The Nolan Show: Recent Episodes
The Nolan Show
Welcome to the Stephen Nolan Audio channel.
BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC One.
Stephen will use this to communicate personally with you and you will also find key audio from his radio and tv shows.
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Twitter: @stephennolan
The PSNI has launched a new recruitment campaign today. It comes amid ongoing concerns over its ability to increase numbers of Catholic officers. But could a return to 50-50 recruitment be the answer? The Justice Minister Naomi Long says she's willing to consider it. Stephen spoke to Naomi Long, SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly and DUP MLA Mervyn Storey.
Should we ban all advertising for gambling on TV and online? That's the call from some MPs who are backing a Commons motion urging the Government to act. In December 2018 - some of the biggest gambling companies voluntarily agreed to a "whistle-to-whistle" television advertising ban. But is it time to step it up and remove all betting ads from TV and online? And what about football shirts? Stephen heard from caller Lee - who told him about his own battle with gambling addiction - and we got the views of Luke Gittos from Spiked and commentator Fionola Meredith.
Last night Sinn Fein's council motion on the future of Belfast Zoo was referred to the a council sub-committee for consideration. Currently the council subsidises the zoo at a cost of £2.5m each year and Sinn Fein councillor Conor Maskey has called for the site to be transformed into a "world class visitor attraction" which would not include what he describes as the 'wrong' and 'unethical' practice of displaying caged animals. What should be the future of the zoo? Stephen spoke to Sinn Fein councillor Conor Maskey, Alliance Party councillor Nuala McAllister, travel writer and commentator Tim Hedgley and animal rights campaigner Daniel Barclay.
Over the weekend Stephen heard from the boss of a prominent animal rights group who said we should stop calling our pets - 'pets'.
Ingrid Newkirk who runs PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) says the term 'pet' is derogatory because it makes living things sound like a 'commodity' or 'decoration'...
They aren't, she says. "something which allows you to go out for a walk'.
They say it's all to do with something called speciesism.
I spoke to freelance journalist and broadcaster Angela Epstein and Dr Corey Wrenn a lecturer in sociology at the University of Kent.
It's been revealed that Northern Ireland's health trusts have made over £15.5m from hospital car parking charges in the last three years.
And get this - more than £2.8m of that income came from charging staff to park their vehicles.
Add to that - some Trusts are even clamping people who don't comply.
The only trusts not to charge their employees - were the Northern and Western.
Should parking in our hospitals - be free?
Stephen spoke with Alliance Party Health Spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw and commentator and former MP Lembit Opik.
The moment the UK left the EU has come and gone with some Unionist celebrating outside the gates of Stormont.
But what were they celebrating? A small step towards Irish Unity, according to the News Letter's deputy editor Ben Lowry.
He spoke with Stephen as did South Down MLA Jim Wells, who helped to organise the event.
Almost 92% of Belfast shopworkers do not want longer opening hours on a Sunday.
Tha'ts according to a new survey carried out by the shopworkers' union USDAW.
A consultation on the issue carried out by Belfast City Council has recently closed, but what do you think? Do you want to be able to shop for longer on a Sunday?
Stephen spoke to Peter Lynas from the Evangelical Alliance and commentator Tim Hedgley
Sinn Fein have called for support from church leaders and civic society in asking the British Government for more money
But the question is - why are they asking for money after they signed up to the Stormont deal last month?
Is it a sensible call? Or does it smack of desperation? And who is going to listen to them now that the Executive is up and running?
What do you make of that? And perhaps more importantly - what would the English taxpayer make of that?
Stephen spoke with Commentator Andre Walker, Ben Lowry of the Newsleter and NI Labour member Phil Kelly.
The Nolan Show has been trying to get some clarity around many of the issues arising from the MOT fiasco in Northern Ireland. There has been some confusion about untaxed four year old vehicles, and whether any leeway would be given to them by authorities. Joining us this morning to clear up any confusion from a policing perspective was Inspector Rosie Leech from the PSNI's Road Policing Branch.
“We absolutely accept the accountability in governance that sits with us”. Nikki Patterson – Director of Nursing and Older People’s Services at South Eastern Trust on Commissioner for Older People report
Some shock at the National Television Awards last night as Mrs Browns Boys bagged the award for 'Best Comedy'beating the likes of the hugely popular Derry Girls, and Golden Globe winner Fleabag.
Were the others robbed?
Stephen heard from commentator and Mrs Brown fan, Niamh Horan and commentator Andrea McVeigh.
Charge car and van drivers to use new 'Ultra Low Emission Zones' in Belfast city centre. Or ban the use of wood burning stoves and coal fires in centre parts of the city?
Just some suggestions from 'Centre for Cities' - a Research and Policy Charity.
It follows publication of their new study - linking more than 1 in 24 deaths in Belfast to pollution.
It puts Belfast 3rd worse offender in the UK, behind London and Cardiff.
How do you feel about emission zone charges? Or being told not to light your fire?
Stephen got the views of Mal O'Hara from the Green Party NI and Arthur Acheson, an architect and planner.
All MOT tests for cars and light vehicles in Northern Ireland have been cancelled. What a fiasco.
If you have a car that is needing an MOT for the first time - you do not know when you will be seen.
The Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Agency says he doesn't know how many people needing their MOT for first time will be affected.
Stephen spoke to Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Agency Paul Duffy.
Temporary MOT exemption for drivers whose tests have been cancelled comes in to place this morning.
It applies to motorists whose MOTs have expired, or are soon to expire.
The DVA is inspecting MOT test centres after signs of cracking were discovered in 48 of 55 lifts, disrupting hundreds of tests.
The funeral of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister, Seamus Mallon, will take place later today in County Armagh.
Mr Mallon died aged 83 on Friday. As deputy leader of the SDLP from 1979 to 2001, Mr Mallon was described as one of the architects of the peace process - even though he told BBC Northern Ireland in an interview last year that given another chance he'd do some things differently.
Stephen spoke to current SDLP leader and MP Colum Eastwood.
A Carrickfergus man, who has celebral palsy, says he's being discriminated against when it comes to overnight accommodation.
Mark Clagg is 35 years old and requires a hoist to lift him in and out of bed.
However, he says because these aren't readily available in hotels and guest houses he's been unable to stay overnight with family and friends on two occasions in the last few months.
Mark says the disability laws related to public services need to be revamped because it's now affecting his professional life as well. Our reporter, Nicola Weir, went to meet Mark.
Stephen was joined by Anne McKernan, director of Legal Services at the Equality Commission.
Listeners describing it as a shambles at MOT centres throughout NI.
Essentially the Dept of Infrastructure is telling people to turn up at centres - but they don't know if they will be able to deliver on the appointment
Nicola Mallon is the new minister in charge - I presume minister you understand that people take time off work - that people need their cars to pick kids up from school - so there needs to be clear communication
An inspection of all vehicle lifts in Northern Ireland's MOT centres has detected "signs of cracking" in 48 of the 55 lifts, BBC has learned. The inspection results were revealed in an internal letter from the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) to its staff. Some MOT tests due to take place this week were cancelled due to the issue, but the Department for Infrastructure has advised drivers to attend their scheduled test, unless they are contacted by the DVA.
However, several motorists who travelled to MOT centres on Thursday, only to be told that their test was cancelled.
An online bingo site says it's considering throwing out classic calls like "two fat ladies" eighty-eight, to make the game more "woke" for the younger generation. Foxy Bingo says eighty-eight could in future be "Wills and Kate". Other suggestions include thirty-eight "avocado on a plate" and seventy-four "recycle more".
Nearly four million people play bingo in Britain - not just in traditional bingo halls - but increasingly online.
So what do you reckon? Are the old bingo calls offensive? Outdated? Have you got any updated bingo lingo you think could work better?
Stephen heard the views of Andrea McVeigh.
Hundreds of thousands of over-75s will struggle to pay for their TV licences
when the free license is scrapped later this year - that according to a major new study.
Age UK said the plans will be a ‘shock to the budgets of many older people’ and ‘may be too much’ for them.
They've highlighted that the current £154.50 annual fee costs more than three monthly gas bills or electricity bills.
Stephen spoke to the commentator Emma Woolf and the former UKIP MLA David McNarry.
What would you do if you were told you had months to live? That's what's facing a 26 year old Coalisland woman who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer this time last year.
It was initially thought Shannon Whitehouse had muscle strain but after a lump appeared on her hip she was given the news that it was Ewing's sarcoma - a cancer that affects the bone and soft tissue and is more commonly seen in children.
After seven months of chemotherapy and 42 rounds of radiotherapy, two weeks ago Shannon was given the devastating news that the treatment hasn't worked.
Our reporter, Nicola Weir, went to meet Shannon at her home.
NIPSA - the largest public sector trade union in Northern Ireland - has confirmed that strike action planned for tomorrow will go ahead.
Union officials held a meeting yesterday with finance minister to demand a pay increase for civil servants.
The union met with Sinn Fein's Conor Murphy on behalf of members who they say have had a below-inflation pay increase for the last nine years.
NIPSA says anger among their members grew with the announcement this week that MLAs are to get a £1000 increase in their pay and a further increase in April this year.
On the line now is Carmel Gates from NIPSA and commentator and businessman Frank Shivers.
The Assembly Commission is to meet today to discuss a request to halt a pay rise for MLAs.
Yesterday, the five main Stormont parties said they shared public dismay about the decision to boost their salaries by £1,000.
The pay is due to rise from £49,500 to £50,500 under rules set by the Independent Financial Review Panel.
And they're due another £500 rise in April. Assembly members have no input to the panel's decisions on pay and expenses.
Some MLAs have already offered to donate their increase to charity.
Joining Stephen was the commentator Amanda Ferguson,
the former Sinn Fein MLA Daithi McKay, Mick Fealty from Slugger O'Toole
and Alan McQuillan, a former member of the Independent Financial Review Panel.
Should we all have the right to know what our colleagues earn to help create fairer pay levels?
Radio presenter Sarah Montague won a £400,000 settlement and an apology from the BBC.
Montague says she was treated "unequally" by the corporation for years.
In 2018, she said she was "incandescent with rage" after finding out her £133,000-a-year salary for working on Radio 4's World At One and the Today programme,was less than her co-presenters were earning.
So, would you support transparent salaries for all? Would it help get rid of the gender pay gap?
Vinny heard from commentators Fionola Meridith and Andre Walker.
Teenage climate change activist Greta Thunberg addressed political and business leaders at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland yesterday.
But according to some psychologists and psychiatrists, talk of a ‘climate crisis’ has led to an upsurge in young people reporting feelings of anxiety, helplessness and guilt.
Vinny heard the views of commentator Brendan O'Neill from Spiked Online and the environmental campaigner Jeff Gazzard.
Despite the Assembly only being back 2 weeks after an absence of 3 years
Your MLAs have been given a £1000 pay rise increasing their annual salary to £50,500.
They were due to receive the extra money over the past three years, but the increase was blocked by the former Secretary of State Karen Bradley because Stormont was suspended.
MLAs pay is set by an independent body. But do you agree with the pay rise?
Vinny heard from Political Correspondent Enda McClafferty, SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan, Businessman Max Mackin and Independent MLA Jim Wells.
Belfast priest Father Gary Donegan says he wants to put an end to what he calls "circus funerals".
In an interview in today's Belfast Telegraph, the influential cleric says he does not allow rap music, football tops or huge floral displays at funerals.
Fr Donegan is concerned that some of the eulogies and paraphernalia at services is actually "glamorising" suicide for young people.
A new code of conduct for Stormont's special advisers and how they are appointed has been made public.
It states that ministers are responsible for the management, conduct and discipline of their SPADS.
It also sees their salaries capped at £85,000 per year.
Vinny spoke to Alan McQuillan (Previously on the Independent financial review panel) and Former SPAD Brendan Mulgrew.
We have been hearing in recent weeks of the pressure that doctors and nurses are facing as the strain on the health service continues.
But what about the GPs working in the community?
I have been speaking to Dr Liam Farrell a former GP who as well as battling to help patients in Crossmaglen was also battling his own addiction to morphine. He has written a book called 'Are You The F**king Doctor' and spoke to Vinny about his experiences working as a GP in Northern Ireland.
"A bottomless pit beset by corruption"
That's the damning verdict on Northern Ireland by the writer and broadcaster Matthew Parris.
Writing in The Times newspaper, the former Conservative MP says the idea of a united Ireland "makes so much sense".
He says its costs taxpayers more to keep Northern Ireland in the union
than the UK will get back from leaving the EU.
But loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson claims his article is ‘offensive’.
Conor McGregor made his anticipated comeback in Las Vegas at the weekend against Donald Cerrone, his first fight since October 2018 and he was back with a bang.
The fight took all of 40 seconds as the Irishman claimed to have made history as the first fighter in UFC history to secure knockouts in three different weight divisions but was it a bum deal for fans?
Do you feel short changed? Vinny heard from Sports journalist Steven Beacom and commentator Heidi McAlpin.
They're out of "The Firm". It was announced on Saturday night that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will stop carrying out Royal duties, they won't use their HRH titles, and they'll pay back the £2.4m of taxpayers' money spent renovating their cottage in Windsor.
Harry and Meghan are heading for a new life in Canada - but what's next for them, and for the Royal Family?
Vinny heard from the Royal commentator Caroline Aston.
Now next up - Translink have come under fire for advertisements, featured on the side of their buses calling for people to consider Veganism.
One advert read "it's not a personal choice when someone is killed, use plants not animals", another "dairy takes babies from their mothers".
Translink have told this programme "These bus-side advertisements are in the process of being removed”.
On to discuss this with Vinny was vegan and animal rights campaigner Daniel Barclay and commentator Lata Sharma.
Get your priorities right. That was the recent message from the Secretary of State Julian Smith.
Are our politicians now taking notice? Late last week the First Minister Arlene Foster hinted that Tuition fees may be one area where they make changes, in order to raise cash.
Vinny spoke to Robert Murtagh, President of NUS-USI, alongside commentators Frank Shivers and Malachi O’Doherty.
Northern Ireland health unions have suspended planned strike action following talks with the Department of Health.
12 hours strikes had been set to go ahead on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
However the union NIPSA has said it is not happy with the deal and their strike on the 24th will go ahead.
Vinny heard from Patrick Mullholland from NIPSA and commentator Irwin Armstrong.
The Taoiseach is set to visit Drogheda
after a teenager from the town was abducted, murdered and his body dismembered.
The killers then dumped his body parts in a number of locations in Dublin. 17 year old Keane Mulready-Woods is believed to be the latest victim of a gangland feud.
Vinny spoke to the child protection expert and former PSNI Detective Superintendent Jim Gamble and crime correspondent with the Irish Daily Star, Michael O'Toole.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme has come up with a list of essential activities for teenagers to complete before adulthood - including going to a festival, volunteering, learning to manage your money and going vegan.
Not surprisingly, perhaps, for an organisation that promotes the great outdoors, it recommends "spending time in nature".
Joining Vinny was John Laverty from the Belfast Telegraph and the businesswoman Cathy Martin.
There has been anger from victims and unionist politicians about the display of some items in a republican museum in Belfast
Some of the exhibits at the Roddy McCorley Society include a soldier’s rifle
found near the site of the IRA bombing at Narrow water and a pair of Colonel Gaddafi’s shoes.
The Society has had funding of £1 million pounds 'agreed in principle'
from Belfast City Council.
The Nolan show can reveal this morning that the soldier's rifle has now been confiscated by the police.
Vinny spoke to Jonathan Ganesh, who was injured in the IRA's Docklands bombing in 1996
Should you get more holiday days, if you're a non-smoker? That's exactly what one boss in Swindon has decided to do. And it's not just for the health benefits or to incentivise staff - it's because he noticed how much time smokers were spending away from their desks on smoke breaks.
Managing director Don Bryden said that he noticed his employees who smoke can spend up to an hour each day taking cigarette breaks. Meanwhile, non-smokers in the office remained busy at their desks continuing with their work.
So - Mr Bryden has decided to start the new year with a radical new policy -
and give non-smokers 4 days a year extra off!
Is is about time employers made a move like this? Or is it a step too far?
Using private email for government business. Failing to keep minutes of Ministerial meetings - so there's no official record. Sending confidential government documents - to family members. Just some of the practices exposed by the RHI Inquiry.
The TUV leader Jim Allister is trying to introduce legislation that would lead to jail terms for politicians or officials found guilty of such behavuour in future.
Vinny spoke to Jim Allister, the former MP Lembit Opik and the Political Editor of the News Letter Sam McBride.
Do you worry about your dog - when you leave him or her alone in the house?
Now - online music giant Spotify have launched a podcast for dogs left home alone.
They've done this after its own polling suggested most owners believe audio recordings help calm their canines.
Vinny spoke with dog trainer Michael McCartney and dog owner Lata Sharma.
An "act of bad faith" - that's how the finance minister Conor Murphy has described the financial package offered by Westminster to support the Stormont deal.
One billion pounds of new money is on the table.
Another billion is expected to be added as an automatic result of spending plans for the entire UK.
Last night in a series of tweets Secretary of State Julian Smith said "Let’s remember MLAs have been off work 3yrs at a cost of £15m+ in salaries.
There will be a new deal for NI as it leaves the EU. There is also a UK budget in spring. £2bn is biggest ever NI talks settlement & it addresses a number of key issues.
Mr Smith also the parties need to sort their priorities.
Vinny spoke to BBC Political editor Mark Devenport and Economics and Business editor John Campbell.
Should nude art classes be taught to school art students to counter the effect of negative body image issues?
Well there are some campaigners who think that providing young people
with controlled exposure to nudity in life drawing classes would allow teenagers to see the human body in all shapes and sizes and that there is no "perfect" form.
Would you want your kids doing nude life drawing at school?
Vinny chatted to commentators Heidi McAlpin and Angela Epstein.
'Reducing Air Passenger Duty would fly in the face of the governments commitment to climate change'.
That's the message from the Green Party NI, and comes as scrapping the tax for domestic flights was proposed as a way of saving troubled airline - Flybe.
Ryanair in the past has pulled some flights from Northern Ireland because they say it is just too expensive and squeezing their margins.
Flybe's owners have agreed to pump more money into the business.
Should the government put climate change ahead of helping a struggling employer?
Vinny was joined by Malachi O'Hara from the Green Party and businessman Frank Shivers.
Should Big Ben bong for Brexit? Well if it does it will cost an estimated £500,000 according to the prime minister.
There have been calls for the famous bell to ring at 23:00 GMT on 31 January to signal the UK leaving the EU.
But due to ongoing restoration work it has only rung on a few occasions since refurbishment of the tower housing it began in 2017.
Boris Jonson has said that some form of crowdfunding might be possible to cover the cost.
Vinny heard the views of Brendan O'Neill from Spiked online and former trade unionist Bumper Graham.
The new health minister Robin Swann says he's found the money to resolve the nurses' pay dispute and get health workers off the picket line and back to work.
But where's the money coming from? The Minister announced that he's borrowing £30m from next year's Stormont budget. That might work if the Executive gets a big cash injection from the British Government.
So is Robin Swann gambling with money he hasn't really got?
And how will he cope with the massive problems in the health service here?
Vinny spoke to the new Health Minister, plus Pat Cullen from the RCN and Anne Speed from Unison.
Would you swap a steak dinner for a burger grown in a lab?
Or pasta made from bacterial flour created by scientists?
According to the environmentalist George Monbiot, before long most of what we eat won't come from animals or plants, but from what he calls "farm-free foods".
Some researchers predict the collapse of the livestock industry within a couple of decades. Supporters say lab-grown food will help to save the planet.
Vinny spoke to the animals rights and environment campaigner Daniel Barclay and the commentator Andre Walker.
Same sex marriage is now legal in Northern Ireland.
The law came into effect yesterday, with Amnesty International describing it as an historic day for equality and human rights.
The first couples wanting to get married could set their dates for the week of Valentine's Day.
But those who want a religious marriage ceremony - and couples who wish to convert their civil partnership to marriage - will have to wait for the outcome of further government consultations.
Joining Vinny were John O'Doherty of the Rainbow Project, and Simon Calvert from the Christian Institute
The deal was done but without nailing down just how much money was on offer.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson came and went yesterday
and still there was no hint about the funding that many thought
would be made available to sort Northern Ireland's many problems.
Issues like health, education and welfare reform. And then last night
Finance Minister Conor Muprhy revealed that what is on the table is not nearly enough.
So what now? Vinny spoke with BBC political correspondent Enda McClafferty, Economist Paul Gosling, commentator Patricia MacBride, Henry Hill from Conservative Home and News Letter political editor Sam McBride.
Reports this morning that Boris Johnson will give the new Stormont executive up to two billion pounds as part of the deal to restore power sharing.
Two billion pounds - that's a lot of money but is it enough? And were our political parties right to jump back into power sharing before getting funding confirmed?
The British and Irish governments have published the text of a draft deal aimed at restoring power sharing in Northern Ireland. Secretary of State Julian Smith and Tánaiste Simon Coveney made the announcement at a press conference at Stormont last night. The deal, entitled New Decade, New Approach came three years to the day since devolution collapsed.
But the speaker has said that the Assembly will only be recalled if the political parties agree on a potential deal to restore power sharing
He's the former Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, and was once nicknamed Tommy Two Dinners.
Tom Watson developed type 2 diabetes after gaining a lot of weight,
over many years.
He then lost 8 stone, and reversed his diagnosis. Vinny talked to him about his new book 'Downsizing' and how he ignored his weight issues
for so long.
So Harry and Meghan have quit the firm - and unleashed fury in the tabloid press.
Last night the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a bombshell announcement that they were "stepping down" as senior royals.
Palace sources say the Royal Family was blindsided by the move and is deeply disappointed.
The papers are reporting a major rift in the royals and commentators are talking of betrayal and petulance by the couple
Do you think Harry and Meghan are doing the right thing?
Vinny talked to the Royal commentator Jenny Bond, a former BBC Royal Correspondent and commentators Fionola Meredith and Amanda Ferguson.
Three years to the day since Stormont collapsed after Sinn Fein walked out of the executive.
As the clock ticks to find a way to restore Stormont the chances of that happening are being put at Fifty/Fifty.
