correspondent Allison Morris, Stephen spoke to Allison this morning and we got reaction from Charlie ...
10m Jan 25, 2016
10m
Too many white faces on our TV screens? #BBCNolan
It's claimed British TV shows feature too many white, middle class, straight actors. The remarks - from the Labour MP Rupa Huq - came in the week the Oscars came under fire for having no black nominees. She says the lack of diversity in the UK TV industry is seen in ITV's award-winning Downton Abbey. The Communications Minister, Ed Vaizey, accused some broadcasters of ignoring tough new diversi...
8m Jan 25, 2016
8m
Musician @jobyfox describes horror of refugee crisis reality #BBCNolan
The migrant crisis in Europe has made huge headlines this year. Just before Christmas we spoke to one local musician setting up a team of volunteers to go to Lesbos to help refugees. Joby Fox spent time on the Greek island and saw how thousands of people were making the dangerous trip across the mediterranean sea. They're fleeing from countries like Syria and Iraq. He now has audio of his team ...
4m Jan 25, 2016
4m
Refugee crisis – should the UK accept more refugees? #BBCNolan
Jeremy Corbyn says the UK should immediately take in more unaccompanied refugee children. The Labour leader made the call after visiting a refugee camp in Northern France. Charities have been calling on the UK to admit 3,000 child refugees as part of its response to the migrant crisis. One Cabinet Minister, International Development Secretary Justine Greening said ministers were considering "wh...
5m Jan 25, 2016
5m
Could NI's licensing laws scupper plans for major Belfast food festival? #BBCNolan
Plans for a major food festival could be threatened by N Ireland's licensing laws. That's the claim from a body representing pubs and hotels. Colin Neill from Hospitality Ulster was talking about BBC's Good Food Show, which is due in Belfast in October. Stephen spoke to him this morning
8m Jan 25, 2016
8m
Give up your free TV licence - is that really what the BBC will ask over-75s? #BBCNolan
People over 75 could be asked to give up their free TV licence under plans being considered by the BBC. The BBC is facing a £650m bill for taking on the cost of the free licences from 2020. That's part of a funding settlement with David Cameron's government. A report on ways to appeal for voluntary contributions from over 75s is due later this year. Media reports suggest older celebrities could...
28m Jan 25, 2016
28m
‘I had a lucky stroke’ – comic Adrian Walsh on his brush with death #BBCNolan
Time for our big Friday interview and my guest today is a much-loved local comedian.Bangor-born Adrian Walsh has enjoyed a career for half a century telling jokes, but a recent health scare was no laughing matter.The comic is lucky to be alive after suffering a stroke two months ago.But he says the brush with death has been a huge wake-up call for him.
11m Jan 22, 2016
11m
Callers clash over planned clampdown on flags #BBCNolan
We're kicking off the show today with a big big issue for Northern Ireland - flags. The Alliance Party on the show this morning are launching a planned clampdown on flying flags on lampposts.Under the plan, there would a licensing system for flags and they'd only be allowed for a few weeks a year.
26m Jan 22, 2016
26m
Clampdown plan for flags on lampposts – big debate on @BBCNolan
We're kicking off the show today with a big big issue for Northern Ireland - flags. The Alliance Party on the show this morning are launching a planned clampdown on flying flags on lampposts.Under the plan, there would a licensing system for flags and they'd only be allowed for a few weeks a year. Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle joins Nolan from our Stormont studio, and on the line is UKIP MLA David...
28m Jan 22, 2016
28m
Sammy Wilson hasn't spoken to Peter Robinson since tweet that crushed leadership hopes
Sammy Wilson hasn't spoken to Peter Robinson since tweet that crushed leadership hopes
5m Jan 21, 2016
5m
Tough new recycling rules – good idea or a load of rubbish? #bbcnolan
A local council is laying down the law with strict new recycling rules.Ards and North Down Borough Council is set to introduce a complete ban on any food waste in black bins.A report on the front page of this week's County Down Spectator says that "in the coming months council staff will be monitoring local householders' bins".Anyone breaking the rules will see their bin not emptied and a warni...
15m Jan 21, 2016
15m
Should the legal high Poppers be banned? Angela Epstein and MP Mike Freer clash
A senior Conservative MP has revealed in the House of Commons that he uses the legal party drug, poppers. Crispin Blunt, who's the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, was arguing against government plans for a blanket ban on so-called legal highs. MPs have now voted to include poppers on the list of substances which could be banned, but was it ok for Mr Blunt to defend a legal hig...
8m Jan 21, 2016
8m
'Ask Peter' - Sammy Wilson on tweet that crushed his leadership hopes
'Ask Peter' - Sammy Wilson on tweet that crushed his leadership hopes
5m Jan 21, 2016
5m
Sammy Wilson in EU quit camp - DUP still to decide #bbcnolan #euref
Sammy Wilson in EU quit camp - DUP still to decide
7m Jan 21, 2016
7m
EU quit time? Sammy Wilson and Claire Hanna battle it out
It looks like DUP MP Sammy Wilson has nailed his colours to the mast about the UK leaving the European Union. Speaking at Westminster yesterday Mr Wilson suggested such a move would boost the economy here.Pro-Europe campaigners claim leaving the EU would be a disaster for N Ireland.
22m Jan 21, 2016
22m
Time to relax our drinking laws? #bbcnolan
Is it time to shake up our drinking laws. For some time there have been demands for longer pub hours. Now there are new calls for more drinking on good friday and a relaxing of licensing laws at outdoor sports grounds. So is it time for a change, or do you think there's enough booze on offer as it is? Joining me now is Gerry White, bar manager at the John Hewitt and Belfast chairman of Hospit...
27m Jan 21, 2016
27m
Is it a man’s world when it comes to presenting TV shows? #bbcnolan
Is it a mans world when it comes to presenting TV shows? According to a survey of all main channels in the UK men are twice as likely to appear on television as women. 500 hours of primetime television were studied during three months last year in a study commissioned by Channel 4, which found the worst area for gender balance overall was sport with just 2% of presenters, pundits or guests wome...
6m Jan 20, 2016
6m
Are you a grumpy old man? #BBCNOLAN
Next up, what sort of things make you grumpy - and do men get grumpier as they get older?A new survey has found that a quarter of dads admit they are always cranky, while 73 per cent say they are becoming more so as they get on in years.Among the things found to get on men's wick were traffic jams, cold callers, bad driving, bad manners and their football team losing. Joining me now is self-co...
8m Jan 20, 2016
8m
A rare insight into the weird and wonderful world of @stephennolan’s voicemail
A rare insight into the weird and wonderful world of @stephennolan’s voicemail
10m Jan 20, 2016
10m
TUV leader @JimAllister benefit protection plan for Troubles victims #bbcnolan
TUV leader @JimAllister benefit protection plan for Troubles victims #bbcnolan
9m Jan 20, 2016
9m
Part 2 - Should Troubles victims get extra benefit protection? #bbcnolan
Should Troubles victims get extra benefit protection? #bbcnolan
24m Jan 20, 2016
24m
Part 1 - Should Troubles victims get extra benefit protection? #bbcnolan
The most generous welfare benefits system in the UK.That's the plan tabled at Stormont.And it will involve half a billion pounds of public money over four years.Under the blueprint, people in N Ireland who lose out from UK-wide benefit cuts will get top-up payments - funded by Stormont.And people injured in the Troubles will have more chance of keeping disability payments, than those with other...
29m Jan 20, 2016
29m