Talks will continue this morning and unless a deal is agreed by next Monday the Secretary of State Julian Smith can call a fresh Assembly election.
The final package will have to address issues like the provision of the Irish Language, Petition of concern and it is expected a final deal will include cash from the Treasury aimed at helping a newly reformed Executive deal
with financial pressures.
It's been famously said in the past that politics is the art of compromise.
Unionist or nationalist, what concessions would you give to get the institutions back?
Shock and devastation as our own BBC Radio Ulster presenter
Stephen Clements dies suddenly - at the age of 47.
Many tributes from the world of politics and media. Stephen's brother described him as his hero and inspiration.
We all know the pressures on Accident and Emergency departments
at this time of year. Listener Andrew McQuillan contacted the show about his experience at the Ulster Hospital.
It's something we are all increasingly bombarded with - notifications on our phones.
And they're not necessarily all things that we need, or even want, to be receiving.
So what can we do to make our phones less addictive, and stop them eating in to increasing amounts of our time?
Vinny spoke to commentator Emma Woolf.
Dublin City Council has voted against a commemoration for people who served in the Royal Irish Constabulary.
"Only a subservient government suffering from a post-colonial state of mind and ashamed of our revolutionary history would encourage this disgraceful event" it said.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said earlier that he is disappointed that some people are choosing to boycott the commemoration.
The Royal Irish Constabulary was the police force right across Ireland before partition and independence in the Republic
But is this an important part of a centenary of commemorations or a completely inappropriate celebration of an oppressive force?
Vinny talked to historian and journalist Ruth Dudley Edwards and Aontu leader Peadar Toibin
Defer your strike and get back around the negotiating table.
That's the message from the head of Northern Ireland's health service
on the eve of a second day of industrial action by nurses.
Richard Pengelly, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health,
last night offered fresh talks to try and break the deadlock over pay and staffing levels.
Vinny spoke to Director of the RCN in Northern Ireland Pat Cullen and businessman Irwin Armstrong.
The number of teens doing Saturday jobs has halved, according to a report by the Resolution Foundation.
A quarter of 16 & 17-year-olds were in work between 2017 & 2019 -
falling from almost half, twenty years ago.
So will young people lose out in developing life skills and learning the value of money or is it an opportunity for young people to focus on education and enjoying their youth?
Vinny talked to commentators Phil Kelly and Siobhan O'Connor
There's been increasingly intense debate about the timing of a border poll.
Surveys have shown growing support for Irish unity, and Sinn Fein wants one as soon as possible after Brexit.
Under the Northern Ireland Act, it's up the Secretary of State to decide if and when a referendum will be called.
But what criteria would the NIO use to to make this decision? Opinion polls? Election results?
Joining Vinny was Professor of Politics at the University of Liverpool Jon Tonge and the commentator Tom Kelly.
The Stormont parties have one week to reach a deal to restore power sharing or a new assembly election could be called.
Over the weekend, the Secretary of State met some of the parties and Irish language campaigners at Hillsborough, as the negotiations continue.
The DUP say they won't be bounced into a deal to restore the institutions.
There have been calls for any future Northern Ireland Assembly to ban hunting with dogs as a matter of priority.
Boxing Day and New Year's Day are the biggest events in the hunting calendar across the UK.
Hunting wild animals with dogs was made illegal in England and Wales in 2004.
In Northern Ireland, however, the controversial practice is legal.
Should it be banned here?
Vinny spoke to Daniel Barkley from the League Against Cruel Sports and Polly Portwin, Head of Hunting at the Countryside Alliance.
There was huge reaction to an interview Stephen did last year on Nolan Live with BBC NI’s Stephen Watson.
Stephen revealed his need for a new kidney and that he was on dialysis four times a week back in February. He discovered he needed to replace the kidney his dad gave him in a lifesaving transplant operation while making the TV programme 'Life On the List' last year, about the pioneering work undertaken at Belfast City Hospital's renal unit.
Stephen explained at the time why he wanted to talk about organ donation on Nolan Live
The interview got a lot of you talking about organ donation.
One of those was John – he’s got in touch with the show to tell us what’s happened since he watched that interview.
Yesterday we spoke of New Years Resolutions - but have you considered going Vegan for January?
Over 300,000 are reported to have signed up for it - some in it for their love of animals, others for health or global warming reasons.
But would you consider ditching all meat and animal products from your diet?
Vinny spoke to commentators Emma Woolf and Dave Atherton.
Talks are continuing today to restore power sharing at Stormont. It's understood the parties will focus discussions on a future programme for government and sustainability of a future executive, with civil servants expected at those talks.
But one thing which might have changed is the Sinn Fein's demand for a stand alone Irish language act.
On yesterday's Evening Extra Sinn Fein negotiator Conor Murphy was asked
if it was still a Sinn Fein red line.
Vinny was joined by commentator Newton Emerson and journalist Amanda Ferguson.
Councils across Northern Ireland have spent more than £130,000 of ratepayers' cash since 2017 cash entering themselves into awards competitions.
The spending included entering awards to recognise well-managed public parks, gongs to celebrate publicity and marketing, and the "Loo of the Year Awards".
The figures were obtained by an Irish News freedom of information request.
Vinny was joined by Belfast City Cllr Jim Rodgers and commentator Frank Shivers.
Police have launched an attempted murder investigation after an off-duty officer was confronted at his front door by a masked man with a shotgun.
The officer was at home in near Kesh, County Fermanagh, at 2am on Thursday when the incident happened.
Mark Lindsay Chair of the Police Federation joined Vinny Hurrell to discuss the current situation.
What is to be done with the BBC? A recent poll suggests that there is little public support for the BBC Licence Fee. It found that three quarters of people want the BBC licence fee abolished.
The survey of 1,000 people, taken just before Christmas, was conducted by the opinion research company ‘Public First’.
However, a BBC spokesperson has said it 'did not recognise the figures',
claiming Ipsos MORI found earlier in December that the licence fee was the most popular option.
In the modern world should people still have to pay the licence fee especially if they don't make use of the services?
Vinny got the views of commentators Andre Walker and Phil Kelly.
It happens every year: January first rolls around and people resolve that this will be the year they run a marathon or go vegetarian.
Big or small, New Year’s resolutions are a long-held tradition. But are they worth making? And is that tradition becoming a thing of the past?
Vinny talked to Naomh McElhatton and Niamh Horan.
Talks aimed at restoring power sharing in Northern Ireland
are expected to resume today.
The British and Irish governments had been holding talks with the parties
but they were paused over the Christmas holidays.
The parties have until the of 13th January to broker a deal.
But one former MLA says let the people speak first.
Eamonn McCann says there should be 'no return' without an Assembly election. But do you agree?
Vinny Hurrell was joined by BBC NI political correspondent Jayne McCormack, former MLA's Eamonn McCann and Nelson McCausland.
More now on that exclusive story we brought you on Friday. A whistleblower who worked in the Electoral Office of Northern Ireland in the run-up to the election described to me the registration process as "chaos". He claimed on the Nolan Show that many people wrongly lost their chance to vote due to failings by the office. The Electoral Office has said the allegations "are not correct". A lot of you have been in touch with us about this. Before we came on air Stephen spoke to Bronach - she describes as a 'dog's dinner' what happened with her son's proxy vote application and some neighbours of hers.
A Nolan exclusive – major questions around election in Northern Ireland. A whistle blower who worked in the Electoral Office speaks out.
Carmel Gates called into the programme to share her views on the impending health worker strike in Northern Ireland tomorrow.
Tomorrow is set to be a challenging day for Northern Ireland's healthcare services, as paramedics, nurses, and other healthcare workers will take strike action. Nurses are set to strike for 12 hours, following on from previous industrial action which has stopped short of a strike. Paramedics are also set to take 24-hour strike action.
The Chief Executives of the Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland say they have real concerns about the potential harm to patients and clients users over the coming days
Tony Stevens, Chief executive of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust joined Stephen in studio.
The British Medical Association (BMA) and seven royal colleges issued a joint statement addressing the healthcare crisis. It comes ahead of 24 hours of strike action on Wednesday as Paramedics will join nurses on the picket line.
Stephen spoke to Dr Tom Black - the chair of the British Medical Association in Northern Ireland.
Talks resume today. For the first time since partition Northern Ireland has elected more Irish nationalists than unionist MPs.
Speaking since the result to Thursday's election Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said:
"We are heading towards a border poll, I can't give you a definitive date, but we need to do the spade work now and prepare ourselves,"
Tony Blair's right hand man and key negotiator of the Good Friday Agreement - Jonathan Powell - now predicts a United Ireland in 10 years.
So - is it time to have a border poll? Was this election about Brexit as John Finucane said - or was it also on Irish unity?
Stephen was joined by News Letter political editor Sam McBride and commentator Phil Kelly.
DUP MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson talks to Stephen about the fallout from last week's General Election results and states that there is no question over Arlene Foster's leadership of the DUP.
The DUP suffer huge losses. Nigel Dodds Westminster career is over as he loses his north Belfast seat to Sinn Fein's John Finucane.
Emma Little Pengelly, wiped out by Clare Hanna
Alex Easton comes nowhere near Stephen Farry in North Down.
Ian Paisley's majority nearly halves down from 20,643 to 12,000.
Will Arlene Foster pay the price? Sinn Fein also sees its vote hit as Colum Eastwood takes Foyle with a thumping majority. A huge night for Alliance and the SDLP as both gain MPs.
So what now for Brexit? Will we see a return of Stormont? What does the future hold for Northern Ireland?
Christmas party season in full swing! The Nolan team will be out on the town tomorrow night. If you see me - don't come near me!
But what about all those potential Christmas party pitfalls? How do you make sure you and your work mates are still friends at the end of the night? And avoid any potential embarrassment?
Stephen spoke to commentator Niamh Horan and retailer Chris Suitor.
Would you back compulsory re-testing for older drivers?
It's something a London widower is now calling for after his partner was run over and killed by an 87 year old motorist. William Heagran was jailed last week for 27 months for causing death by dangerous driving. He also caused life changing injuries to another woman. He mistook the accelerator for the brake and reversed at speed in to the friends in a supermarket car park.
As it stand drivers over 70 must self-certify if they're fit to drive every 3 years but that's it.
So should drivers face a re-test when they turn 70?
Stephen got the views of commentators Simon Warr and Chris McGimpsey
Time Magazine person of the year for 2019 has been announced as climate activist Greta Thunberg. The 16 year old Swedish schoolgirl who has inspired a global movement is the youngest person to be chosen by the magazine in a tradition that started in 1927 and recognises the person who "for better or for worse... has done the most to influence the events of the year.
Stephen heard from Brendan O'Neill from Spiked online and environmental journalist Jeff Gazzard.
Should voting in elections be made compulsory in the UK?
It's a model already enforced by 11, including Argentina, Belgium,
Brazil and, most famously, Australia.
But would compulsory voting make sure every adult's vote is heard,
or would it be wrong to remove every voter's right to abstain?
Vinny Hurrell got the views of former MP Lembit Opik and commentator Brendan Mulgrew.
If food packaging told you how much exercise you would need to burn it off change your opinion on it?
A study by the Royal Society for Public Health has claimed this type of labeling could be more effective at encouraging healthier choices than simply listing the calories and is calling for the current system to be replaced.
If you knew that it would take four hours to walk off a pizza would you think twice about eating it?
Vinny Hurrell spoke to size acceptance campaigner Kathryn Szrodecki and commentator Emma Woolf.
Last night leaders of the main political parties and Jeffrey Donaldson for the DUP,
faced off for the last debate before voters here go to the polls tomorrow.
Did it help you decide who to vote for?
And who do you think came out on top?
Vinny Hurrell spoke to Amanda Ferguson and Alex Kane.
The last of our Nolan show manifesto interviews and today was the turn of Sinn Féin's Conor Murphy, who was live in the studio with Stephen.
Watch the interview in full - https://www.facebook.com/RealStephenNolan/videos/2589522727949277/
Thousands of patients have been affected by the cancellations of outpatient appointments as a result of ongoing industrial action taken by health workers here in Northern Ireland.
Health workers are unhappy at pay and staffing levels, which they claim are "unsafe".
On Thursday, an increased pay offer - which involved an extra £28million - was made to health workers. However, it was rejected.
Industrial action is anticipated to continue this week and with it there will be more cancellations.
The disruption comes at a time when waiting lists in Northern Ireland are at an all time high - more than 300,000 people are currently waiting to see a consultant.
Felicity McKee is from County Armagh and spoke to Stephen about how she moved to Wales to access shorter waiting lists.
We continue with our Nolan show manifesto interviews and today was the turn of DUP.
Stephen got reaction from BBC Northern Ireland Political Editor Mark Devenport and BBC NI Economics & Business Editor John Campbell.
Watch the interview in full - https://www.facebook.com/RealStephenNolan/videos/578846766249409/
We continue with our Nolan show manifesto interviews and today was the turn of DUP.
Watch the interview in full - https://www.facebook.com/RealStephenNolan/videos/578846766249409/
Trade unions have rejected a fresh pay offer to health workers. It follows a meeting with the Department of Health this evening over ongoing industrial action. It's in protest at pay and staffing levels.
Stephen spoke with Union reps, Anne Speed from union Unison, Pat Cullen - Royal College of Nursing Northern Ireland and Kevin McAdam from Unite.
We continue with our Nolan show manifesto interviews and today was the turn of SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly, who was live in the studio with Stephen.
Watch the interview in full - https://www.facebook.com/RealStephenNolan/videos/452324888816383/
Now that we're into December, most towns across Northern Ireland are lit up with Christmas decorations
But residents in Kilkeel are less than impressed with the effort made by Newry Mourne and Down Council.
Stephen spoke with local businessman Chris Wallace who contacted the show.
It's the second of our Nolan show manifesto interviews and today was the turn of UUP MLA Doug Beattie, who was live in the studio with Stephen.
Watch the interview in full - https://www.facebook.com/RealStephenNolan/videos/3202252086516129?vh=e&d=n&sfns=mo
Reporter Nicola Weir hears the reaction on the health worker picket line to Stephen's interview with NI Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride.
Anne Speed from the union Unison reacts to Stephen's interview with NI Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride.
The UK government said that as health is a devolved matter, only a restored Stormont executive could take decisions on the health service.
But added that Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith is "very concerned about the situation in the health service".
In a statement, the Northern Ireland Office said that while Mr Smith had further discussions with the NI Civil Service on Tuesday, he "has no powers to direct them or take decisions on health matters".
"We cannot comment on the possible actions of a future government."
Two more days of industrial action, short of strike action, are to be held on 10 and 11 December.
Members of the RCN and trade unions Unite, Unison and NIPSA have voted to strike on 18 December.
Stephen spoke to NI Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride.
Stephen spoke to Sam McBride from the Newsletter about the current health workers pay increase impasse and if the return of Stormont could help resolve the issues.
Stephen spoke to Kevin McAdam from Unite as he hits out at Permanent Secretary of Department of Health over funding of Nurses' pay.
No other story comes close today. Your safety will likely be at risk in our hospitals - a stark warning from Health Chiefs. Meanwhile a war of words erupts over cancelled cancer appointments as health bosses and unions blame each other for the chaos.
And now another union decides to join industrial action.
The Chief Execs are pleading for action as are the Unions.
What are the political parties doing? Where are the political leaders?
The DUP broke parity - they chose not to pay our healthcare staff the same as the rest of the UK - do they owe health workers an apology?
Then Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neil was minister - she had the power to pay our health workers the same - she chose not to. Does Sinn Fein feel the need to apologise?
Stephen spoke to Tony Stephens, Chief Executive of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.
The broadcaster, and Labour activist Owen Jones let rip on the Nolan Show 5 Live at the weekend - and has accused the BBC of bias in favour of the government. This is all after the BBC changed its stance after the London Bridge attack and allowed the Prime Minister to appear on the Andrew Marr show yesterday morning, despite Boris Johnson not yet agreeing to be interviewed by Andrew Neil, like most of the other party leaders have done. Should the BBC have allowed the Prime Minister on Marr - what did you make of the interview and what do you make of Owen Jones claims that we are biased? Let's hear the interview - in full - with Owen Jones.
Stephen got the reaction from a Nurse caller to the news of 10,000 outpatient appointments and surgeries have been cancelled at hospitals this week due to ongoing strike action by Unions over pay and staffing.
Stephen got the reaction from John Patrick Clayton from union Unison, to the news of 10,000 outpatient appointments and surgeries have been cancelled at hospitals this week due to ongoing strike action by Unions over pay and staffing.
Stephen got the reaction of Pat Cullen, director of the Royal College of Nursing in Northern Ireland, to the news of 10,000 outpatient appointments and surgeries have been cancelled at hospitals this week due to ongoing strike action by Unions over pay and staffing.
10,000 outpatient appointments and surgeries have been cancelled at hospitals this week due to ongoing strike action by Unions over pay and staffing. The permanent secretary for health, Richard Pengelly, has appealed for the strikes to be put on hold but the Royal College of Nursing has said no.
Stephen spoke to the chief executive of Belfast Health Trust, Martin Dillon.
Should school children be striking in support of climate change? Amnesty have urged 1200 schools in Northern Ireland to let pupils walk out today in as part of the global protest at the climate crisis. In September, over seven million people around the world took part in global climate strike protests – the largest climate change demonstration ever
Should children be taking part during school time?
Former headmaster and commentator Simon Warr and environmental journalist Jeff Gazzard.
Northern Ireland's healthcare system is "at the point of collapse" the Royal College of Surgeons has claimed after waiting times reached an all-time high.
More than 300,000 people are waiting to see a consultant, according to figures from the Department of Health.
Stephen talked to Mark Jones from the Royal College of Surgeons.
Mervyn Gibson, a leading member of the Orange Order has said that a campaign of Civil disobedience could be called for due to the growing anger amongst loyalists over Boris Jonson's Brexit proposals.
Nolan callers wanted to know if the Sinn Fein party election broadcast that went out on Radio Ulster was the first ever done entirely in Irish
Sinn Fein Senator Niall O'Donnghaile was on the line to discuss.
The 5x World Superbike champion missed out on selection by a panel not featuring one judge from Northern Ireland.
There has been criticism of the BBC's decision not to include the five-times world superbike champion Jonathan Rea in the contenders for this years awards.
Some fellow motorcycle racers have even called to boycott the event.
Stephen was joined by sports journalist Steven Beacom, commentator Andre Walker and motorcycling commentator/TT legend Phillip McCallen.
The new Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners in Northern Ireland says patients who can not afford to go private are at risk of being left behind as waiting lists grow.
Kilkeel GP, Dr Laurance Dorman, warned that many feel they now have no option but to pay for treatment and spoke to Stephen on air.
Fresh talks to revive Stormont will start before Christmas according to the Secretary of State. Julian Smyth has said that talks must start on the 16th December after the election is over.
Will this round of talks be any different to the last?
Stephen spoke to journalist Amanda Ferguson and commentator Alex Kane.
Got a story you want the Nolan Show to look in to for you?
It's what we're here for - you can email us - nolan@bbc.co.uk
That's what Ciaran did, his baby boy Conan is only 9 months old and was supposed to go to surgery last week but it got cancelled.
Belfast City Council has launched a consultation on how to attract new visitors to the city centre on Sundays. The areas they are looking at is improving accessibility into and around the city and enchancing the reatil that is on offer.
Is it time for longer Sunday opening hours?
Stephen discussed this with commentator Fionola Meredith and Green party councillor Mal O'Hara.
Is the DUP softening their stance on a second referendum? Speaking on BBC Newsnight, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson told Emily Maitliss that the party wasn't ruling anything out. He also kept open the possibility of working with another party to block the current Brexit deal.
Stephen spoke to political editor Mark Devenport.
Calls for Lord Mayor of Belfast, John Finucane, to consider his position this morning after he was sanctioned by the police for urinating in the street.
Mr Finucane was spoken to by police after being stopped in the centre of Belfast in June. He apologised yesterday.
Mr Finucane confirmed he had accepted a community resolution notice for indecent behaviour.
"I am of course very embarrassed and deeply sorry about this incident and I apologise unreservedly," he said.
Speaking yesterday Sinn Fein vice-president Michelle O'Neill said the issue is now "done and dusted"
The consumer group Which? is urging shoppers to do their research before buying goods on Black Friday later this week.
They've found that just 1 in 20 so-called Black Friday "deals" are cheaper than at other times of the year.
So with an estimated £8bn thought to be spent over the 8-days up to and including Black Friday - how can we make sure that we're spending cash on a genuine discount?
Stephen was joined by commentator Heidi McAlpin and Andy Mulchahy from the Online Retail Association.
The parents of a toddler who urgently requires a life-saving heart transplant have appealed to the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health to overhaul the system on organ donation in Northern Ireland as reported by the Irish News. Three-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann from west Belfast was given just a 10 per cent chance of survival due to a rare form of congenital heart disease.
Stephen spoke to his father Máirtín.
It's the first of the Nolan Show manifesto interviews. The first politician in the hot seat is the Alliance party's deputy leader, Stephen Farry.
Members of the health union, Unison, are on strike today over pay and staffing levels.
The rolling programme of industrial action will run over the next few weeks and includes social care staff, support workers, drivers and some nurses.
Strikes are taking place across the five trusts and many major hospitals will be affected.
Staff are already out on picket lines this morning.
Can you work for a human rights organisation that seeks truth and transparency, if you were part of an organisation that carried out countless human rights abuses itself?
That's the question facing the Pat Finucane Centre this morning after its director Paul O'Connor admitted to being a member of the IRA as a youth
What of the organisation's funders? Should they be reviewing funding?
Should this all be allowed to deflect from Mr O'Connor's decades of work with victims of the Troubles?
Joining Stephen on air, Slugger O'Toole editor Mick Fealty and commentator Tom Kelly.
Stephen discussed money allocation in the NHS with Irish News columnist Newton Emerson and John Compton - the former chief executive of the HSCB.
Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald has refused to specifically condemn the attempted murder of Arlene Foster's father by the IRA.
Republicans tried to murder the DUP leader's late father John at the family farm in 1979.
The off duty policeman was shot in the head, but survived Arlene Foster has accused Sinn Fein of being selective about what it will condemn - after the party called on the DUP to condemn posters smearing their north Belfast candidate John Finucane earlier this week
So is this more toxic politics, raking over the past?
Or what is to be expected in a country that has failed to deal with the past?
Stephen spoke to Labour member Phil Kelly and the News Letter deputy editor Ben Lowry.
Three hundred thousand people are currently on an outpatient waiting list to see a consultant in Northern Ireland.
Here's the big question. Are people dying - as a result of being on a waiting list?
And if they are where is the public outrage?
Stephen discussed this with the Irish News columnist Newton Emerson and John Compton - the former chief executive of the HSCB.
A local taxi driver has set out on a cross country journey to collect a customer who was missing for 72 hours while on holiday in Spain. Jim Moore suffered a head injury while on holiday in Benidorm and has been told he can't fly home.
The Nolan show can reveal that despite major organisations across the water withdrawing Prince Andrew as a patron - Prince Andrew continues to be a patron of Royal Portrush.
They have not as yet taken a decision to remove him and are refusing to comment on the issue. Prince Andrew was widely crisicised for staying at the home of the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and saying that he did not regret his friendship with him.
Do publically displayed messages from the bible "risk tarnishing" a town's "diverse and moderate" image? Thats the call from Do publically displayed messages from the bible
"risk tarnishing" a town's "diverse and moderate" image?
That's the call from Coast and Glens Councillor Chris McGaw. The Alliance party member says he has been contacted by many concerned about the bible verses, that have been painted on the seawall at Portstewart's Crescent.
Stephen talked to councillor Chris McGaw and commentator Nelson McCausland.
Creating genetically-modified babies is both ethically justifiable and "highly desirable", that is according to an Abertay University bioethicist.
Dr Kevin Smith claimed the risks of gene editing were now low enough to justify its use with human embryos, and that an "ethically-sound attempt" could be less than two years away.
Some argue this is playing God - While others highlight it could be a way to offer hope to parents at risk of transmitting serious genetic disease to their future children.
On air to discuss this was commentator Fionola Meridith and Rev David McIlveen.
John O'Dowd says he has "no regrets" about challenging Michelle O'Neill to try to unseat her as vice-president of Sinn Féin.
In August, the long-standing Stormont assembly member said he would take on Ms O'Neill for the role of deputy.
Party members voted on Saturday at the ard fheis where Mr O'Dowd lost his bid.
Sinn Féin has said it will carry out a review into how it elects its leaders over the next 12 months.
Stephen was joined by Mick Fealty, editor of the Slugger O'Toole website, and the journalist Amanda Ferguson.
Two leading trade bodies have called on Belfast City Council to suspend its enforcement action against businesses which have put up Christmas banners and signs without permission.
Ten Square Hotel, located just behind the City Hall, has been ordered to remove two banners bearing festive messages including "Happy Holidays Belfast".
The hotel says it didn't know that it needed to seek planning permission and is taking legal advice.
Hospitality Ulster and Retail NI, the groups that represent hoteliers and traders, say the council's action is a slap in the face to businesses.
Stephen spoke to Ten Square director Stephen Carson, Director of Retail NI Glynn Roberts and Business owner Michael Deane.
Community worker Jim Wilson reacts to general election campaigning and challenges Stephen on air.
General election leaflets linking the Alliance Party to the IRA have been criticised as a "fake news" campaign by the party.
The leaflets have appeared "in a number of locations in Bangor".
The criticism comes after DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds condemned the smearing of any election candidate.
Mr Dodds' comments followed the removal of a banner targeting Belfast's Lord Mayor John Finucane on Monday.
Sinn Fein in North Belfast have also been criticised for including the Shankill bomber Sean Kelly in their canvassing team.
Party leader Mary Lou McDonald said there has been an "appalling and dangerous" campaign of "harassment, intimidation and threats against John Finucane and his family".
So is this the most divisive and nasty election campaign in Northern Ireland in decades?
If you have a story contact us on nolan@bbc.co.uk that is what Kate did with a problem involving Translink.
The Nolan Show can reveal that in the last 2 years, over 4,400 people across Northern Ireland had to be admitted to hospital “due to alcohol intoxication”.
Do we have a problem with our relationship with alcohol?
And is it time to impose a charge on people who put pressure on our already struggling health service,
because we’ve had too much booze?
Stephen spoke to John Compton - former chief executive of the Health and Social Care Board, as well as Commentators Bumper Graham and Frank Shivers.
Is it time to shut Stormont?
The Assembly has been mothballed since January 2017 - that's almost 3 years, and within that time our politicians been unable to get an agreement over the line - and get power sharing back up and running.
Political journalist Alex Kane says it may not be possible to reach an agreement and so it is time to close the assembly - No MLAs, no constituency offices, no salaries, no expenses. Bin the lot.
A leading trade expert has suggested more than 60% of goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain could be subject to tariffs under the Brexit deal.
Stephen spoke to BBC NI's Economics & Business Editor John Campbell
The new series of I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here kicked off last night.
Producers of the show have have banned the use of live bugs in Bushtucker trials this year.
The decision comes after years of campaigning from animal rights activists
demanding the end of challenges involving contestants eating live insects.
On the programme to discuss this with Stephen was animal rights campaigner Daniel Barclay and commentator Andrea McVeigh.
It's the interview that everyone's talking about - Prince Andrew and Emily Maitlis.
He's been widely criticised for agreeing to do the interview, and for failing to show any kind of remorse for befriending Jeffrey Epstein - a convicted sex abuser who was facing trial for trafficking children before his suicide earlier this year.
People close to the Duke of York have told the BBC he still stands by his decision to take part in the interview, and that they hoped people would appreciate the "humility and honesty" with which he answered the questions.
Stephen talked to former Royal Correspondent Jenny Bond and Commentator Andre Walker.
Convicted drugs smuggler Michaella McCollum has spoken about her decision to release a book about life in a South American prison. Michaella, from Dungannon, Co Tyrone was arrested in 2013 along with Melissa Reid for attempting to smuggle £1.5 million worth of cocaine from Peru. She appeared earlier this week on Good Morning Britain and was questioned by Piers Morgan about he motivates for writing a book. Stephen got the view of journalist Amanda Ferguson and commentator Fionola Meredith.
"I'm a happy man again... thank you!" Got a story? Email - nolan@bbc.co.uk
That's what Bart did - have a listen to the brick wall he came up against
Belfast's Christmas Market will open its doors on Saturday in the grounds of City Hall. It'll offer over 30 international traders, with some unusual foods and gifts ideas, but not all traders are happy at the yearly arrival, saying it can have a negative impact on local businesses elsewhere in the city. Stephen spoke to Gavin Gregg, owner of City Picnic - a restaurant located in the centre, beside the Primark building, and former Belfast City Cllr Chris McGimpsey.
The latest on the Owen Mor scandal. The home remains under enforcement - six months after the health regulator, the RQIA, raised patient safety concerns. Inspectors highlighted failings around patients missing medicines, nurses not following procedures and inadequate record keeping around falls, feeding and nutrition. The RQIA obtained a court order in August to stop new admissions for a second time after it emerged the Western Trust was still referring patients to the home. Yesterday, Trust director Bob Brown faced tough questioning from councillors at a health and communities committee meeting in the Guildhall. BBC Radio Foyle's Teresa Craig approached him after the meeting - you'll hear that, and reaction from Commissioner for Older People, Eddie Lynch.
Nurses in Northern Ireland will go on strike over staffing numbers and pay disputes on 18th December. 12 hour strike action will include refusing to do any task that is not patient-specific, no overtime and not completing paperwork other than individual patient records.
It is the first time in the 103 year history of the Royal College of Nursing that they will have taken industrial action.
Geraldine called the programme after her grandson's operation was cancelled at the last minute.
Got a story you want the Nolan Show to look in to for you?
It's what we're here for - you can email us - nolan@bbc.co.uk
The new I'm A Celebrity line up has been revealled - with Kate Garraway, Caitlyn Jenner and Ian Wright among the celebs heading into the Australian jungle for the ITV show.
Our own Nadine Coyle, former member of pop group Girls Aloud will also be taking part in some bush tucker trials.
Stephen talked to former camp mate Edwina Currie
Political parties need to be more sensitive to the hurt caused by using convicted terrorists in their election campaigns
That's the view of Alan McBride whose wife Sharon was murdered in the Shankill bomb.
Alan has spoken out after Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald defended the Shankill bomber Sean Kelly canvassing for the party in the upcoming Westminster election.
Mr Kelly murdered 9 people in the 1993 bomb attack on a fish shop on the Shankill Road. One of the IRA bombers also died, and more than 50 people were injured.
A teenage boy nearly died after vaping caused a catastrophic reaction in his lungs, according to doctors.
Ewan Fisher became so ill he was put on a type of life support
needing an artificial lung to keep him alive.
His doctors say vaping is "not safe", although health bodies in the UK say it is 95% safer than tobacco.
Vinny talked to Dr George O'Neill and local YouTuber and vaper - Daniel.
Ban packed lunches and give out free veggie meals to kids! That's the suggestion from a perhaps unlikely source - the Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith.
The TV star who regularly judges fat and sugar stuffed cakes on Channel 4,
wants kids to eat lentils, salads, eggy plates and frittata. She also told The Sunday Times that parents are to blame for kids being fussy eaters.
So, is this a good idea to tackle childhood obesity? Or the nanny state grabbing your kids lunchbox and forcing them to eat lentils?
Vinny discussed this with Commentator Emma Woolf and Kathryn Szrodecki.
November is Diabetes awareness month. That prompted mum Shannan to contact the show about her daughter Georgia. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 5 years ago, Georgia was able to inject herself at the age of 4.
A new poll suggests that a majority of leavers and remainers in Great Britain
would be prepared to ditch Northern Ireland if they got their preferred version of Brexit
Four out of ten GB voters polled said they cared little, or not at all, about Northern Ireland.
Vinny got the reaction of News Letter deputy editor Ben Lowry and the Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib.
Cheesy Christmas songs have been banned by a shop in York, to stop staff going "stir crazy".
The York Gin shop has decided to axe Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and Slade's "Merry Xmas Everybody" for the sake of staff morale.
What do you think at home? Aren't these songs a part of Christmas?
Or do you get so tired of hearing them that by the time Christmas arrives, you can't stand them?
Vinny spoke to etiquette expert William Hanson and commentator Andrea McVeigh.
Cyclists call it a "punishment pass"That's when a driver comes way too close when sweeping past a rider.
From today, drivers in the Republic are facing heavier fines for the offence
of dangerously overtaking a cyclist.
The penalty is going up from 80 to 120 Euro, plus three penalty points.
Should NI follow suit?
Vinny was joined by the commentator and cyclist Malachi O'Doherty and taxi driver Ken Kelly.
One of the biggest events in internet history
took place at the weekend. It was the boxing grudge match between British YouTuber KSI and his American rival Logan Paul.
The event has come in for criticism from some who say it's all a money making exercise and demeans the real sport.
So is this real sport? And even if it's not - is it the future?
To discuss this, Vinny talked to commentators Mike Parry and Chris Suitor.
Dirty streets, booze bikes - and similarities with Bennidorm!
That's why one columnist thinks Belfast is becoming the last resort for tourists.
Belfast Telegraph columnist Lindy McDowell suggests we are taking our visitors for granted.
Does she have a point? Have we got complacent? And are we deluding ourselves that visitors leave here content?
Vinny got the views of UUP Cllr Jim Rodgers and the commentator Fionola Meredith.
There was support from across the political spectrum at the weekend
for an election candidate who was subject to personal abuse.
DUP Upper Bann election candidate Carla Lockhart has thanked those who offered support.
Discussing this with Vinny was News Letter's political editor Sam McBride and the journalist Amanda Ferguson.
The Prime Minister has unveiled a plan to end prosecutions of former soldiers for killings in Northern Ireland.
Boris Johnston wants to amend the Human Rights Act so that it does not apply to any incidents before October 2000, when the Act came into force.
The move follows a high profile campaign by senior Tories and army chiefs to stop what they call a "with hunt" against army veterans who served in Northern Ireland.
Vinny discussed this with the Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie and the commentator, former Victims Commissioner Patricia McBride and retired British Army Colonel, Richard Kemp.
Against the odds he led the Green and White Army to the Euros in 2016.
And he's just two games away from taking them
to next year's European finals.
But this morning Michael O'Neill is on the brink of quitting as Northern Ireland football manager to take charge at Stoke City.
Vinny was joined by is Mark McIntosh and former Northern Ireland international and Stoke City player Gerry Taggart.
Experts warn of a looming crisis of child poverty,
hunger and mass evictions caused by end of mitigations for bedroom tax and benefit cap.
These measures will end in March 2020 - a date campaigners are describing as a "cliff edge".
Putting what is happening in our hospitals, waiting lists, and now the nursing strike & industrial action - into context.
Shamara contacted the show via Facebook about her seriously ill dad.
Nurses have "spoken clearly" - that's the message from the Royal College of Nursing's director after members voted to strike.
It's the first time in the College's 103-year-history that such action has been taken in the UK.
So, do you think nurses should strike? Is it their only option? Do they have your support? Or could it put patients at risk?
Vinny spoke to Phil Kelly from Labour NI, NI Conservative member Irwin Armstrong and Slugger O'Toole editor Mick Fealty.
Christmas music, Santa hats - festive cheer - but is it too soon – in early November? Actor Hugh Grant has lashed out at coffee shop chain PRET, Tweeting - ‘Christmas hats and music off please @Pret. Try again in four weeks. It doesn’t make us merry or spend more. It makes us GNASH.’ But does he have a point? Or is it all Bah Humbug? Vinny got reaction from commentators Lata Sharma and Emma Woolf.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union has hit out at Tesco's over an advert for their new vegan range. They say the advert demonises meat as a food group and undermines scientifically supported public health messages which show that eating red meat is vital to maintaining a healthy, balanced diet. Vinny spoke to beef farmer Libby Clarke and John Carmody from The Animal Rights Action Network.
Tesco Statement: “Our Food Love Stories celebrate recipes both with meat and without. For those customers who tell us they are looking to eat a little less meat, our Plant Chef range offers a delicious, affordable alternative. Our aim is always to offer choice. They also said they remain absolutely committed to working in partnership with all UK farmers, and they value the vital role they play in providing food for our customers.”
Tens of thousands of pounds. That's the cost to rate payers after almost 100 attacks on Irish language signs in the Mid Ulster council area over the last two years. The story is today's Irish News front page. In one case, CCTV was erected because one sign was targeted 12 times in recent months. The signs have been de-faced and pulled from the ground. Vinny spoke to Commentator Malachi O'Doherty and Tom Kelly.
End of an era-that's the front page headline in today's County Down Spectator. It refers, of course, to the shock decision of Lady Sylvia Hermon to stand down as an MP after 18 years in the North Down seat. The independent unionist announced last night that, with "enormous sadness", she would not contest next month's Westminster election. So does that leave the door wide open for the DUP? Or could Alliance grab Lady Hermon's moderate unionist base? And is there a chance that we might see Arlene Foster on the ballot paper? Not in her home constituency of Fermanagh South Tyrone, but in Upper Bann where David Simpson has stood down. To consider all the angles, Vinny spoke to Professor Jon Tonge from the University of Liverpool and commentator Alex Kane.
Tourism chiefs have launched a new marketing campaign to attract thousands of visitors from overseas. The slogan - "Northern Ireland - Embrace A Giant Spirit" was launched by Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland at a big global travel conference in London a few days ago. But it has received a mixed response from local travel writers here. Vinny spoke to local travel writer Tim Hedgley and Heidi McAlpine, author of Belfast In Your Pocket, the popular visitor guide book.
Kevin Lunney, a director of Quinn Industrial Holdings, was driving from work to his home in Kinawley when he was abducted seven weeks ago. He was found 22 miles away beside a road in County Cavan. For the first time he's spoken about what happened to Jim Fitzpatrick for BBC Spotlight. Vinny spoke to Jim Fitzpatrick, and got reaction from journalist Allison Morris.
This report contains disturbing details. Some people, especially children, may find it distressing.
The president of the Strabane Chamber of Commerce - Martin Gallen - is calling on election candidates to make the town centre a ‘poster free zone’ this Christmas. With the Westminster election taking place during December for the first time in almost 100 years, traders feel that an influx of candidates’ posters would detract from the efforts to make the town centre as festive and welcoming to shoppers as possible. Vinny spoke to the president of Strabane Chamber of Commerce Martin Gallen and journalist Amanda Ferguson.
MPs have passed a bill that will provide compensation to victims of historical institutional abuse. It had been feared Parliament would be dissolved for the election before the legislation could receive royal assent, but the government fast-tracked it through the Commons in just over an hour. The Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith spoke about Jon McCourt, of the Survivors North West group. The legislation will now receive royal assent before becoming law. Vinny spoke to Jon McCourt.
A Nolan Show exclusive this morning. We can reveal that the PSNI paid out more than £1.1m in compensation to the public over the past three years. Over half of the pay outs were for what's called "wrongful acts" by police officers. These include assaults by police, wrongful arrest and wrongful detention. Last year, there were 165 compensation claims settled for wrongful acts costing more than £549,000. That's a huge increase on the figures for 2016/17 when 68 claims for wrongful acts were paid out at a total of £155,000. Vinny spoke to Superintendent Jon Burrows, former Assistant Chief Constable Alan McQuillan, and SDLP Policing Board member Dolores Kelly.
Kevin Lunney, a director of Quinn Industrial Holdings, was driving from work to his home in Kinawley when he was abducted seven weeks ago. He was found 22 miles away beside a road in County Cavan. For the first time he's spoken about what happened to Jim Fitzpatrick for BBC Spotlight.
Vinny spoke to Jim Fitzpatrick. There are some disturbing details in what you are about to hear. Some people, especially children, may find it distressing.
Yesterday Sinn Fein announced it wouldn't run in the south Belfast constituency, where the SDLP's Claire Hanna and Alliance's Paula Bradshaw are hoping to secure the remain vote. There have now been calls from a former Ulster Unionist chairman for the party to stand aside in favour of the DUP candidate Emma Little Pengelly. And we can confirm this morning that the Green Party will be formally endorsing Claire Hanna's bid. But no confirmation from the UUP yet about whether or not they will run a candidate. Vinny was joined by Green Party NI leader Clare Bailey and former UUP Chairman David Campbell.
Would you be happy to get changed in mixed sex changing rooms? Marks and Spencer have upset some shoppers after they said that customers' can use whatever changing rooms that they feel most comfortable with' in their stores. Meanwhile Center Parcs have said transgender visitors cannot use the changing rooms of their choice unless they have gone through a “full transition”. Vinny spoke to commentators Fionola Meridith and Simon Warr.
Is it time to end animal testing - in Northern Ireland?
A new report from the Department of Health has revealed that 28,790 medical testing procedures were carried out on live animals in 2018. That is up from 24,756 the previous year. A near 20% rise. Animal rights campaigners have criticised the numbers - but do you agree?
Or do possible benefits for our own health - outweigh the negatives?
Vinny spoke to campaigner Daniel Barclay and commentator Irwin Armstrong.
The broadcaster Gay Byrne has died at the age of 85. He had been ill for some time. Many will remember him as the presenter of The Late Late Show which first aired on RTE back in 1962. Vinny spoke to Father Brian D'Arcy who paid tribute.
Last month we heard from Glentoran boss Mick McDermott whose wife had to return to Dubai to start her visa application after the family had relocated back here. Karla had to spend 6 weeks away from her family while waiting on her application. Vinny spoke to Mick, who has some good news...
She was looking for a Turkey leg for her soup in her local Tesco in Ballymoney-but it turned out to be a bit of an ordeal. Helen spoke to Vinny...
Linda got in touch on behalf of her father over issues he was having with the Housing Executive repairing his bathroom.
Our reporter Nicola Weir went to meet with them.
Fresh concerns over Health services in Northern Ireland. They risk getting to "the point of collapse" without a long-term funding strategy to support transformation, that is according to a report by a Westminster committee.
Vinny spoke to Former Chief Executive of the Health and Social Care Board. It added that the services are "lacking adequate financial support or strategic guidance".
The SDLP will not be contesting the Westminster seat in North Belfast for the first time in the party's history. It is one of three constituencies which it will not fight in a bid to secure the seat for pro-remain candidates.
The UUP also announced a u-Turn they will not be standing in North Belfast. Vinny spoke to former SDLP Cllr Mairia Cahill and Former SDLP SPAD Brendan Mulgrew.
The SDLP will not be contesting the Westminster seat in North Belfast for the first time in the party's history. It is one of 3 constituencies which it will not fight in a bid to secure the seat for pro-remain candidates. The UUP also announced a u-turn, they will not be standing in North Belfast. Here is what Steve Aiken told me last week.
We talk a lot on this programme about Troubles victims and survivors and how their experiences continue to impact their lives decades later. Everyone's journey is different - and Glenn Bradley's has certainly been a rollercoaster. Now a globetrotting businessman who works in ethical trade and human rights, he grew up in working class West Belfast - on the frontline of the conflict. He's survived terrorist attacks both here and abroad, and has forged friendships with people he once considered enemies.
Is Steve Aiken about to do a u-turn before he even becomes party leader? Last week he ruled out an electoral pact with the DUP and yesterday the Belfast Telegraph published a letter signed by Unionist calling for a single unionist candidate in North Belfast. On the View last night he refused to say if his party will stand in every constituency. Vinny got reaction from political commentators Chris Donnelly and Alex Kane.
When it comes to supporting a rugby team, there's an unwritten rule for some - anyone but England! In just over 24 hours England and South Africa will kick-off in the final of the Rugby World Cup. Both teams, of course, are previous winners of the Webb Ellis trophy. So with Ireland knocked out of the Rugby World Cup - along with the Scots and the Welsh - who will you be cheering for tomorrow morning when England meet South Africa in the final? Vinny spoke to rugby fans Jim McDowell and Chris Suitor.
There's anger among public sector workers here over pay this morning. On the face of it there was good news yesterday, as the dept of Finance announced it was scrapping the one percent pay cap. That meant in theory workers could get bigger pay rises. But the department also said any of those pay rises must come from existing departmental budgets. Those are obviously under a enormous strain, think about the pressures our health service is under and schools. So it's unlikely that there will an increase of more than one percent, which due to inflation means workers could see a real terms cut in their wages. Vinny got the views of the Director of Royal College of Nursing - Pat Cullen, Anne Speed from union Unison, commentator Phil Kelly and businessman Irwin Armstrong.
Should we ban diesel vehicles in Belfast City Centre, at certain times of the day? It is one part of proposals to tackle air pollution in Bristol - where they want to introduce a zone which bans all diesel cars from 7am to 3pm. With rising concerns over pollution here - should we do the same? Vinny spoke to Green Party Councillor Aine Groogan and taxi driver Ken Kelly.
Happy Halloween! It's a celebration that is loved by many - but others aren't as excited by the annual event. For some, it's a chance to dress up in scary costumes and indulge in copious amounts of sweets collected from the popular Halloween custom of trick-or-treating. But should we give trick or treating children fruit- rather than sweets? After all, the tradition of giving kids a bucketful of sweets every Halloween can't be helping the obesity problem... or is the very thought just spoiling the fun? Vinny got the views of commentators Siobhan O'Connor and Heidi McAlpin.
Fancy a 33% percent increase in your salary? One way to get it could be getting a job in the public sector. New figures reveal workers there earn nearly a third more than their private sector counterparts. The average wage for the public sector is £625 compared to a £479 weekly wage for those in the private sector. But why do public sector workers earn so much more? And how does our reliance on the public sector for well paid jobs affect our economy? Vinny got the views of former NIPSA Deputy General Secretary Bumper Graham and businessman and NI conservative member Frank Shivers.
"I fear it could become a casualty of this rush to a general election" - Peter Hain reacts as Historical Institutional Abuse Bill unlikely to become law before Parliament dissolves.
'Words like "overweight" and "obese" are offensive' – that’s according to a 'body positive coach' in a new BBC TV programme. 'Who Are You Calling Fat?' is exploring what life is like for plus-size people. In it nine people move in together to share their experiences. Victoria is part of a 'body positive movement' where some celebrate being overweight. Do we need fat activists? Are words like 'obese' offensive, or simply fact? Vinny got the views of size acceptance campaigner Kathryn Szrodecki and commentator Emma Woolf.
It looks unlikely that the Historical Institutional Abuse Bill will become law before Parliament dissolves next week for the election. On Monday peers called for the bill - which would set up a compensation scheme for victims of abuse in care homes and other institutions - to be given accelerated passage. But it looks like there won't be enough time for it to pass its remaining stages in the Commons. Vinny spoke to Margaret McGuckin from SAVIA.
Election expert predicts parties other than Tories and Labour will have a record number of MPs in upcoming General Election. Vinny spoke to Conservative MP Nigel Evans and Labour MP Tony Lloyd.
MPs are gearing up for Britain's first pre-Christmas election campaign in nearly a century, after voting overwhelmingly to go to the country on the 12th of December, to try to seek a way out of the Brexit impasse. Boris Johnson said the public must be "given a choice" over the future of Brexit and the country. Jeremy Corbyn has pledged that Labour will take on what he called 'the vested interests holding people back. It's Northern Ireland's eighth election since 2015, but can this one finally resolve Brexit one way or another? Will you use this election to show your support or rejection of the UK leaving the EU? Vinny got the views of BBC NI Political Editor Mark Devonport, SDLP MLA Claire Hanna, Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard, UUP MLA Mike Nesbitt, and Alliance MLA Stephen Farry.
Is it time to ban the sale of fireworks?
That is the call from some MPs'.
The SNP’s Alison Thewliss has asked for a debate in the Commons to discuss the issue further.
The Commons leader - Jacob Rees-Mogg responded: "We could ban absolutely everything and have no fun, which is basically what socialists always want to do." But with their use in anti-social behaviour,the danger to life, and upset to animals - is it time to ban them?
Vinny spoke to commentators Lata Sharma and Andrea McVeigh.
New research from psychologists at Queen's University reveals that while nacissism might be a dark trait, it can lower stress levels and reduce chances of depression.
The study looks at why narcissism appears to be on the rise in politics, social media and celebrity culture.
Vinny discussed this with Dr Kostas Papageorgiou and Siobhan O'Connor.
There are serious concerns from Victims Campaigners over a consultation from the Northern Ireland Office on proposed requirements for victims injured during the Troubles, "through no fault of their own".
Regulations to enable the pension payments to be made must be finalised by the end of January 2020. But there are concerns over dates that qualify
and whether people injured in the Republic - will be included.
Could today be the day the Prime Minister finally gets the general election
he's been looking for?
The Scottish Nationalists and Lib Dems could give the PM the majority he needs to secure a December election.
Jacob Rees-Mogg told the House of Commons that the government
would not bring its Withdrawal Agreement Bill
back to Parliament.
So are we heading for a general election dominated by Brexit in the run-up to Christmas?
Vinny spoke to The Daily Mirror's associate editor Kevin Maguire, The News Letter's deputy political editor Ben Lowry and Allison Morris from the Irish News.
The Irish language and unionism aren't incompatible. That's the view of the DUP leader Arlene Foster
At the DUP conference this weekend, Mrs Foster told delegates that it was time to "seek accommodation and legislate in a balanced way for language and culture, including for the Irish language"
Mrs Foster said that-politicians don't have all the answers.
So is this an olive branch to the Irish language community?
And is it enough to get a Stormont deal over the line?
Vinny spoke with Irish language speaker Linda Ervine and the DUP MLA Jim Wells.
A doctor from Ballymena has contacted us regarding the treatment he says he received at Belfast International Airport after a flight home.
Denis Hopkins is in his 80s and has Parkinsons and needs to have special assistance when travelling.
He and his wife were coming back from a holiday in Lanzarote on the 11th of October when things took a nose dive.
Our reporter, Nicola Weir, went to speak to Dr Hopkins about his experience
Battle stations ahead - in unionist waters.
The incoming leader of the UUP - former Royal Navy commander Steve Aiken - has told the Newsletter his party WILL NOT stand aside in any Westminster constituencies.
Past election pacts with the DUP meant the parties did not both run candidates - in some areas.
On Sunday Politics Arlene Foster accused Steve Aiken of "handing seats to Sinn Fein"
Vinny talked to Steve Aiken, Former chairman of the Ulster Unionist Party David Campbell, former DUP MLA Nelson McCausland and Chris Donnelly.
Belfast Royal Academy grammar school is enforcing a tough new mobile phone policy to tackle bullying and stop disruption in classes. They have banned the use of mobile phones on school grounds, school trips, and on the school bus.
The school warned that any phone seen or heard by staff will be confiscated.
A fair move to focus young minds on education? Or out of step with tech - in 2019?
Stephen spoke to mum and journalist Tina Calder and former teacher Simon Warr.
EU ambassadors are to meet to discuss what length of Brexit extension to offer the UK, as MPs consider Boris Johnson's call for an early election. Most EU states are understood to favour a three-month delay, with an option to end earlier if a deal is ratified sooner than this by Parliament. But France has argued for a shorter extension to the 31 October deadline.
Ahead of their conference this weekend the DUP have indicated that they could support an election in a bid to secure better terms with the EU
Stephen discussed this with Irish News journalist Allison Morris and Jon Tonge, author and Professor of Politics at University of Liverpool.
It's the book that's shed even more light on what was going on at Stormont - and within the DUP - during the RHI scandal.
'Burned' by the News Letter's political editor Sam McBride is giving us even more insight into the secret world of Stormont's special advisers - or SPADs.
It contains new revelations about perhaps the most influential of them all - the DUP's Timothy Johnston, an adviser to all of the DUP First Ministers .
It has been revealed that almost £15m has been paid to MLAs in salaries since the collapse of Stormont.
North Down MP Lady Hermon has told the Commons it is "unsustainable and indefensible" that MLAs get their full salaries while "schools and hospitals are under so much pressure".
Stephen spoke to Alan McQuilan, who was a former member of the panel that used to set MLA pay and former SPAD Brendan Mulgrew.
A huge international investigation is underway to track down the criminal gang behind the deaths of 39 people whose bodies were found in a lorry in Essex yesterday.
The driver of the refrigerated container truck - 25 year old Mo Robinson from County Armagh - remains in custody.
He was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder.
Detectives in Essex are trying to identify the remains of those discovered in the refrigerated container, while police forces and security agencies across Europe are working to establish the route of the Bulgarian-registered truck which came into the port of Purfleet from Zeebrugge in Belgium in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Stephen was joined by Roy McComb, former deputy deputy director of the National Crime Agency. He is also the former head of organised crime investigation for the PSNI.
A caller tells Stephen that their smart speaker won’t play The Biggest Show in the County.
An "abhorrent disregard for the wider school community"
That's how an open letter from former pupils of a County Antrim school describes the appearance of a so-called "Darkest Day" display on a school noticeboard.
A blacked out noticeboard with the hashtag #DarkestDay iappeared on the Instagram account of the Christian Union at Dalriada School.
This followed the decriminalisation of abortion and legalisation of same sex marriage in Northern Ireland earlier this week.
But is this anything more than pupils exercising their right to a political opinion or is it "creating an atmosphere of shame"
Stephen spoke with Peter Lynas from the Evangelical Alliance and the journalist Amanda Ferguson
They gave with one hand and took away with the other
MPs backed a Brexit Deal for the first time last night, but also voted to reject the government's timetable to get it signed off
Number 10 are floating the idea of a general election if the EU offers a long extension.
So what happens next? Are we heading for a general election, and would that help get a resolution to a Brexit deal?
Stephen was joined on air by Allison Morris from the Irish News and the News Letter's deputy editor Ben Lowry.
Do you feel sorry for Prince Harry and Meghan after they spoke movingly of the pressures they're under? In a new documentary that was on ITV this week, the Duchess said she's "existing, not living".
Should they be left alone, or are we entitled to want to read about our Royals?
Stephen spoke to former BBC royal correspondent Jenny Bond and commentator Fionola Meridith.
Drivers of electric cars could be given green number plates that allow them to use bus lanes and park for free. The department of transport is running a 12 week consultation in England as the government hopes it will boost electric car sales, helping it achieve its 2050 target of net zero emissions.
But is it fair that drivers of electric cars should get benefits that other wouldn't?
Abortion has been decriminalised and same-sex marriage is to be legalised in Northern Ireland. Legislation making the changes - which was passed by MPs at Westminster - came into force at midnight despite last ditch attempts by the DUP to introduce a private members bill.
The speaker, the DUPs Robin Newton, argued that there could be no business done with out the election of a new speaker which needed cross community vote.
Stephen spoke with DUP's Paul Givan, UUP's Mike Nesbitt and Stephen Farry from the Alliance party.
Hundreds of Loyalists have attended a meeting in East Belfast to oppose the Government’s Brexit Bill to exit the European Union.
The plan has been described as a betrayal act - which will treat Northern Ireland differently from the rest of the UK.
After the meeting at the Constitutional Club on the Newtownards Road, the loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson said:
"The unionist and loyalist people have had enough of this one-sided peace process. They are not going to tolerate an economically united Ireland,".
Potentially big implications for Northern Ireland consumers from Boris Johnson's customs deal.
A Labour peer warns the customs border in the Irish Sea will feel like a 'real border' and that trade with the Republic will be easier than with the rest of the UK .
Some of our favourite fast food meals could be off the menu
under the NHS's controversial new "calorie cap" plans.
NHS authorities want to slash the size of restaurant and fast food meals to just 950 calories.
Dame Sally Davies - the NHS's outgoing Chief Medical Officer - made the proposals in a bid to tackle the county's growing fat epidemic, which she says we are "nowhere near" to solving.
Some of Stormont's MLAs will return to the chamber today
for the first time in nearly three years, after a petition
triggered a recall.
The move was proposed in an attempt to stop the reform
of Northern Ireland's abortion law.
Laws on abortion and same-sex marriage will change unless devolution is restored by midnight.
Alliance leader Naomi Long has called it a stunt and joined Vinny Hurrell on air alongside DUP MLA Jim Wells, Bernie Smyth from Precious Life and Kellie Turtle from Alliance for Choice
This week is Book Week Northern Ireland - a celebration of books and reading. It a joint initiative between Libraries NI and BBC Northern Ireland and our reporter, Nicola Weir, has been finding out how the Mobile Library in Belfast helps school children connect with literature by joining Paul Callaghan out on his Thursday run.
His career as a creator and solo recording artist, has spanned 5 decades. He's worked with the likes of Van Morrison, Sinead O'Connor and Cliff Richard. And now he's released his memoirs - 'bruised, never broken'. Phil Coulter spoke to Stephen this morning.
"He is a unionist through and through" - that was Nigel Dodd's assessment of Boris Johnson just two weeks ago. The Prime Minister was given a hero's welcome at a DUP drinks reception at the Tory party conference. Nigel Dodds went on to tell the Newsletter that Mr Johnson had sent out a "very strong message of solidarity in terms of the unionist position across the United Kingdom". But yesterday the love in came to an end. So where did it all go wrong? And what will this new Brexit deal mean for Northern Ireland if it gets through the Commons? Stephen spoke to Conservative MP Sir Peter Bottomley, former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell, Sinn Fein's Conor Murphy, Alliance Party deputy leader Stephen Farry and Tina McKenzie from the Federation for Small Businesses.
The Boris DUP love-in is over. Have a listen to how that once blossoming romance turned sour...
School uniforms, naming - he / she / they, use of toilets and changing rooms, access to sports and admissions to single-sex schools - that's just some of the issues covered in new guidelines for schools in Northern Ireland on how to support transgender pupils. The guidance is from the Education Authority - the body responsible for schools here. The EA says it reflects best practice in supporting transgender pupils and applies to pre-schools, primary schools, post primary and special schools as well as other educational and youth service settings. Stephen got reaction from Commissioner for Children and Young People - Koualla Yiasouma and commentator Andre Walker.
The DUP says no. The party has said that it "could not support" Prime Minister Boris Johnson's revised Brexit plan for Northern Ireland. In a statement released early this morning they stated "As things stand we could not support what is being suggested on customs and consent issues and there is a lack of clarity on VAT." Stephen spoke to Alliance Party leader Naomi Long, UUP MLA Steve Aiken and the Conservative MP Daniel Kawczynski - a former member of the ERG.
"When would any other country ever give up part of its territory as part of trade talks? This would "completely undermine Northern Ireland's status as an integral part of the UK. We must not go down this route." - the stark concerns from the former Secretary of State Owen Patterson. And as a Tory he is sending his warnings to the government. The DUP has said they will not tolerate staying in the EU customs union. And Arlene Foster said she could not accept reported plans of a customs border in the Irish Sea. So is this a defining day for NI - and its future? Stephen spoke to BBC NI economics and business editor John Campbell, Alliance Party MLA Stephen Farry, DUP MLA Jim Wells and commentator Alex Kane.
Scotland has become the first part of the UK to ban smacking by parents. A bill was passed in the Scottish Parliament recently making it a criminal offence for a parent or carer to use physical force to discipline children. It means Scottish kids now have the same protection from assault as adults. Wales is also close to an outright ban and Ireland banned smacking four years ago. Is it ever OK to use what current law refers to as "reasonable chastisement" to discipline a child? Stephen got the views of commentators Phil Kelly and Brendan O'Neill from Spiked Online.
Translink has said it needs £3 billion over the next 10 years to pursue a zero emissions agenda after being underfunded for decades. Last year the company reported a 3% rise in journeys to 84.5 million across bus and rail services and in its first year, the Glider had 10 million passenger journeys. Should more public money be invested in rail and bus services? Stephen got the views of commentators Newton Emerson and Frank Shivers.
If you're born in Northern Ireland - you are British even if you identify as Irish. That was the finding of tribunal judges yesterday. In 2017, NI woman Emma De Souza applied for a residence card for her US-born husband making the application under her Irish passport. However, the Home Office rejected the application as it deemed Mrs De Souza was British, even though she says that she never held a British passport. She went on to win a case against the Home Office. But yesterday - an immigration tribunal upheld an appeal of the case, brought by the Home Office. Emma joined Stephen this morning along with former UKIP leader in Northern Ireland - David McNarry.
Tonight's True North is entitled the "Dementia-Friendly Barber" and follows Bangor barber Lenny White as he cuts the hair of men with dementia and offers them his unique form of therapy. Stephen spoke to Lenny.
Belfast City Council has started an investigation after footage emerged of a loyalist flute band parading inside City Hall. Videos shared on social media show uniformed members of the Glasgow band the Govan Protestant Boys performing in corridors and the reception. They were attending a centenary dinner in the building for the George Telford Memorial Orange Lodge. Stephen got reaction from former UUP Councillor Chris McGimpsey and Alliance party Councillor Nuala McAllister.
Has Boris Johnston thrown away another promise to Northern Ireland in his Brexit propsal? The BBC understands the UK has dropped a demand that the Brexit deal include a veto for the Stormont Assembly to prevent the arrangements for Northern Ireland ever coming into force. Government sources insist they're still a seeking a mechanism to give the people of Northern Ireland a greater say. This Stormont veto had reassured unionists that nothing to Northern Ireland could happen without consent from a future assembly. Stephen spoke to BBC Ni's economic and business editor John Campbell, TUV leader Jim Allister and Tom Kelly who led the remain campaign here.
Sinn Fein stand accused of hypocrisy over the party's opposition to the extradition of John Downey. Michelle O'Neill has called it "an attempt to overturn due process". Sinn Fein National Chairperson Declan Kearney tweeted the hashtag "#ReleaseHimNow". But is this hypocritical, or legitimate concern about the state's handling of legacy cases? Stephen spoke to News Letter's deputy editor Ben Lowry and the Irish News security correspondent Allison Morris.
Alex Kane is a regular on the show and many of you will have heard the story of Alex growing up. It is the topic of this weeks Stories In Sound on BBC Radio Ulster - titled Before I Was An Orphan.
"I have agreed terms on a deal in principle with the Wright family" - Ian Pailsey MP reads from notification he received from Joe Bamford on Wrightbus deal
Could a Brexit agreement be about to happen? Yesterday Boris Johnson and Leo Varadkar both said that they could "see a pathway to a possible deal". Last night, the Secretary of State Julian Smith told BBC's The View programme that it gave him great heart that the UK and the Republic were trying to find what he called "an accommodation". And he addressed one criticism levelled at Mr Johnson's proposals -- that a deal could, in effect, be blocked by the DUP. So no community will have a veto over NI's post Brexit future. That's what the Secretary of State told BBC's The View last night. But Number 10 sources say he hadn't been briefed on the the detail of Boris Johnson and Leo Varadkar's talks. So who should decide on future arrangements for Northern Ireland? And will Northern Ireland be staying in the Customs Union? Stephen spoke to BBC NI's political editor Mark Devenport, UUP MLA Doug Beattie, TUV leader Jim Allister and Alliance Party MLA Stephen Farry.
If there were any type of customs checks in NI after Brexit - would Sinn Fein refuse to go in to an assembly? Ben Lowry and Allison Morris discuss.
It is a simple question. What will it take for Sinn Fein to bring government to Northern Ireland? If they get an Irish language act - is that enough - or is there a shopping list of red lines? Stephen spoke to News Letter deputy editor Ben Lowry and Allison Morris from the Irish News.
A UK ticket-holder has won the full £170m Euromillions jackpot, in the UK's biggest ever lottery win. The National Lottery operator Camelot says it's not yet known if it's been won by a single person, a family or a syndicate. A single ticket matched all 7 numbers on last night's Euromillions to win. The previous record holders were Colin and Chris Weir, from North Ayrshire, who won £161 million eight years ago. Imagine waking up this morning being £170 million richer... If it was you, would you go public? What would you spend the money on? Would you be scared it might ruin your life? Stephen got the views of commentators Emma Woolf and Lembit Opik.
The government will not refer to the current definition of a victim when it comes to drafting legislation for a Troubles pension, BBC NI understands. Applicants to the pension will be asked to set out how they meet any future scheme's eligibility criteria, as opposed to whether they fit the definition of a victim. This could mean that paramilitaries who were convicted of an offence in relation to an attack they were injured in would be excluded. The current definition makes no distinction between paramilitaries who were killed or injured, and victims. So does this address the issue once and for all, and allow victims to finally get the pension they're entitled to? Stephen got reaction from Kenny Donaldson, from the group Innocent Victims United and Alan McBride from the Wave Trauma Centre.
It will be "very difficult" for the UK and the EU to reach a Brexit agreement before the 31 October deadline, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said. He told RTE "big gaps" remained between the two sides. He also suggested the language around the discussions had turned toxic "in some quarters". His comments came after a No 10 source claimed that Germany was now making it "essentially impossible" for the UK to leave the EU with a deal. Stephen spoke to Kevin Maguire, Associate Editor of the Daily Mirror, commentator Andre Walker, UUP MLA Steve Aiken and SDLP leader Colum Eastwood.
No criminal charges brought against those who have an abortion, or against health care professionals who provide and assist in an abortion. Abortions in cases of fatal fetal abnormality will be allowed. Just some of the guidance, from the government for healthcare professionals on abortion law in Northern Ireland. It sets out what will happen following changes to the law here after 21 October, if the NI Executive is not restored. Stephen got reaction from Grainne Teggart from Amnesty International and Dr Anne McCloskey, deputy leader of Aontú.
New PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne joins Nolan in studio to talk policing, Brexit and paramilitaries
Aoibhinn is 24 years old and lives with type 1 diabetes. She has been on waiting lists for nearly 5 years waiting on a diabetic pump which she believes will improve her quality of life.
The mother of a teenager killed when his motorbike collided with a car driven by the wife of a US diplomat is appealing for the woman to return to the UK for questioning. Charlotte Charles has urged her "as a mum" to come back, and speak to the police. 19 year old Harry Dunn died in August near RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire. Although the driver of the car told police she had no plans to leave the UK, she flew out with her family shortly afterwards. The woman is being protected by diplomatic immunity. She spoke to Stephen.
Boris Johnson's Brexit deal is threat to peace in Northern Ireland - that's the comments from former Prime Minister Tony Blair. Writing for the Guardian Mr Blair said that the Good Friday Agreement would never have been signed without a commitment to an open border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. Stephen got reaction from former DUP MLA Nelson McCausland and commentator Brendan Mulgrew.
A war of words has broken out between the UUP and the DUP after Lord Empey said it was hard to understand how any unionist could advocate Arlene Foster`s ghastly deal. He has even dubbed the DUP leader Arlene "two borders" Foster. However, DUP MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson accused his former party colleague of "bitterness" and said the DUP had worked with Boris Johnson to secure "a reasonable offer". The UUP hit back acussing the DUP of making it up as they go along. Stephen spoke to UUP MLA Doug Beattie and News Letter political editor Sam McBride.
He was part of one of the most successful comedies in recent years, Rory Cowan, better know to many listeners as Rory Brown the son Agnes Brown in the BBC hit comedy Mrs Brown's Boys. Rory has released a autobiography titled Mrs Cowan's Boy and talked to Stephen about his time in showbiz.
It's a legal fight that started six years ago but ended yesterday when the High Court in Belfast ruled Northern Ireland's abortion law breaches the UK's Human Rights Commitments.
The case was taken by Sarah Ewart, who challenged the law after she was denied a termination.
The judge said she ruled in Mrs Ewart's favour as it was not right to ask another woman to relive the trauma that she had already experienced.
Stephen talked to Sarah, as well as Precious Life campaigner, Bernie Smyth.
Sinn Féin, the Ulster Unionists, SDLP, Alliance, Greens and TUV are all against the DUP's proposals for NI.
And now they have all come out against Boris Johnson's new Brexit proposals. But guess what? they've all got it wrong. that's according to the DUP.
Stephen spoke to Declan Billington - Chief Executive of Thompsons, Glyn Roberts Chief Executive of Retail NI, Irish Sentator Ian Marshall, former President of the Ulster Farmers Union.
Plus, Dr Jennifer Cassidy - politics lecturer at Oxford University
and member of the NI Conservatives Frank Shivers.
Political Editor of the Newsletter Sam McBride reacts to the DUP's backing of Boris Johnson's recent Brexit offer to the EU.
All goods in NI will have different regulation benchmarks than the rest of the UK .
All goods in NI must comply with the regulations dictated by the EU that wouldn't apply to England, Scotland or Wales - but it would apply to NI?
Is this a pragmatic approach which couldn't threaten the Union as Stormont would have a lock on it?
Or have we taken a step closer to a United Ireland?
Stephen spoke to UUP MLA Steve Aiken, Alliance leader Naomi Long and Businesswoman Tina McKenzie from the Federation of Small Businesses.
"Business is now extremely worried" - John McGrane Director General British Irish Chamber of Commerce
"What Boris Johnson is doing is simply appealing to the hardliners in the DUP and his own party" - Chris Hazzard
"The backstop is about avoiding borders - this is about facilitating borders" - Naomi Long
Boris Johnson will present fresh legal texts to the EU later today. But in his first speech to his party conference as Prime Minister, Mr Johnson is expected to tell his Conservative grassroots supporters that the Brexit proposals will be his final offer. Last night he told a DUP reception that a Brexit deal can be done within days but that it won't be, what he called, a walk in the park. Stephen spoke to SDLP leader Colum Eastwood.
"I'm a unionist and I'd be angry - I do not want infrastructure on the border" - UUP MLA Doug Beattie on reports of checks near Irish border after #Brexit.
UUP MLA Doug Beattie says he would not support an Irish language act as it could "divide society more than it is divided now"
On same sex marriage UUP MLA Doug Beattie says he "won't compromise" on his values and will support introduction of same-sex marriage.
Ulster Unionist Leader Robin Swann has announced that he will be stepping down as Party Leader at the next annual general meeting due in the Spring next year. He will remain as MLA for North Antrim. He has been leader since taking over from Mike Nesbitt in 2017. Stephen spoke to UUP MLA Doug Beattie and News Letter political editor Sam McBride.
Speculation this morning that customs posts near the border are going to be the government's solution to the Brexit deadlock. How are nationalists expected to react to what some might describe as a hard border near the border? Stephen spoke to BBC NI's Economics and Business Editor John Campbell, SDLP's Brexit spokesperson Daniel McCrossan and the former UKIP leader David McNarry.
It's a senstive issue and one which divides opinion- who should get Troubles related compensation? The Free Presbyterian minister David McIlveen has said he would not necessarily object to Troubles-related compensation for ex-paramilitaries who needed support. He told BBC's Sunday Sequence programme he recognised it was a "sensitive issue". However, he added that every person should be assessed anonymously and "according to their specific needs". Stephen got the views of commentator Patricia MacBride and Kenny Donaldson spokesman for Innocent Victims United.
At the start of the Conservative Conference in Manchester, the Prime Minister has told the BBC he's been a "model of restraint" when it comes to language and Brexit. Speaking on the Andrew Marr Show, Boris Johnson said there had been a "misunderstanding" over his intention. Labour's Angela Rayner said Mr Johnson should be "absolutely, utterly ashamed of himself". It's the end of a week which saw the Supreme Court ruling that Boris Johnson's prorogation of Parliament was unlawful, and the beginning of another when he could face a no-confidence vote. Yesterday Stephen spoke to Conservative Party Vice Chairman, and MP for West Aberdeenshire, Andrew Bowie.
The PSNI shunned an elderly lady and refused to investigate her claims that. You bring us your stories every day and we make sure you get a voice that will be heard. That's what happened when Stephanie came to us about money that had been taken from her elderly disabled mother, Moira, from a tradesman who promised to do work at her property. Now this was not a cold caller or a case of someone transferring money to a complete stranger they had never met. This story starts with a horrific burglary in March, when Moira was held at knife point in her own home. As she's registered blind, Moira was advised to replace her front and back doors - and that was the start of losing £340 and a four week chase to try and get it back. But this story has an added twist - after going to the police with the name, address and telephone number of the man that took the money, she was told there was nothing they could do because it was 'civil matter'. Our reporter, Nicola Weir, went to speak to Stephanie.
Can mitigation to ease the effect of Welfare Reform next year happen without ministers in Stormont? Not according to the department in charge. The Department of Communities has told the Nolan Show that "existing schemes cannot be extended in the absence of the Assembly". Stephen spoke to Sinn Fein MLA Alex Maskey and UUP MLA Andy Allen.
Unionists have expressed anger after a Sinn Fein youth group displayed a poster featuring the words 'Brits Out' at the Queen's University Belfast Freshers' Fair. Ógra Shinn Féin featured 1916 Easter Rising leader James Connolly and an image of a group holding up a placard which includes the slogan 'Brits Out! The Freshers' Fair gives new students at Queen's the opportunity to find out about clubs and societies on offer at the university. Stephen spoke to Sinn Fein MLA Alex Maskey, UUP MLA Andy Allen, and got the views of commentators Phil Kelly and Malachi O'Doherty.
The family which owned Wrightbus have denied they acted unreasonably during attempts to sell the business. The Wrightbus factory is owned by Jeff Wright, separately from the manufacturing company. That's understood to have been a sticking point during the sales negotiation. Stephen spoke to BBC NI Economics and Business Editor John Campbell.
Today is BBC Music Day! It's in its 5th year now - and the theme this year is the power of music to inspire, bring us together and make a positive impact. Our reporter, Nicola Weir, has been finding out about Singing for the Brain - a service provided by the Alzheimer's Society which uses singing and other activities to bring together people with dementia or memory loss. She went along to Strand Presbyterian Church in Belfast and began by speaking to Adelle McMahon, Singing for the Brain Leader in the East and West.
Karla McDermott, wife of Glentoran manager Mick McDermott, left Northern Ireland and her entire family yesterday and flew nearly 4,000 miles to Dubai in order to trigger her visa application to the Home Office. Karla has no guarantee she'll will be allowed to return, and told Belfast LIVE that her kids have been 'in tears'. She said she had 'been suffering heart palpitations and cold sweats as panic sets in' and that the 'thought of leaving my children...of leaving Mick and the possibility of not being able to get back to them is awful.' Mick spoke to Stephen this morning.
Boris Johnson is facing calls to 'moderate his language' after being accused of stoking dangerous divisions about Brexit during angry exchanges in the Commons yesterday.
Some senior Conservative MPs - including a cabinet minister - have urged him to pick his words carefully after he accused his opponents of surrender.
And he didn't stop there with his attack on the opposition - accusing them of betraying the referendum.
Is this all part of the rough and tumble of politics? Or is this a step too far and inappropriate language for a politician - especially the Prime Minister?
Joining Stephen was Brexit commentator Andre Walker and commentator Brendan Mulgrew.
Hundreds of healthcare workers write to SoS and health permanent secretary to oppose liberalisation of NI's abortion laws. Kellie Turtle from Alliance for Choice and Marion Woods from Both Lives Matter discuss.
Abortion and abortion rights are never far from the news headlines in Northern Ireland. In July, MPs passed the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Act, which means the government will have to regulate to provide for access to abortion in Northern Ireland, if the Stormont Executive is not restored by October 21st. Regulations then have to be in place by the end of March 2020. Tori contacted the programme to share her story.
A County Antrim GP says he and hundreds of health professionals have written to the NI secretary expressing opposition to the liberalisation of NI's abortion laws. The doctors, nurses and midwives say their consciences will not allow them to stay silent on the issue. They want reassurance as "conscientious objectors" that they will not have to perform or assist abortions. I spoke to Dr Andrew Cupples and started by asking him about why he wrote to the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health.
Would you like to work a 4 day week - but get paid the same? That's the pledge from Labour if they get into power. Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell made the promise at their annual conference in Brighton this week. 32 hours within 10 years, with "no loss of pay". Would it make you more productive, or is this just a chance for us to get away with doing less?
DUP accused of serious lack of judgement for backing PM's suspension of parliament as supreme court rules it unlawful. Stephen spoke to MLA Jim Wells.
It is expected that troubled Ballymena bus maker Wrightbus will go into administration. The company, which employs 1400 people, is suffering from cashflow problems and has been seeking investment or a new owner. Stephen spoke to MP for the area, Ian Paisley, and BBC NI Economics & Business Editor John Campbell.
Parliament will sit this morning after the Supreme Court ruled that Prime Minister Boris Johnson's proroguing of Parliament was unlawful. The Speaker has now made it clear that there will be full scope for urgent questions, ministerial statements and applications for emergency debates. How will that historic decision be received on the green benches and where does it leave the government and opposition? Boris Johnson, who is flying back early from a UN summit in New York, faces calls to resign from opposition groups. Stephen spoke to BBC NI political correspondent Enda McClafferty, MP Anna Soubry, Gina Miller, and UUP MLA Steve Aiken.
A priest has admitted links to an IRA bomb attack on the Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Speaking to the BBC NI Spotlight series on the Troubles, Patrick Ryan, a former priest from Tipperary said he regretted not being 'more effective'. Stephen got reaction from TUV leader Jim Allister and Irish News security correspondent Allison Morris.
A grieving Belfast dad has now launched a street 'drug awareness campaign' in a bid to prevent other families from going through the heartbreak that he and his family did. 27 year old Karl had battled drugs for some time, but it was a short time on what's known as 'Street Xanax', that lead to his death earlier this year. His dad Michael spoke to Stephen.
DUP MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson tells Nolan he wants an apology from the Irish government for not extraditing Patrick Ryan - and wants them to cooperate with extradition now.
Teenage climate campaigner Greta Thunberg has become the poster girl of the climate change movement culminating in her empassioned speech at the UN Climate summit yesterday. Some commentators, however, have accused climate activists of exploiting Greta Thunberg. So, is she a role model for teenagers throughout the world, or is she being used by those around her? Stephen got the views of commentator Phil Kelly and Brendan O'Neill from Spiked Online.
At 2am this morning the world's oldest and most famous travel operator, Thomas Cook, went bust leaving thousands stranded abroad and around 9,000 without a job. Government ministers will today launch its biggest peacetime repatriation effort, with a fleet of 40 Jumbo jets on standby to start flying holidaymakers home from more than 50 destinations over the coming fortnight. Those waiting to go away with Thomas Cook have been told they won't be travelling. Local people have been caught up in the collapse. Stephen spoke to travel editor Simon Calder and passengers William Bell from Castledawson who is in Turkey and Trevor Cooke is from Portrush - he's currently in Tenerife.
Just two days after leaving Radio 4's Today programme, the presenter John Humphrys has criticised the BBC saying there is "a form of institutional liberal bias" within the organisation and that he is now free of 'the BBC Thought Police.' In his book, A Day Like Today, Humphrys also said the BBC was terrified of offending "fashionable pressure groups - usually from the liberal Left, the spiritual home of most bosses and staff". So what do you think at home? Stephen got the views of Observer columnist Andre Walker and journalist Malachi O'Doherty.
There's growing concern that thousands of benefit claimants in Northern Ireland will be hit hard when measures to ease the impact of welfare reforms end in March 2020. The DUP is the latest political party to hold discussions with Stormont officials amidst warnings that welfare claimants are facing a "cliff edge". The party says that without a functioning executive to intervene, around 34,000 households will be subject to the controversial Bedroom Tax. Stephen spoke to Kevin Higgins from Advice NI, Sinn Fein MLA Alex Maskey, SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone and UUP MLA Andy Allen.
Belfast City councillors will meet this morning to discuss the removal of flags and banners from around the city.
In July, the council voted to take legal action against the Department for Infrastructure to force it to remove flags and banners from public property such as lampposts.
But it stepped back after receiving legal advice that the removal of flags would impact mainly on the loyalist community.
The councillors are meeting again to decide what to do next - and legal action is still an option.
Joining Stephen was the commentators Jamie Bryson and Malachi O'Doherty
A former high court judge says officers involved in the investigation into an alleged VIP paedophile ring should themselves be investigated.
Sir Richard Henriques says police knew Carl Beech was inconsistent when applying for warrants to search suspects' homes.
The former MP Harvey Proctor is one of those who was falsely accused. Mr Beech made up lurid claims that he - along with a wider ring of well-known establishment figures - abused and even killed boys.
All the allegations were totally made up by the fantasist Carl Beech -- who was jailed for 18 years.
A company director of Quinn Holdings Group in Fermanagh has been left with life changing injuries after being abducted, beaten, stabbed and then dumped across the border.
Police say married father-of-six Kevin Lunney, who is 50 and lives a few miles from the Quinn headquarters in Derrylin, was travelling home from work on Tuesday when he was taken from his car.
Stephen spoke to deputy editor of the Impartial Reporter, Rodney Edwards.
New rules around how schools treat transgender children are 'ignoring the rights of girls' say critics. The Times has seen a confIdential draft document from the Equality and Human Rights Commission which seeks to protect the rights of children "who are simply exploring their gender identity". According to the paper - "In sensitive areas of day-to-day life, where pupils have traditionally been separated by sex, schools will either be required or advised to open up to those identifying as the same gender". So children who choose to identify as another gender, should be allowed to use the changing rooms of that gender. So is this a long overdue recognition of the needs of transgender children, or ignoring the rights of girls? Stephen got the views of commentators Angela Epstein and Emma Woolf.
A seismic change in the abortion law is on its way. Abortion will be effectively decriminalised in Northern Ireland. But our local MLAs had no say in that. And its unclear what will replace the laws that have been repealed by Westminster. Stephen got reaction from Marion Woods from Both Lives Matter and the People Before Profit Councillor Fiona Ferguson.
Arlene Foster, has suggested her party might consider supporting a Brexit deal - if it included what she called "Northern Ireland specific solutions". But addressing the Dublin Chamber of Commerce last night Mrs Foster re-iterated that a deal that involved an Irish backstop, would not be achieved. She also held talks with the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. Speaking to reporters beforehand she was asked whether it was possible to have Northern Ireland only solutions to the Brexit border issue that didn't affect its constitutional position. So what's going on? Are the DUP softening their position? are they preparing to do a deal with some form of backstop? Stephen got the views of political commentators Alex Kane and Mick Fealty, and the TUV MLA Jim Allister.
The RNLI has made a strong defence of its work after people stopped donating to the charity because it used funding to save lives abroad and provide burkinis in Africa.
Joining Vinny was the commentators Andre Walker and Phil Kelly
Many of us love the soaps.
Coronation Street, Eastenders and Emmerdale dominate our TV viewing,
but are fans being driven away by dark,
outlandish plots
with too much violence, suffering and misery?
The BBC presenter and TV critic Mark Lawson thinks so.
He's told The Radio Times that viewers are being put off
by too much melodrama and catastrophe in the storylines.
Is he right? Talking to Vinny about this was the showbiz reporter Kelly Allen and the commentator Andrea McVeigh
Its September so most kids are back at school and already there are reports of detention and suspension for non compliance with the school rules on hair cuts. Has your child been disciplined for having the wrong hair cut? And is it fair to penalise our children for how they look? Vinny spoke to parent Gemma who told him about how her son was pulled out of school because of an issue with their haircut. We got reaction from Greenisland barber Harry Preshur who has launched a campaign to tackle what he describes as 'out dated haircut policy in schools' and the commentator and former teacher Simon Warr.
The BBC's Spotlight programme on the Troubles series continued last night. The programme ran an interview with former IRA man Tommy Gorman which has sparked a lot of reaction on social media. So what did you make of what the former IRA man said? Did that sound like true remorse over a conflict that took over three and a half thousand lives - or regret over personal loss? Vinny spoke to former SDLP Cllr Mairia Cahill and Kenny Donaldson the director of services at the South East Fermanagh Foundation.
The National Union of Journalists has condemned as "unwarranted and unworthy" an attack by DUP MP Ian Paisley on News Letter Political Editor Sam McBride. Mr Paisley published a strongly worded article on Facebook responding to a story written by the journalist in Saturday's paper. Sam McBride's piece explored the possibility of Stormont returning by October 21 - the date on which abortion will be decriminalised unless devolution is restored - and concluded that was unlikely. Mr Paisley accused Mr McBride of trying to destroy and undermine the DUP, and used several offensive terms to describe the journalist. Sam McBride wasn't available this morning, but Stephen spoke to Seamus Dooley, Irish Secretary of the NUJ.
An empty podium where the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson should have stood. That was the image beamed round the world yesterday after a joint press conference with the Prime Minister of Luxembourg was cancelled. But it didn't stop Xavier Bettel, the leader of the small European country, famous for being a tax haven, getting his point across to an enthusiastic crowd. Some Brexiteers are calling it a setup, and Number 10 say their request for a press conference indoors was rejected. So was Boris set-up, or did he simply run away from a tough crowd? Stephen spoke to commentator Malachi O'Doherty and Jane Morrice, an ex-head of the European Commission Office in Northern Ireland.
Fines for missed GP appointments. The return of prescription charges. Higher car parking fees at hospitals. Would you be prepared to accept these measures if it helps to ease the funding crisis in the health service? These suggestions have come not from NHS bosses, but from patients themselves. The public in Fermanagh have been giving their views to the Western Local Commissioning Group in a series of community meetings. The commissioning group is one of the bodies within the health service that feeds into decision making. Stephen got the views of Belfast GP, Dr George O'Neill and the businessman Frank Shivers, who's a member of the Conservative Party.
Omagh woman Kylie Crawford says her family is being 'torn apart' by immigration laws - because she does not earn enough money to sponsor her American husband's visa to stay in Northern Ireland. Stephen has been speaking to Kylie and she began by telling me how she first met her American husband.
Many students have started back at university today. That means the Holylands are buzzing again - but there have been complaints about anti social behaviour in the area again. Stephen spoke to SDLP MLA Claire Hanna and Brid, a resident in the Holyland area.
The Nolan Show can reveal that head teachers in Northern Ireland have received a letter from the Department of Education, telling them that plans to implement the 'Addressing Bullying in Schools Act' were now on hold. The letter says Teaching unions are not happy, and want an indefinite hold on its introduction. Stephen spoke to Justin McCamphill from the NASUWT.
Local film company ESC Films is launching a new project capturing the stories of LGBT people in Northern Ireland - with strong religious faiths. What is it like to be gay, and Christian, in Northern Ireland? The film "A Question of Belonging" launches tomorrow night as part of Good Relations Week 2019. Stephen spoke to Fidelma Carolan and Ryan McMillan join me in studio.
James Corden's making a splash on social media this weekend after launching an attack on rival chat show host, Bill Maher after he made comments about fat people. So who do you think has got this right? These are these big chat show hosts in America taking each other on now. Stephen spoke to body diversity campaigner Kathryn Szrodecki and commentator Ant Miller.
God Save the Queen airbrushed from the Proms in the Park in Belfast as is Rule Britannia? Why would the British Broadcasting Corporation not be playing these British classics? But it's the final straw for the deputy editor of the Newsletter Ben Lowry as he accuses BBC Northern Ireland of "social engineering". Ben spoke to Stephen this morning and we got the views of commentator Brendan Mulgrew.
Arlene Foster denies DUP is set to make concessions on Brexit. Ben Lowry from the News Letter and Allison Morris from the Irish News react.
The DUP have denied a report by the Times that the party is about to agree to a deal meaning NI will take some EU rules after Brexit. The Times claims the party has agreed "to shift its red lines" and "drop its objections to regulatory checks in the Irish Sea" as part of a new deal to replace the backstop. But the DUP leader Arlene Foster has denied that and says "anonymous sources lead to nonsense stories". Stephen spoke to Oliver Wright, Policy Editor of The Times who wrote this story along with his colleague Bruno Waterfield.
Board game company Hasbro has released a new feminist version of family favourite "monopoly". "Ms. Monopoly" will celebrate women empowerment, the company says. A new female mascot will be featured on the box and women will receive £240 for passing GO while men will receive the usual £200. The company said in a statement: "It's a fun new take on the game that creates a world where women have an advantage often enjoyed by men." So do you think your family might fall out over Ms Monopoly this Christmas? Do you think this is a good way to teach children about the gender pay gap? Stephen got the views of journalists Angela Epstein and Emma Woolf.
A major blow for our two main airports. Two airlines are cutting routes at both Belfast International and Belfast City airports. Ryanair is understood to have reduced a number of services at Aldergrove this winter. Meanwhile, Aer Lingus has confirmed it will no longer be offering two routes at Belfast City Airport from next summer. Stephen got reaction from travel journalist Simon Calder, News Letter Deputy Editor Ben Lowry and Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle.
Job losses, protests and road blocks could be the result of fallout from a no-deal Brexit according to a government document as Operation Yellowhammer scenarios were published last night. The document said that some cross-border trade would stop and agri-food would be worst hit by tariffs. It predicted some firms would stop trading and those that continued would face higher costs which could be passed on to consumers. Meanwhile 51% of Northern Ireland voters would back a united Ireland according to a new poll, If there was a border poll tomorrow. The poll was conducted by Conservative peer Lord Ashcroft and interviewed 1,542 adults online between August 30 and September 2. Stephen spoke to BBC NI political correspondent Enda McClafferty and got the views of Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín and commentator Ruth Dudley Edwards.
The PM Boris Johnson has confirmed he won't accept a Northern Ireland-only backstop as a solution to the Brexit deadlock. That's according to the DUP. But can the party trust the PM? Remember he told the DUP party conference last year it was time to junk the backstop only to vote for it later. Stephen spoke to DUP MLA Jim Wells, SDLP MLA Claire Hanna and commentator Newton Emerson.
Animal rights protesters caused a stir in Belfast a few days ago, by roasting a "dog" on Royal Avenue. Their banner read - "If You Wouldn't Eat a Dog, Why Eat a Pig? Go Vegan!" The dog was fake, but the message pretty clear - don't eat meat. Why do many of us have no problem eating some animals - yet are repulsed at the thought of eating others? Vinny got the views of animal rights campaigner John Carmody and commentator Dave Atherton.
The police say the New IRA is behind a bomb that was found in the Creggan area of Londonderry last night. During the operation officers were attacked by a large number of petrol bombs - and the PSNI believe at least two young people were burned while trying to throw them. Vinny spoke to Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton and asked him what happened.
Another extraordinary night at Westminster, as Parliament's last act of this sitting was to reject an election. And that's all we'll be hearing from the chamber for the next five weeks after the Government suspended Parliament. MPs held signs saying "silenced", shouting "shame on you." MPs also burst into song on the Commons benches, singing traditional Welsh and Scottish songs. There's mounting speculation about what deal - if any - the Government might strike with the EU. And the Northern Ireland-only solutions to the border appear to be back on the agenda. But are the DUP open to some form of special arrangements for NI? Vinny spoke to Alliance MEP Naomi Long, TUV MLA Jim Allister, UUP MLA Steve Aiken and NI Labour Party member Phil Kelly.
Recently on the programme, Stephen heard from the mum of toddler Hunter Beeton.
Hunter was born with one arm.
Mum Megan hit out after he was targeted by bullies in the playground, leading to Hunter wanting to hide his stump.
Following this Finton contacted the programme to share his story.
Prime Minister Boris Johnston is meeting the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar in Dublin today.
This will be their first face-to-face meeting since Mr Johnson became prime minister in July, with Brexit expected to be the core of discussions.
Large crowds gathered in Belfast on Saturday to take part in opposing rallies on abortion. Pro-choice groups held a 'Rally for Choice' at Writer's Square, while pro-life groups held a 'March For Their Lives' event at Custom House Square.
On Friday night a reported twenty thousand people gathered at Stormont as protesters walked in silence to show their opposition to what organisers described as "the liberalisation of abortion".
Stephen talked to Kellie Turtle, one of the organisers of Rally for Choice, and Bernie Smyth from Precious Life.
Some checks on goods and live animals may need to take place "near" the Irish border in a no-deal Brexit. That's what Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said. What does that mean for the good friday Agrement?
A BBC Spotlight to be screened next week will show Martin McGuinness was personally involved in at least one car bombing. The rare footage, being shown for the first time, of an IRA car bomb being assembled was filmed in Londonderry in the early years of the Troubles.
There are also claims from a former senior Army officer that Ian Paisley helped fund a loyalist terror campaign in the 1960s.
The revelations about the late First and Deputy First ministers will be aired next week in the first episode of an eight-part series looking at the troubles.
Stephen talked to Sam McBride from the Newsletter
A former senior army officer, David Hancock, tells BBC Spotlight programme Mr Paisley "financed" a UVF bombing in Kilkeel in 1969.
It was blamed on the IRA and was part of a Loyalist campaign designed to destabilise the Stormont government of Terrence O'Neill.
Mr Hancock says police showed him "evidence" that Mr Paisley "had supplied the money which financed the Kilkeel explosion."
Yesterday was the first Nothern Ireland Policing Board outing for our new Chief Constable, Simon Bryne.
But he was somewhat in the eye of the storm following remarks he made about paramilitaries and their children earlier in the week.
We'll take your kids into care - Chief Constable Simon Byrne warns paramilitaries they face losing their children. He says people engaged in shootings are unfit to have custody of young people
DUP's Jim Wells comments on heated encounter with Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain.
The Belfast Telegraph are reporting that Health bosses have refused to reveal what plans are in place to protect patient safety here if there is a no-deal Brexit, saying to do so could cause "alarm". They say that the Belfast Trust said it will not release a document outlining the impact on services, and the action it is taking to mitigate the potential effects, as it could cause "unnecessary confusion".
Boris Johnson faces a new battle in the Commons after his first vote as PM saw him lose to rebel Tories and opposition MPs who object to a no-deal Brexit. The Commons voted 328 to 301 to take control of the agenda, allowing them to bring a bill requesting a Brexit delay. The Prime Minister will now push for a snap general election.
A Labour MP has written to the Chief Constable raising concerns about a PSNI appeal to the Supreme Court
Police are seeking to challenge a court ruling about the powers they used to seize material from the loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson
But Kate Hoey says that the PSNI’s appeal could have ramifications for journalists across the UK.
BBC NI Economics & Business Editor John Campbell talks to Stephen about PM Boris Johnson's idea of a potential all Ireland Food Standard zone.
All out war in the Commons as 21 rebel Tory MPs and opposition MPs helped defeat Boris Johnson in his first vote as Prime Minister. It means MPs have seized control of today's parliamentary agenda in an attempt to block a no deal Brexit. Where do we go from here?
Stephen spoke to Alliance party leader Naomi Long, Tory MP Andrew Bridgen and Sinn Féin's Chris Hazzard.
Yesterday we heard more details about the mystery donor who bequeathed 1.5 million pounds to Sinn Fein the largest ever known donation to a political party in Northern Ireland.. William E Hampton who had been living in a mobile home when he drew up his will. But where will the money be spent? Fine Gael Senator James Reilly has said it would break Irish political spending laws if any of the money was spent in the Republic of Ireland under standards in public office rules.
Stephen spoke to Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle, SDLP MLA Colin McGrath and DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson.
"They failed my son... they've shown a complete disregard for him" - Aidan contacted us about problems he was having trying to arrange his son's nursery placement.
"I'm at breaking point... I can't believe what the Education Authority are expecting parents to accept". Lisa's daughter Brogan is autistic. She should be going into first year in secondary school but the support needed for her is not in place.
A whistleblower who worked in the Education Authority has told the Nolan Show he was told to mislead the public as to when applications were received by the government body. These were applications so that children with disabilities could be given help and support to be able to go to school like everybody else. The Education Authority has a responsibility to deal with those applications within a specific time period - a number of weeks. But you are about to hear today from a member of staff who claims he was told to pretend the Authority had not received the applications - and put them to the side. In a nutshell, that meant some of our most vulnerable children in NI were being left on a pile, and their parents misled. This is a shocking story this morning. You will hear this whistleblower describe the chaos within the Education Authority, how files would be lost, and how parents were being ignored. Remember,who is at the heart of this story. Children with disabilities. Stephen began by asking Paul - not his real name - what his job was. We also got reaction from Koulla Yiasouma - NI Commissioner for children & young people.
Conservative MPs have been warned not to rebel against the government over Brexit, as MPs plan legislation to stop no deal. A senior source from the whips office - which ensures MPs vote in line with the party - said MPs who voted to block no deal would "destroy" the government's Brexit negotiating position. The source told the BBC that rebels will have the whip withdrawn and be deselected, the source said. Stephen spoke to commentator Andre Walker, SDLP MLA Claire Hanna and Dr Tom Black, BMA Northern Ireland council chair.
Same sex dancing on Strictly is pandering to the LGBT minority and is taking away the innocence of children - that's what the DUP's Jim Wells told Nolan over the weekend, after the BBC announced that from next year Strictly can feature same sex partners. The show's bosses had previously said this wasn't something they were planning to do but appear to have made a u-turn. Over the weekend Stephen spoke to professional dancer Robin Windsor and the DUP's Jim Wells.
More details have emerged about the mystery donor who bequeathed £1.5 million to Sinn Fein. Stephen spoke to former SDLP councillor Mairia Cahill and asked her about her getting a copy of the will. We also got reaction from Allison Morris from the Irish News and News Letter political editor Sam McBride.
Trades Union Congress is calling for another 4 bank holidays to bring the country in line with the European average. Do you like the sound of more bank holidays? Or are they just not practical for employers? Stephen got the views of commentator Phil Kelly and business man Irwin Armstrong.
A £1.5million boost to Sinn Fein's coffers was announced yesterday. Figures released by the Electoral Commission showed what's understood to be the biggest ever donation to a Northern Ireland political party. The money was left to the party by a former motor mechanic and driver, who died in Pembrokeshire in Wales. Stephen spoke to the News Letter's political editor Sam McBride what we know about this donor.
You may have seen these posters in Belfast city centre that show foetuses aborted at different stages of pregnancy. The proposal has been brought by Green Party Councillor Aine Groogan and will go before the full council on Monday night. Stephen spoke to Aine and Marion Woods from the campaign group Both Lives Matter.
A Sinn Fein MLA has said that Catholic housing applicants may have even longer waits under proposals to review the points system used to allocate homes. Carál Ní Chuilín says that Catholic applicants are already waiting longer than their Protestant counterparts and she says a report written for the Department has warned about a potential negative impact on Catholic applicants. Stephen spoke to Carál and asked her how these claims stacked up.
It's back to school for many children this week and for parents that can be a stressful and anxious time, but what if your child has a disability and needs specialist equipment that you have been told will be in place but find out it's not there? That is the situation facing Jonny as his daughter is due to start her first day of Primary school on Monday.
What if you were told that being more optimistic could make you live longer? New research suggests that those who have a more hopeful and confident disposition stand a better chance of reaching the age of 85. This is the work of academics at Boston University, the school of medicine, which found found that the 71,000 people who participated in their work - those who were more positive about the future tended to live between 11 - 15% longer. Can you teach yourself optimism? Stephen got the views of author Kathy Lette and travel writer Tim Hedgley.
Could teachers soon be able to use corporal punishment in the classroom again? The Guardian newspaper says it has seen leaked documents which show the Government will announce a series of changes to school policies soon. It says one will allow teachers to use "reasonable force" to improve behaviour. It also says there will be a renewed emphasis on exclusions. Stephen got the views of former teacher Simon Warr and commentator Fionola Meredith.
More than one million people have signed a petition objecting to Boris Johnson's plan to suspend Parliament for up to five weeks. Opposition leaders are calling the move anti-democratic, and claim it's happening so the Prime Minister can force through a no-deal Brexit. He denies that. Opposition parties are planning to force a bill through Parliament next week - designed to stop the Prime Minister Brexiting without a deal. Locally the DUP are the only party to support the move. Arlene Foster says its sensible but Sinn Fein says Mr Johnson is treating people with contempt. Stephen spoke to Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy, TUV leader Jim Allister and MP Anna Soubry.
The Queen will be asked by the government to suspend Parliament days after MPs return to work - and a matter of weeks before the Brexit deadline.
Stephen talked to BBC Political Reporter Jayne McCormack, Labour MP Kate Hoey, Conservative MP Dominc Grieve, Alliance Deputy Leader Stephen Farry, SDLP MLA Claire Hanna, DUP MLA Jim Wells and UUP Leader Robin Swann.
Calls are mounting for a public inquiry into abuse at Muckamore Abbey Hospital after the latest revelations that CCTV footage has identified 1,500 crimes in just one ward as revealed by the Irish News. The PSNI have siad it was the "largest adult safeguarding case" of its kind. The incidents happened in the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit over the course of six months in 2017-2018.
Stephen spoke to Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew, SDLP Councillor Brian Heading and DUP MP Gavin Robinson.
Nolan show listeners reacted to the announcement made by Sean Coyle on his Radio Ulster programme on Friday, that he was leaving the station with immediate effect.
This was following a meeting he had with BBC NI bosses earlier that week where they told the presenter that he would not have his current programme slot in an upcoming schedule reshuffle.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the BBC should "cough up" for TV licences for all over-75s
The Prime Minister claims the corporation's settlement with the government four years ago was conditional on funding them - which the BBC says isn't right.
From next June, only over 75s on a low income will be able to claim a free licence.
Stephen talked to the Commissioner for Older People - Eddie Lynch.
And also commentator Frank Shivers and former MP Lembit Opik.
A 12-month scheme allowing most taxis to use bus lanes in Belfast - including new Glider lanes will not now go ahead for the foreseeable future.
The scheme would have allowed Class A, private hire taxis to use the lanes.
The Department for Infrastructure has said that any decision to allow taxis in bus lanes is a decision that needs to be made by a Minister.
I have been speaking to Green Party councillor Aine Groogan and Taxi driver Ken Kelly.
Manchester United's Harry Maguire has called on social media companies to "stop these pathetic trolls" after his team-mate Paul Pogba was racially abused online after missing a penalty. He has called for a stricter verification process for anyone creating an account. England woman's manager Phil Neville says action needs to be taken by football authorities to tackle the abuse of players on social media. Would you be in favour of stricter laws? Stephen got the views of Tom Slater from Spiked Online and commentator Emma Woolf.
A letter has been sent to Donald Tusk by a number of our local political parties urging him to continue "defending" the backstop in the face of Boris Johnson's latest calls for it to be scrapped. In a joint letter to the European Council chief, Stormont's pro-Remain parties said the mechanism was "necessary" to safeguard the progress made since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. But the DUP has said that it shows that the backstop doesn't have unionist support. Stephen got the views of DUP MLA Jim Wells and Alliance MLA Stephen Farry.
It is a "huge shame and injustice" that terminally ill people in Northern Ireland will receive no benefit from a government cash boost to protect palliative care, the words of the head of the NI Hospice. Chief executive Heather Weir was speaking after the prime minister announced an extra £25m of funding for hospices in England. She spoke to Stephen this morning.
You'll remember yesterday we were talking to Siobhan. She contacted us to tell us about her car being clamped for having had no tax for almost a year. Siobhan bought her car from Charles Hurst 3 years ago on a PCP agreement. As part of that her car was supposed to be taxed - but an 'administrative error' meant it wasn't done. Until yesterday morning Siobhan hadn't heard from either Charles Hurst or the financial services company they use. She had an update for us this morning.
A Belfast city centre nightclub has been criticised for planning a 'ALL DRINKS £1' night due to take place during the upcoming bank holiday weekend. You might have read this in the Belfast Telegraph this week. '14 Tomb Street' owner Patrick Fegan spoke to Stephen this morning.
A mum of a young toddler born with one arm has hit out after her son was targeted by bullies. Armagh toddler Hunter Beeton now wants to 'hide it' after cruel jibes from play park bullies. Shocked at what she was hearing, Hunter's mum Megan recorded her son and put it on social media to highlight the effects bullying can have. Stephen has been speaking to Megan and she told him what happened to her son, Hunter.
Got a story? Send us an email - nolan@bbc.co.uk - that's what Siobhan did. Her car was clamped for being out of tax by almost a year - but she had no idea. She told Stephen what happened.
Just weeks to go now until Brexit and the German chancellor Angela Merkel says if its not sorted within 30 days, it's No Deal. So lets spell out the big questions for Northern Ireland - with only weeks now to get answers is the border going to stay open on 1st November? If it does - is Northern Ireland the gateway into the UK for the whole of Europe? Spain, Portugal, Poland, France, Italy - if any of these people want into the UK without checks, the open border into NI will be the gateway - how will it not be. Meanwhile, if there does need to be a border down the Irish sea, so that the UK is controlling some part of immigration - are British Northern Irish citizens going to be checked travelling to England, Scotland and Wales? Are we back to special airport corridors and queues for people in Northern Ireland? Where are the customs checks going to be? And the warnings from the government's own Operation Yellowhammer document - warning of medicine and food shortages - what's the latest on that? Arlene Foster said the document was outdated - so where is the up to date assessment - why won't the DUP share it with us? Stephen spoke to BBC NI business and economics editor John Campbell, TUV leader Jim Allister and Jane Morrice is Honorary President of the European Movement in Northern Ireland.
A man murdered in Waringstown. A bomb aimed at luring police and army to their deaths in Fermanagh. And videos circulate on social media showing shots being fired at a republican funeral in west Belfast. The Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin had a message for our politicians yesterday. Stephen got reaction from UUP MLA Doug Beattie, SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly, News Letter deputy editor Ben Lowry and Allison Morris from the Irish News.
"Yellowhammer", as we heard yesterday, the secret Whitehall dossier leaked to the Sunday Times suggests the government and the UK are 'hugely unprepared for a No Deal Brexit'. Among other things it warns of medicines shortages, but the PM's policy advisor and cabinet minister in charge of preparing for a No Deal Brexit - Michael Gove - says the report "is a worst case scenario" and very significant steps have been taken to accelerate Brexit planning. The DUP have also described the dossier as 'outdated'. We talk on this programme about protecting the 'vulnerable'. So just how concerned should we be when we hear of possible shortages in medicine? Stephen spoke to Dr Tom Black, chair of the British Medical Association (BMA) Northern Ireland, Simon Wigglesworth - Deputy Chief Executive of Epilepsy Action - and Terry Maguire is a pharmacist from the Ulster Chemist Association.
New research for the BBC shows that 'Back to School' spending topped £1.1 billion. Labour MP Emma Hardy has called on schools to 'poverty proof' their policies. Currently there is no legislation in place on the cost of school uniforms but recently the Welsh Government has taken the step of making it a statutory requirement for schools to ensure their uniforms are affordable. Is that something that we should be considering here? Stephen spoke to Northern Ireland Children's Commissioner Koulla Yiasouma.
Yesterday pupils sitting A Levels received their results. But it has now become common place to see celebrities and reality TV stars posting on social media that not to worry if you didn't get the results you hoped for because they didn't and look at them now. Are they being irresponsible with this type of post or are they in fact showing that there are other options? Stephen got the views of commentators Emma Woolf and Ant Miller.
Police are treating the display of flags and banners on a bonfire in the Bogside as a "hate incident". Banners and flags about Soldier F - the ex-British soldier who is facing prosecution for two murders on Bloody Sunday were set alight last night. Stephen spoke to Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton who gave his reaction.
Promotional material from the Coach nightclub has targeted school aged children encouraging them to get so drunk that they pass out unconscious. The nightclub promotion for an A Level results party last night has been blasted as 'shameful', 'irresponsible' and a worry for parents. People contacting this programme hit out at the poster campaign for the 'Project X' party at the Coach nightclub, Banbridge. The image shows a young male lying face down in the grass surrounded by empty beer cups - encouraging young people to take doubles for £5. Stephen got reaction from commentator Fionola Meredith, GP Dr George O'Neill, Colin Neill from Hospitality Ulster, DUP MLA Jim Wells, SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly and we took your calls.
"Human reason and human pain does not provide justification for the actions that follow" - victims' campaigner Kenny Donaldson reacts to Nolan interview with Derry man on why he joined the IRA aged 16.
You are about to hear chilling, uncomfortable thought provoking radio, which some of you will find offensive. A man calling himself Eamonn contacted Nolan yesterday justifying, in his head, why he joined the IRA. The context for this is important. Peter Taylor, the veteran journalist, said in his BBC documentary last night that if had been a teenage boy during Bloody Sunday, he probably would have joined the IRA. Peter Taylor told the Nolan Show yesterday that he has never and would never support the IRA. But there has been criticism of the veteran journalist. The DUP's Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he was appalled by Peter Taylor's reasoning. But what you are about to hear will stimulate debate around whether there is substance in the wider point Peter Taylor was making. This man was a boy when he witnessed Bloody Sunday. We also got reaction from veteran civil rights campaigner Eamonn McCann and Irish News journalist Allison Morris.
It was 50 years ago this week that the army was deployed on to the streets of Belfast, Londonderry and many other areas - as sectarian violence escalated. 30 years of the Troubles followed. Journalist Peter Taylor has been reflecting on his time in Northern Ireland during that period in a programme called ‘My Journey Through The Troubles’, tonight at 9 pm on BBC Two. He spoke to Stephen this morning.
"If I'd been a teenager on Bloody Sunday I probably would have joined the IRA" - veteran journalist Peter Taylor. Commentator Alex Kane reacts.
UUP leader Robin Swann reacts to band emblem row - but won't address Parachute Regiment emblem specifically.
The Apprentice Boys have been praised for showing positive leadership following the controversy over Parachute Regiment emblems worn by a members of a flute band during a parade last weekend. Last night, the organisation made a statement acknowledging the "potential upset" caused to nationalists in Londonderry. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the statement was a "positive step that will contribute to healing in the city". And he welcomed it as the "kind of leadership that Derry and the north needs right now". So, what's the impact of the political vacuum at Stormont? Commentators Allison Morris and Alex Kane have both given a darkly pessimistic analysis of Northern Ireland's current situation.
The loyalist band at the centre of the Parachute Regiment row during the Apprentice Boys parade in Londonderry has branded the police response unlawful. It comes after the coach transporting the band home was held by the PSNI for over 2 hours. A solicitor acting for the band said a complaint to the police ombudsman is being considered.
On the programme to discuss was Former UUP Councillor Chris McGimpsey and commentator Malachi O'Doherty.
There have been calls for an investigation after pro-IRA chanting was heard at the publicly-funded west Belfast festival for the second year running. Irish rebel music band The Wolfe Tones played a headline gig in front of more than 10,000 people at Feile an Phobail in Falls Park on Sunday night.
Footage has emerged which appears to show some in the crowd involved in chants including "Up the Ra".
The incident has sparking anger from unionist politicians, who have called for the Wolfe Tones to be barred from future festivals.
Stephen talked to Kevin Gamble Director Féile an Phobail, Maria Cahill former SDLP Councillor and UUP Councillor Jim Rodgers.
Over the weekend the Northern Ireland Amublance service faced significant staff shortages with crews from the Republic having to help out on Friday and Saturday. The NIAS had appealed for staff to come to work over the weekend over difficulties filling rotas.
Sources have claimed the service is at "crisis point".
Police in Londonderry say they're investigating after a flute band taking part in Saturday's Apprentice Boys parade wore a parachute regiment crest along with the letter F on their shirts. Images showed police officers escorting Clyde Valley Flute Band as they marched.
Both the DUP and the Apprentice Boys have claimed that the treatment was heavy handed. Sinn Fein have called the reference to Soldier F hurtful.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd reacts to the violence surrounding the bonfire in the New Lodge estate in North Belfast.
Sinn Fein MLA reacts to the violence surrounding the bonfire in the New Lodge estate in North Belfast.
The head of the Audit Office says the amount of heat generated under the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive scheme fell by about 44% after subsidies were cut. Kieran Donnelly said it was evidence that, in some cases, heat was not required but was produced "only with a view to increasing RHI payments". A rate cut in 2017 saw payments halve from £42m in 2016/17 to £21m in 2018/19. The scheme was set up to encourage a switch to greener fuel but was controversial.
Stephen was joined by News Letter political editor Sam McBride.
Stabbings, fights and one person hit by a crossbow, that's the result of last night's bonfire in the New Lodge estate in north Belfast.
The bonfire went ahead after the PSNI pulled out of the area yesterday afternoon. Bricks and bottles had been hurled at police and three officers were hurt in the ensuing trouble. Police later said they took the decision to leave because of the "risks to innocent bystanders" posed by their presence.
But what about those left behind? What protection was there for people living in the area last night?
On to discuss this was Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd and Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly.
Violence erupts around an anti-internment bonfire as PSNI armoured vehicles and officers in riot gear enter the New Lodge area in Belfast .
Violence erupts around an anti-internment bonfire as PSNI armoured vehicles and officers in riot gear enter the New Lodge area in Belfast .
Motorist here have been fined more than £4 million by bus lane cameras. One fixed camera on Donegall Square East, next to Belfast's City Hall, has generated £1.5m since 2015 according to official figures.
A fixed camera on Great Victoria Street raised £890,342 in fines.
Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts has warned that it is driving people out of Belfast. He joins me now as does
Joining Stephen to discuss this issue was Belfast Councillors Jim Rodgers from the UUP and Mal O'Hara from the Green Party.
‘Ulster Farmers Union are not contemplating a cattle cull - despite reports from ‘industry insiders’ up to 45,000 cattle may need to be culled’. that's what the Nolan show has been told this morning.
Stephen got the reaction of UFU Ivor Ferguson.
The Taoiseach has said a vote on Irish unity in the wake of a no-deal Brexit would be "divisive" and "not the right way forward".
Leo Varadkar was speaking during a debate at west Belfast festival Féile An Phobail.
So what do you make of that?
Stephen got the views of commentators Nelson McCausland and Brendan Mulgrew.
"Our wood goes this centre goes." That is the threatening graffitti that has appeared on a community centre in the New Lodge area of Belfast.
Other sinister graffiti is warning contractors beware. It come just days before of an interment bonfire due to be lit on the eve of the August 9th anniversary. In recent years bonfire material has been removed in the days before.
Discussing this was Stephen was SDLP Councillor Paul McCusker and Allison Morris from the Irish News.
Summer holidays are not quite over yet but parents will be thinking about buying their children out with new uniforms...but what about the cost of PE and sports kits? how much will they set mums and dads back? Former teacher John contacted the show about his concerns about the issue.
Sinn Fein are not seriously engaged in the talks process - and are exploiting the political vacuum.
That's what the Ulster Unionist Party leader Robin Swann has written in today's News Letter.
Mr Swann goes on to tell the new secretary of State julian Smith that he should
"set a date for the end of this talks process and if sustainable agreement can’t be reached, then the government owes it to the people of Northern Ireland to move to full blown direct rule."
Sinn Fein are not seriously engaged in the talks process - and are exploiting the political vacuum
That's what the Ulster Unionist Party leader Robin Swann has written in today's News Letter.
Mr Swann goes on to tell the new secretary of State julian Smith that he should
"set a date for the end of this talks process and if sustainable agreement can’t be reached, then the government owes it to the people of Northern Ireland to move to full blown direct rule."
But is Brexit causing further political division?
Yesterday on the programme we talked to the family of missing Bangor woman Carol Gray, who was last seen close to the Ulster Hospital over the weekend.
Well last night Carol was found and is now safely back with her family. And it was thanks in part to the efforts of Floss, a 3 year old search and rescue border collie, who found Carol over 5 miles away from the hospital she left on Friday.
Stephen talked to Raph from Search And Rescue Dogs Association Ireland North, who is Floss' owner and trainer.
Harland and Wolff shipyard is expected to be placed into administration later today. It puts 130 jobs at risk and could spell the end of the iconic business. Unions want the shipyard to be nationalised, a call that has been backed by the Labour Party, but the government has said the crisis is "ultimately a commercial issue".
BBC News NI Economics & Business Editor John Campbell joined Stephen in the studio.
"You will not be closing our roads. You will not be blocking our bridges."
That's the message from the Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson to the British Govt at the Hunger Strike Commemoration at the weekend
Is this an expression of republican frustration - or an upping of the rhetoric by Sinn Fein?
"You will not be closing our roads. You will not be blocking our bridges."
That's the message from the Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson to the British Govt at the Hunger Strike Commemoration at the weekend .
Is this an expression of republican frustration - or an upping of the rhetoric by Sinn Fein?
The DUP has called on the new Secretary of State to reinstate the portrait of the Queen at Stormont House. Party leader Arlene Foster said it was ridiculous that it had been removed. Sinn Fein have said "Where balance cannot be achieved, a neutral space should be the default option to ensure that no-one feels intimidated or uncomfortable.”
Sam McBride from the Newsletter joined Stephen.
BBC LGBT+ correspondent reacts to the news that BBC NI Controller Peter Johnson has intervened to stop any suggestion that BBCNI will participate in the Belfast Gay Pride parade.
Rev. David McIlveen comments on the news that BBC NI Controller intervenes to stop any suggestion that BBCNI will participate in the Belfast Gay Pride parade.
The Fire and Rescue Service is to cut a number of crews in order to deal with budgetary pressures. BBC News NI can reveal that smaller towns are likely to be hit the hardest as fire cover moves from full-time to part-time. They include Enniskillen, Omagh, Carrickfergus, Portadown, Armagh and Newtownards.
Talking to Stephen was Northern Ireland Fire Service Union leader, Jim Quinn, and UUP MLA and former Watch Commander for the Fire Service in Portadown.
Director of BBC NI Peter Johnston has intervened to stop any suggestion that BBCNI will take part in the Belfast Pride parade tomorrow.
Mr Johnston has also over ruled the suggestion made last week within the BBC that individual bbcni programmes would be branded at the parade
The Nolan Show revealed last week that BBC staff here had been told quote " that BBC NI will , for the first time, be taking part in Belfast Pride on 3 August alongside many organisations and members of the public "
The memo continued,
"Everyone, regardless of how you identify , is welcome to come along to join bbcni on the day. You dont need to be a member of BBC Pride " the memo to all staff in Northern Ireland said.
However the Director of BBCNI has issued a statement saying he is just from leave and BBC Northern Ireland as a corporation will not be participating.
The Secretary of State, Julian Smith, has defended the Northern Ireland Office's policy on displaying pictures of the Royal Family. He issued a statement last night after reports that portraits of the Queen had been removed from Stormont House, the main building used by the NIO. His comments contradict those of NIO Minister Lord Duncan, who last week told the House of Lords that following advice from the Equality Commission, no images of the Queen were displayed at Stormont House.
Louise has contacted the show she is currently stranded in Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris after her Easyjet flight was cancelled last night.
The Secretary of State, Julian Smith, has defended the Northern Ireland Office's policy on displaying pictures of the Royal Family. He issued a statement last night after reports that portraits of the Queen had been removed from Stormont House, the main building used by the NIO. His comments contradict those of NIO Minister Lord Duncan, who last week told the House of Lords that following advice from the Equality Commission, no images of the Queen were displayed at Stormont House.
All photos of the Queen have been removed from the the NIO's Stormont HQ.
That's what the News Letter is reporting this morning.
So the headquarters of Her Majesty's Government in Northern Ireland - have removed Her Majesty from their walls.
Boris Johnson is in Northern Ireland and has begun meeting the 5 main parties. Last night the Prime Minister held a private dinner with Arlene Foster, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and Nigel Dodds.
But will be able to help Stormont to return?
Stephen talked to BBC NI Political Correspondent Enda McClafferty, SDLP MLA Nichola Mallon, Commentator Newton Emerson, Allison Morris from the Irish News and Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong.
All photos of the Queen have been removed from the NIO's Stormont HQ.
That's what the News Letter is reporting this morning.
So the headquarters of Her Majesty's Government in Northern Ireland - have removed Her Majesty from their walls.
Stephen talked to the News Letter's Political Editor Sam McBride and commentators Nelson McCausland and Chris Donnelly.
Should animals like whales and dolphins be kept in pools for our entertainment?
One major travel company doesn't think so.
Virgin Holidays boss Richard Branson says his firm will end the promotion of tourist attractions involving "captive" whales and dolphins
SeaWorld says it's "disappointing to see Virgin Holidays succumb to pressure from animal activists".
But with other major travel providers like Thomas Cook having stopped trips to the attractions already would you - or should you - pay money to see these magnificent creatures in captivity?
Workers at Harland and Wolff have continued a protest through the night following news that the business is up for sale. Workers calling for the government to renationalise the company closed the shipyard's gates yesterday. Last night, workers said they had taken control of the site and established a rota to ensure their protest continues around the clock.
"The police will forget about you, we won't"
They're the threats stuck on signs on lampposts in Derry
Threats from the IRA to members of the public, on our streets in 2019
But are police and government bodies doing enough?
Joining Stephen on the show are Former PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Alan McQuillan and the commentator and author Malachi O'Doherty.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service has apologised to the family of a 12 year old girl who had to wait over two hours for an ambulance after she fell off her bike and suffered a back injury.
The Ambulance Service says she was categorised as a category B call - potentially serious but not immediately life threatening - and an emergency vehicle should have been with her within 21 minutes.
A man in Liverpool has divided opinion after he revealed he's a professional beggar - not homeless, just skint. He claims that he started doing it when he was homeless but now has a roof over his head and referred to it being like a job.
Is he within his rights to get money in this way, or is he taking advantage of people's generosity?
Stephen talked to commentators Phil Kelly and Simon Warr.
The PSNI says dissident republicans tried to murder police officers in County Armagh at the weekend.
A viable device was found in Craigavon after a loud bang was heard on the Tullygally Road.
It's believed the attack was set up to target officers responding to a call from the public.
Stephen was joined by is Detective Superintendent Richard Campbell and Irish News Security Correspondent, Allison Morris.
Members from the union NIPSA are set for a one day strike today over pay and conditions.
The union has warned that benefit payments, roads, courts and the economy could be affected.
One public service which has been under a lot of pressure is MOT testing - we've covered a lot of cases on this programme of motorists already facing lengthy delays for an appointment.
So what happens for those due an MOT test today?
Stephen was joined by Paul Hatty - local spokesperson for British Insurance Broker Association
BBC Northern Ireland - for the first time - will take part in Belfast Pride this year.
The Nolan Show can also reveal this morning that BBC Northern Ireland has offered BBC staff the opportunity to discuss individual programmes being branded in Belfast Pride.
BBC NI management has sent a note asking staff to have a discussion with them if they want their shows to be represented. The note says "If you're part of a team that makes BBC programmes, you may like to promote your show/brand in the parade. "
MLA and former broadcaster Mike Nesbitt reacts.
BBC Northern Ireland - for the first time - will take part in Belfast Pride this year.
The Nolan Show can also reveal this morning that BBC Northern Ireland has offered BBC staff the opportunity to discuss individual programmes being branded in Belfast Pride. BBC NI management has sent a note asking staff to have a discussion with them if they want their shows to be represented. The note says "If you're part of a team that makes BBC programmes, you may like to promote your show/brand in the parade. "
The Belfast Pride parade describes itself as a celebration of LGBT people and many people will feel this is a positive, progressive step for BBCNI to make. There will be some who will feel it should have happened long before now.
But, Belfast Pride also officially describes itself as a " big weekend of protest "
So what assurances can BBCNI give to the DUP - who oppose that - that the BBC is impartial in this live political discussion if it is telling staff programme brands may be at the parade protesting for these changes?
BBC Northern Ireland - for the first time - will take part in Belfast Pride this year.
The Nolan Show can also reveal this morning that BBC Northern Ireland has offered BBC staff the opportunity to discuss individual programmes being branded in Belfast Pride. BBC NI management has sent a note asking staff to have a discussion with them if they want their shows to be represented. The note says "If you're part of a team that makes BBC programmes, you may like to promote your show/brand in the parade. "
The Belfast Pride parade describes itself as a celebration of LGBT people and many people will feel this is a positive, progressive step for BBCNI to make. There will be some who will feel it should have happened long before now.
But, Belfast Pride also officially describes itself as a " big weekend of protest "
So what assurances can BBCNI give to the DUP - who oppose that - that the BBC is impartial in this live political discussion if it is telling staff programme brands may be at the parade protesting for these changes?
Members from the union NIPSA are set for a one day strike this Friday over pay and conditions. The union has warned that benefit payments, roads, courts and the economy could be affected.
But with the MOT test backlog still impacting drivers, what does this mean for those who have are booked in at a test centre?
Boris Johnson formally took over as PM yesterday - and his message was pretty clear on Brexit. Will his the bold leadership needed to finally get Brexit over the line?
Or is it a dangerous gamble that could see Britain crash out of the EU without a deal?
And what will it mean for Northern Ireland?
Stephen talked to the Alliance Party's deputy leader Stephen Farry and the DUP MLA Jim Wells.
Members from the union NIPSA are set for a one day strike this Friday over pay and conditions. They say that an offer from employers of a 1.25% pay increase and changes to their terms and conditions of employment have been imposed on workers "without proper and meaningful consultation". the union has warned that benefit payments, roads, courts and the economy could be affected.
The strike could also impact on the vehicle MOT centres which are already back logged.
Stephen talked to Deputy secretary General of Nipsa Carmel Gates and businessman and NI Conservative member Irwin Armstrong.
New drivers could be banned from travelling at night as part of plans to improve road safety in England.
Ministers are considering a graduated licence system to restrict novice drivers, the Department for Transport has announced.
The move comes as figures suggest one in five drivers are involved in a crash within a year of passing their test.
As well as not driving at night, the DfT said the system could feature restrictions such as a minimum learning period and not driving with passengers under a certain age.
The DfT has not said how long the measures would be in place after someone had passed their driving test.
Would it be a good idea to bring in these sort of restrictions here?
Stephen spoke to SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan and commentator Lebit Opik who is also a spokesperson for the Motorcycle Action Group.
Following Boris Johnson's victory in the Conservative Party leadership race, Stephen talked to Brexiteer Tory MP Andrew Bridgen.
Stephen walked into the office and he was shocked to find two members of the team were kitted out in shorts.
They say it's because it's too warm. The poor things are struggling in the heat, need to air their legs.
So should employers cut staff a little slack during a heatwave in terms of what they wear to the office?
Stephen talked to commentator Paul Martin.
The Ballymena bus manufacturer Wrightbus has confirmed it is seeking an investor as it faces cashflow problems.
The company is a major employer, with about 1,400 staff in Northern Ireland.
In a statement, the company said it was working with financial advisers Deloitte to find potential investors.
Stephen talked to BBC NI Economics and Business Correspondent John Campbell.
The next Prime Minister Boris Johnson goes to meet the Queen this afternoon. He's pledged to bring the United Kingdom together.
But recently he's also pledged to bring us out of the EU by 31st October come what may and to end what he called "unfair" prosecutions of British soldiers for Troubles related killings.
So will he be able to unite people here?
And will the new PM make it more or less likely that we get a functioning executive up and running any time soon?
Joining Stephen was former Tory MP - now leader of the Independent Group for Change - Anna Soubry, the Boris supporting Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen, Fine Gael Senator Neale Richmone - the Chair of the Irish Parliament's Brexit Committee and commentator Ruth Dudley Edwards.
A 91-year-old man with "no one in the world" is dying at Belfast Royal Victoria Hospital .
Police were called to George Walker's East Belfast home after a concerned niece of his neighbour became concerned for his wellbeing.
Kate Tanahill noticed that the curtains of Mr Walker's house where he lay sick and alone, had remained closed for days.
Now the Dunmurry woman is his only hospital visitor - but she is hoping to find his family before Geordie, as he is affectionately known, takes his last breath.
Stephen has just come back from LA this week, and he has a confession to make.
For those of you who've followed his weight loss journey Stephen weighed over 22st in December 2018 and weighed under 15st by the time be left for America
But he had a bit of a lapse when he was in Santa Monica. Stephen talked to the broadcaster Rosemary Conley, a diet and fitness expert.
They've been dubbed "McMafia orders" after the hit BBC drama about international crime. And now there are calls for the introduction of Unexplained Wealth Orders here to give the police new powers to tackle organised crime
The powers - which already exist in Great Britain - haven't been introduced here because of the collapse of the Stormont Assembly
The DUP want to put the legislation through Westminster - if an Executive isn't restored.
But are they really necessary?
Stephen was joined by Brendan Mulgrew and loyalist commentator Jamie Bryson.
Ireland's Shane Lowry has written himself in to the history books as he claimed a first major championship win with a dominant six-shot victory on 15 under par amid raucous scenes at The Open in Portrush. Lowry held his nerve in the wind and rain to shoot a one-over 72, with England's Tommy Fleetwood second on nine under. Stephen got reaction from golf fans and commentators Steven Beacom and Hedi McAlpin.
Abortion in Northern Ireland could be decriminalised in Westminster this week. But what will eventually happen in Northern Ireland? Arlene Foster says there is some agreement between her party and Sinn Fein. Stephen spoke to Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín, who left Sinn Fein over its abortion stance in the Republic and the former SDLP councillor Máiría Cahill.
The front page headline in the Newsletter today - victims Chief must go. The paper is reporting that 14 bodies representing up to 10,000 people said commissioner Judith Thompson's view on who should be eligible for a Troubles pension are at odds with the majority of innocent victims. The victims' commissioner Judith Thompson wants that pension to include those who were hurt while carrying out attacks, in other words paramilitaries. The Northern Ireland Office Minister Lord Duncan meanwhile says it should just be for those who have suffered through no fault of their own, and not at their own hand. Stephen got reaction from Allison Morris from the Irish News, UUP MLA Doug Beattie, commentator Malachi O'Doherty and Mark Thompson from Relatives for Justice.
Day 2 of the Open at Royal Portrush. Bad day for our Rory, but better news for other local contenders.
Vinny caught up with BBC's Stephen Watson and Kevin Garside - Chief Sports Correspondent at the I newspaper,
Some unionists fear Zimbabwe-style land grabs, retribution on security force members and a loss of their identity in a united Ireland.
They are some of the concerns raised in a report by the Irish senator Mark Daly.
But do unionists really have anything to fear from a united Ireland?
Joining Vinny was commentator David McNarry and the Aontu Peadar Toibin who sits in the Irish parliament.
Nigel got in touch with the programme, he was flying out of Belfast City Airport on Monday morning and had an issue with security.
Have a story? Contact us nolan@bbc.co.uk
If you're on social media you'll probably have noticed lots of people posting pics of themselves looking a lot older!
Its linked to the FaceApp feature - which creates an image of what you might look like 30 or 40 years from now.
But - when we upload our pics - do we realise what we are agreeing to?
Vinny spoke to Internet safety expert Wayne Denner.
Local golfers Graeme McDowell,
Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke all teed off at The Open and got a huge welcome from the crowd at Royal Portrush this morning.
Kevin Garside, chief sports correspondent at the I newspaper,
was there and talked to Vinny, along with the commentator and golf fan Thomas Copeland.
A new study has claimed that programmes such as Paw Patrol and My Little Pony could be making your child “prejudiced.”
The study, titled Is TV Making Your Child Prejudiced? has argued that preschool entertainment is guilty of poor minority representation and the use of stereotypes.
So what do you think at home? Does children's TV need to do more to be inclusive?
Vinny spoke to commentators Angela Epstein and Phil Kelly.
New research suggests a lot of young people say they don't work
either because they get an allowance from their parents
or they need to focus on their school work
The study by Barclays found that just half of young people in education
currently have a part-time job, compared to previous generations when it was nearly 7 out of 10.
Should all young people be encouraged to get a part time job?
Or do young people need to have time to be young and do fun stuff without the responsibility of work?
Some victims of the IRA have said they will refuse a Troubles pension
if ex-paramilitaries also receive one.
This comes as Victims Commissioner Judith Thompson has said those injured carrying out attacks should be able to apply for a pension.
She has advised the government on the issue - but does acknowledge the hurt some families feel and the political sensitivities of this position.
A special programme on Monday - from the Ambulance Centre in Belfast following the people who come to our aid when we are in need.
What many of us don't realise is the importance of volunteers.
Mark Winter is a Community First Responder for the Ambulance Service.
He arrived on the scene when Armagh man, Colly McBrien
had a cardiac arrest at his home. He spoke to our reporter, Nicola Weir.
A wedding photographer has sparked a huge debate online
after revealing her biggest pet hate about shooting on the big day.
She says she's fed up of wedding guests ruining her professional shots by trying to take their own pictures using their phones.
Addressing her post to 'the girl with the iPhone', she said: 'Not only did you ruin my shot, but you took this moment away from the groom, father of the bride, and the bride.'
So what do you think? Does she have a point?
Should people step back? Enjoy the moment more? And leave the picture to the professionals?
The wait is over, the Open in here!
After 68 years, the world's best golfers are back in Northern Ireland
competing for the Claret jug and the title of Champion Golfer of the Year, as well as a few pounds of prize money.
Vinny talked to BBC's Stephen Watson.
The PSNI will "not tolerate" the UVF and will "take it on
using all the powers" it has. That's the pledge from the new chief constable Simon Byrne following the controversy over the Avoniel bonfire in East Belfast.
But what exactly can he do that hasn't been done before?
Vinny was joined by Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd, former assistant chief constable Alan McQuillan and commentator Patricia MacBride.
Tory leadership hopeful Boris Johnson has pledged to pass a new law to stop prosecutions of former soldiers who served in Northern Ireland. Allison Morris from the Irish News and Ben Lowry from the News Letter discuss.
Monday 9am - we have a special 999 Ambulance programme - featuring the paramedics, call handlers, managers and people who called on the service. We've been given access to some incredible audio from people who call 999 and the help they receive. In advance of that show Vinny spoke to Natalie this morning. We have a short snippet of what happened when Natalie picked up the phone and dialled 999 when she was having a miscarriage, just a warning that some people may find this upsetting. Help line number Lifeline 0808 808 8000.
Prisoners could be given their own keys to their cells if they behave under new rules. Guards will also be expected to give personal, warm and encouraging praise under a new shake up as they have been told that criminals will behave better if they are given "frequent" kind words instead of just being told off when they break rules. Vinny got the views of commentator Simon Warr and the writer and former prisoner, Tim Brannigan.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been in the media spotlight recently because she has been seen on camera shaking for a third time in a month. Video footage shows Mrs Merkel trembling, shaking back and forth alongside Finland's prime minister during a ceremony in Berlin on Wednesday. After the incident, Mrs Merkel said she was "very well" and there was "no need to worry". A recent editorial in German newspaper Bild has said that "the health of Angela Merkel is now a political issue." But should it be a political issue? Vinny got the views of commentators Fionola Meredith and Patricia MacBride, and medical ethics expert Dr Brendan McCarthy.
Another relative of a Troubles victim passed away last week without ever seeing justice for her loved one. Bea Worton was 91 when she passed away last Friday, surrounded by her family. Bea had been a campaigner for justice for her son Kenny who was murdered by the IRA. He was taken off his work bus, lined up and shot dead alongside 9 Protestant colleagues in the Kingsmill massacre in 1976. In 1999, Bea Worton spoke to the BBC journalist Mandy McAuley as part of a documentary on Protestant women on the border who were left behind after the IRA murdered their relatives. Vinny spoke to the victims advocate Kenny Donaldson, who is director of services at the South East Fermanagh Foundation.
Most of us will be familiar with our pretty shocking Road Safety Ads here. Almost half of adults surveyed think young drivers should be shown graphic images of accidents to shock them into less risky behaviour on the road. Nearly a third agreed that these should be shown to primary school children. That's according to new research from road safety campaigners, Brake. Is primary school too early to be shocked into the dangers of the road? Vinny spoke to former advertising executive David Lyle and Siobhan O'Connor from the Irish Mirror.
The new UK Victim's Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird, has urged the government to classify revenge porn, and other offences of this nature, as sexual offences. "Revenge Porn" is the sharing of private sexual photos or videos of another person without their consent and with the purpose of causing embarrassment or distress. Is this a good idea? Vinny spoke to commentator Emma Woolf and Luke Gittos from Spiked.
Thousands of tyres have been removed from East Belfast bonfires this week in the run up to the Eleventh Night celebrations. Contractors acting on behalf of Belfast City Council removed 1800 tyres from a site in Lismore Street last Sunday. Then bonfire builders in East voluntarily took tyres off sites at Connswater and Avoniel. It's illegal to dump or burn tyres - under the law, retailers are supposed to store them securely and engage a registered waste company to dispose of them properly. The body responsible for enforcing the law is the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. Vinny spoke to PUP Cllr Billy Hutchinson and Green Party Cllr Rachel Woods.
A no-deal Brexit could put 40,000 jobs at risk in Northern Ireland, according to new analysis from Stormont's Department for the Economy. The report says many jobs could "disappear almost overnight, especially in industries such as agri-food and haulage". It also warns of "immediate and severe consequences" for NI competitiveness. Vinny was joined by businessman and NI Conservative member Irwin Armstrong, commentator Phil Kelly and Director of NI Retail Consortium Aodhán Connolly.
Caller Raymond was victim of car theft recently when his Range Rover was stolen from his drive way. This was a different kind of car theft though. Thieves used technology to bypass entry systems on keyless cars. CCTV footage of shows the 'relay' theft of the car from caller Raymond's driveway. He told Vinny what happened and we heard from Head of Roads Policy at the AA - Jack Cousens.
MPs have backed amendments which require the government to liberalise abortion and introduce equal marriage to Northern Ireland if devolution is not restored. It was part of a Commons debate aimed at keeping Northern Ireland running in the absence of devolved government. Its main purpose was to extend the government's legal power to delay a fresh Stormont election. Vinny got the views of DUP MLA Jim Wells Grainne Teggart from Amnesty International, Gavin Boyd from the Rainbow Project and Rev Trevor Gribben, General Secretary of the of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
Research from the US has found that stressed out students gain greatly from spending time with animals, even preventing some from dropping out. Patricia Pendry, from Washington State University, said her study showed "soothing" sessions with dogs could lessen the negative impact of stress. Should we be using more dogs to help combat stress in students? Maybe we should bring them into workplaces too? Vinny got the views of commentators Niamh Horan and Daniel Barclay.
MPs will today decide whether to use an emergency act of direct rule to liberalise Northern Ireland's abortion laws and introduce equal marriage. The Northern Ireland Executive Formation Bill is designed to keep government in Northern Ireland ticking over while the devolved executive remains absent. It also allows amendments to be put forward. Vinny spoke to BBC NI political correspondent Enda McClafferty and News Letter political editor Sam McBride.
A heartbroken father says he's disappointed and angry about the state of Dundonald Graveyard. Charles Moffett's daughter, Samantha Jane, died two years ago and is buried there, close to Belfast city centre. However, Mr Moffett says it is now is a state of disrepair - and says its only a matter of time before someone is hurt tending to their loved ones graves. Our reporter, Nicola Weir, went to meet Mr Moffett at the cemetery.
At the weekend contractors working for Belfast City Council removed over 1800 tyres from a bonfire at Lismore Street. There was the usual concern over the toxicity of burning tyres, the danger to human health both in the short and the long term. But there's also another issue, where do the tyres come from? If you're a car owner, you'll be familiar with the routine of going to a tyre company, paying a lot of money for new tyres but also having to pay for the disposal of the old tyres in an environmentally friendly manner - the charge is usually £1.50 per tyre. The tyre fitting company is then supposed to send those tyres for shredding and at that point they pass on the money they charged you. But obviously, that isn't happening in all cases - so are some unscrupulous companies taking your money, keeping most of it and paying the bonfire builders to do their dirty work? Vinny spoke to the PUP leader Billy Hutchinson.
Racing pundit, John McCririck,
has died at the age of 79.
He was regarded as the face of British horse racing for many years - known for his eccentric style and dress sense.
He reached new audiences in recent years
with appearances on shows like Celebrity Big Brother.
John was a friend of this programme -
speaking to us many times about his racing insights and enjoying getting stuck into the debate.
It's not often the Guardian writes about the finer aspects of Orange bands
especially in its golf pages but journalist Ewan Murray - has written a biting condemnation of a marching bands event to be held in Portrush during the Open in less than two weeks' time. He describes the juxtaposition of the two events as horrendously embarrassing." Vinny spoke to PUP Cllr Russell Watton, Newton Emerson and Patricia MacBride.
After a quiet build-up to the twelfth, the weekend brought the return
of all-too familiar headlines. From intimidation forcing the closure of a Belfast leisure centre -where a bonfire has been built in the car park, to residents in Portadown being advised to move out of their homes due-to-the-proximity and height of a bonfire. Vinny was joined by Jamie Bryson, former Belfast City Councillor Chris McGimpsey, Sinn Fein Councillor Ciaran Beattie, SDLP Councillor Seamas De Faoite and UUP MLA Doug Beattie.
Apparently it is quite legal for an employer to refuse someone a job because they're a smoker.
Vinny talked about that and other employment issues now
with big bad company boss
Irwin Armstrong
and former trade union official
Bumper Graham.
A woman whose parents were killed in a crash caused by a 20-year-old who has been jailed for 14 months says 'justice has not been done'.
Dean and Sandra Weir, both 52, were killed in a crash in Ballywalter two years ago.
Their car was struck by one driven by Charles Hugh Macartney who lost control of his car while taking a bend in the road at almost 90mph.
"The Union is under greater strain than I've seen in my lifetime."
That's the view of de-facto deputy Prime Minister David Lidington.
So is the union under greater strain than ever before or is there a bit of politicking going on here?
Vinny was joined by the commentators Nelson McCausland and Andree Murphy
Yesterday we reported that according to the Cancer Research UK charity - obesity now causes more cases of 4 common cancers in the UK than smoking!
Well - a 25 year old woman in England was refused an operation recently because she is a smoker.
Mum of 2, Bethany Glass, was told by doctors at the Spire Hospital in East Yorkshire that she needed to be smoke free for six months in order to have the procedure to remove her gall bladder.
Aileen O'Reilly and Fionola Meredith discussed this with Vinny.
The women and equalities minister, Penny Mordaunt, has set her sights on changing what she has described as the “appalling” abortion laws here in Northern Ireland.
Vinny spoke to Susan McKay, John O'Doherty from the Rainbow Project and DUP MLA Jim Wells.
Off the pitch, the reach of women's football has increased hugely, in part thanks to this World Cup.
So what now for the women's game? Have you become a fan? Are you ditching the men's game, and watching the women's from now on?
Is it ever ok to wear you pajamas outside the house?
Well apparently more and more of us are doing it - with 49% admitting to wearing their pyjamas out and about, including to the shops, dog walking and even in the office.
The study by reading charity - BookTrust also flagged up 17% of those questioned - who don't wear pajamas ever and prefer to sleep in the nip! Vinny was joined by Ant Miller and Tina Calder.
Obesity now causes more cases of four common cancers in the UK than smoking!
That's according to the Cancer Research UK charity.
They say bowel, kidney, ovarian and liver cancers are more likely to have been caused by being overweight than by smoking tobacco.
Cancer Research UK's new billboard campaign, which highlights the obesity-cancer risk, has been criticised for fat-shaming.
The BBC's spend on top talent has risen by around £10 million to £159 million.
Claudia Winkleman, Zoe Ball and Vanessa Feltz have all moved up the BBC's star-salaries-list after the corporation's efforts to tackle an equal pay problem.
Here Stephen Nolan's pay has fallen by around £75,000.
This is all in the wake of the announcement that there will be no free TV licences for over 75s.
Should the BBC being paying this much for presenters?
There was a huge reaction when Brian Kennedy appeared on Nolan Live back in March discussing his diagnoses and treatment of rectal cancer and showed off "the twins," his colostomy and urostomy bags on live TV. His honesty and positivity affected many viewers.
Well, Brian broke the good news over the weekend that he is now cancer free and joined Vinny Hurrell on the programme this morning to talk about it.
Tory leader and Prime Ministerial hopefuls
Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt
will be holding official hustings in NI today.
Local Conservative members will get a chance to ask questions of both men.
Brexit and the border are expected to dominate proceedings.
Reintroducing the 50:50 police recruitment policy - would be 'premature' - that's according to the new chief constable - Simon Byrne who was sworn into the top job yesterday.
It was one of the topics up for discussion when he spoke to the BBC's Home Affairs Correspondent Julian O'Neill
Belfast City Council has passed a motion to take legal action over flags being put up in parts of the city.
The Sinn Féin motion suggested the Department for Infrastructure be brought to court over its refusal to remove paramilitary flags and banners from lamp posts.
This morning the Department say that although they 'have the power to prosecute, that doesn't solve the underlying issues and that they need to be mindful of the issue of community tensions '
Glastonbury delivered another stunning lineup over the weekend including headliners Stormzy, The Killers and The Cure. The legends slot in the afternoon was a very emotional Kylie Minogue - she blinked back tears as she finally got to play Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage, 14 years after cancer forced her to cancel a headline slot. Vinny got reaction from showbiz reporter Paul Martin.
Another summer, another incident of paramilitary flags being erected in a shared housing area. Several flags featuring UVF emblems were hung from lampposts in Cantrell Close in south Belfast over the weekend - the latest in a series of controversial incidents in the area in recent years. The housing development just off the Ravenhill Road, was designed to be a flagship-cross community development as part of the Stormont Executive's Together Building United Communities programme. Vinny got the views of commentator Jamie Bryson and Belfast City SDLP Councillor Séamas de Faoite.
Lots of people are raising money these days for charity by completing various challenges. People are completing fun runs, marathons and cycles, or getting their chests waxed - and asking people to sponsor them for a special cause. Then there are those more adventurous people who plan once in a lifetime sponsored events like hiking the Great Wall of China, Climbing Kilimanjaro or trekking through the Sahara Desert. But do you ever see their crowd funding pages and think "Hang on, pay for your own holiday!" before you feel guilty and pledge £20?! Or is this simply another way to encourage people to raise money for good causes? Vinny got the views of commentators Daniel Barclay and Emma Woolf.
Changes to Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme payments meant a "raw deal" for participants, a committee of MPs has said. The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee said the Department for the Economy should "revisit" deep cuts in payments. It comes after businesses said the cuts had left them struggling. The DUP MP Ian Paisley is on the committee. He told Vinny claimants were being treated unfairly. We also got reaction from Sir Reg Empey.
A Belfast City councillor has sought legal advice on the display of abortion imagery by some pro-life groups in Belfast City Centre. Alliance councillor Michelle Kelly said that although she supports people's right to protest, concerns had been raised over images used. Vinny spoke to Michelle Kelly and Marion Woods from campaign group Both Lives Matter.
The Fire Brigades Union in GB has secured a victory in its long-running dispute with the Government over changes made to firefighters' pensions in 2015. The Supreme Court has refused the government's application for permission to appeal the Court of Appeal ruling which it lost in December. This is the last legal hurdle in the dispute, leaving the Government with no further avenue to exhaust. The case will now be remitted back to employment tribunal for remedy. Solicitor John McShane told me the background and what it might mean for Northern Ireland.
Should we be limited to 50 mph in our cars, in an attempt to reduce air pollution? The limit was reduced on the motorway and on stretches of A-road in December in Wales - and now the Welsh Government has now confirmed the restrictions will stay permanently. Should we be forced to slow down to improve the air we breathe? Stephen got the views of writer Tim Hedgley and commentator Dave Atherton.
It is now over a year since the recall of nearly 3,500 neurology patients for a case review amid concerns over possible misdiagnosis. The doctor at the centre of it - Dr Michael Watt - has since been temporarily suspended from practice. Yesterday we reported how a planned update into the recall has been postponed. The update was to be given to politicIans and charities. However, in a letter sent to MLAs, the Department of Health permanent secretary Richard Pengelly said the briefing plans and publication of the report had be postponed to "unforeseen circumstances". Stephen has been speaking to one of Dr Watt's patients who wants to remain anonymous and we got reaction from SDLP MLA Nichola Mallon.
Plans to set up a support group for LGBT teachers and education staff have been delayed after concerns were raised by a board member of the Education Authority. The Authority - which employs 40,000 staff including teachers and administrators - asked its board to approve the establishment of an LGBT Staff Network. Similar groups operate within the civil service, police and health service in Northern Ireland. According to the minutes of a recent board meeting - seen by the Nolan Show - an unidentified board member "drew attention to a possible out-working of a staff network where tension could arise between a member of staff and a Board of Governors which related to the ethos of that school." Stephen spoke to Fidelma Carolan from union Unison and the DUP MLA Jim Wells.
"Unforeseen circumstances" mean a planned update into one of the biggest recalls of patients in NI here has been postponed. SDLP MLA Nicola Mallon says “The outcome and scale of over-diagnosis and misdiagnosis is a matter of patient and public interest. Patients and the public deserve openness and transparency. They deserve to know why this information cannot be released.”
PSNI Chief Constable Sir George Hamilton says his biggest regret is on legacy and the 'unanswered questions for victims'. Stephen got reaction from Irish News journalist Allison Morris, commentator Andree Murphy, victims campaigner Kenny Donaldson and Newsletter journalist Ben Lowry.
He joined the RUC as a teenager at the height of the Troubles, and rose through the ranks to the top job. This weekend, after 34 years as a policeman, George Hamilton will retire as Chief Constable of the PSNI. He joined Stephen in studio this morning.
Should you be forced to register to watch pornography? The government has delayed bringing in a legal requirement to prove your age, if any of you are watching pornography online. It is designed to protect under 18 year olds from the dangers of porn. But there are lots of issues in this. Everybody having to register will mean if you are 30, or in your 40's or 50's, the government may be able to trace your porn consumption. And will 16 and 17 year olds really not get around the age checks? This was debated on the Top Table last night. Our panel of young people were up against Antoin O Lachnain - Director of Digital rights Ireland, MP Col. Bob Stewart, Kathryn Szrodecki - size acceptance campaigner and Siobhan O'Connor - journalist and broadcaster. We got reaction this morning from commentator Heidi McAlpin and NI Conservative party member Frank Shivers.
The veteran civil rights leader Ivan Cooper has died. Mr Cooper was one of the organisers of the first civil rights march at Duke Street in Derry on the 5th of October, 1968. He also organised the anti-internment march which led to the events of Bloody Sunday in 1972. Gerry Bradley looks back at his life, and Stephen talks to SDLP leader Colum Eastwood.
Boris Johnston would 'throw unionism under a bus if it suits him'. That's from former Northern Ireland Secretary of State Peter Hain, writing in the Belfast Telegraph today. He joined Stephen this morning.
We're at the end of June now and for most children that will mean participating in their school sports day. The sack race, egg and spoon race, and the three-legged race make up what's meant to be a fun day of competition. But one writer in the Irish Times says the competitive element should be dropped. Jen Hogan suggests that "Nobody needs the humiliation that comes with being known as the boy or girl who is always last." Stephen got the views of commentator Simon Warr and Irish Mirror Columnist Siobhan O'Connor.
This month we featured the story of Sharon Whyte McCloskey - a mother of three little boys who is fighting for her life against a highly aggressive form of blood cancer. She needs a stem cell transplant and appealed to the public to volunteer for genetic swabbing. Well her story hit a very emotional cord with the family of Thomas Miller - a 10 year old boy from Ballymena. He was diagnosed with leukaemia just before Christmas and is in the Royal Victoria Hospital right now. He too needs a transplant and last week his headmaster, teachers, parents and friends organised a special 'swabbing' event in Clough Primary School. The aim - to find a match for Thomas. Our reporter, Nicola Weir, attended the event and starts her report by speaking to the headmaster of Clough Primary School, Ian Hutchinson.
You may have noticed some companies and organisations displaying rainbow colours recently - they're marking Pride Month by showing their support for the LGBT community. But the TUV leader Jim Allister isn't happy about it. The Belfast Telegraph reports this morning that he's complained to the supermarket chain Sainsbury's about the display of a rainbow banner outside its Ballymena store. The banner reads: "We proudly support the LGBT+ community". Jim Allister spoke to Stephen this morning.
The Belfast Telegraph is reporting that there will be no grace period for MOT delays despite the current testing backlog. That means anyone driving their vehicle without a valid certificate will be breaking the law, even if they cannot get a date before their MoT lapses. SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan had written to the Department for Infrastructure to request the the grace period - he spoke to Stephen this morning.
Patients in the Northern Health Trust could face a wait of up to 20 months for an urgent appointment with a Consultant Dermatologist. There are currently 1672 people on that urgent waiting list. The Trust says the delay is down to demand on the service and "it has experienced a significant increase in referrals for suspected skin cancers." The figure has come to light after the parents of a severely disabled woman came to the Nolan Show after what they say is the unacceptable waiting time to treat her highly debilitating skin condition. 21 year old Rebecca Swann from Ballymoney cannot communicate and has Psoriasis all over her body. Her skin is so broken done now that she is unable to sit in her wheelchair. Our reporter, Nicola Weir, went to meet her mother, Caroline and began by asking about Rebecca's numerous health conditions.
So what about Boris Johnston - or high profile political figures in general. Should their personal lives matter, when it comes to being the right person - for the job? Is it any of our business? Stephen got the views of commentator Malachi O'Doherty and former Tory MP Edwina Currie.
Tory leader and PM contender Boris Johnston has rarely been out of the headline recently. Among them - a widely reported row between himself and his partner Carrie Symonds. He has remained tight lipped, saying - "I do not talk about stuff involving my family, my loved ones." Stephen spoke to the former Conservative Defence and Foreign Secretary, Sir Malcolm Rifkind.
There have been calls for the removal of a banner erected in South Belfast supporting British soldiers and linked to 'Soldier F'. But the PSNI say that there is no criminal offence in erecting banners - unless the property owners want to pursue a prosecution. The owner - the Department of Infrastructure - says it didn't give permission for a banner hung from lampposts on the Lisburn Road. They've batted the issue back to the PSNI saying the police should "determine if there would be community tension and a risk of public order offences if the banners were removed". The PSNI in turn say "the most effective solution to this issue is community resolution". And round and round it goes. But is it time someone took responsibility for removing these banners? Or are they a legitimate expression of anger about the prosecution of soldiers? Stephen spoke to South Belfast MLA Claire Hanna and the commentator Jamie Bryson.
A heartbroken mother says she is being forced to remove her daughter's headstone after a Church Committee said it contravened the rules and regulations of the cemetery. Loretta Nolan's daughter, Emma Louise, died last year aged just 23 years old. She left behind a five year old son. Her little boy picked the design of a pink butterfly headstone to remember his mummy - but just a few weeks before it was due to be installed at Hannahstown Cemetery in Belfast the Cemetery Committee said it did not comply with their regulations. The Nolan family are one of a number of families that have been asked to remove their loved ones headstones. Our reporter, Nicola Weir, went to meet Loretta at her daughter's graveside.
Sammy Wilson MP reveals DUP boycott Nolan Show as it is the 'best way of hurting him'. Stephen got reaction from Irish News journalist Allison Morris.