Debate of the week: citizen’s budget

In an era of public dissatisfaction with politics some feel greater engagement from Joe Public can both create better policy and improve the relationship between Stormont and voters.

Abortion, authoritarianism, and human rights

It is annoying to have to listen to people with whom you profoundly and passionately disagree. 

What am I?

by Joe Kenny 

It must have been when I was still at primary school.  There was a  game show on the TV, round about lunch time, called ‘Going for Gold’.

The draft Programme for Government and education

Scope takes a look at the draft PfG, currently out for consultation, and the educational aspects of its strategic aims and associated indicators.

The health service: writing to the blind and shouting at the deaf

Blind people get sent letters inviting them to eye clinics for appointments. They do not turn up because they can’t read them. 

Debate of the Week: Middletown Centre for Autism

This week’s look at Stormont touches on autism provision – something of which there is a serious shortfall in NI.

At last! The disability research project led by people with disabilities

One of the most telling indictments of society’s attitudes to people with disabilities is that it has taken until now for research into how to help disabled people live independent lives to be led by those affected

Debate of the Week: Question Time with Arlene Foster

Our Stormont snapshot takes its first foray into oral questions; we look at an aspect of Fresh Start that aims to reduce paramilitary influence.

Inappropriate language: what is going on in modern politics?

The establishment is taking a kicking at the polls and many people struggle to understand why. One reason the point is being missed is because political discussion is hamstrung by outdated slogans.

Fostering goodwill with another unionist defection

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Party-hopping councillor Aaron Callan has stepped on a rake and smacked himself in the face – but it won’t really matter.

BBC Newsline: headlines and deadlines

Every night at the top of the Six O’Clock national news BBC NI’s Newsline has 10 seconds to sell itself. 

Promising start for prison college

At last some good news for the beleaguered Northern Ireland Prison Service. 

From Oscar Wilde to Asher's Bakery, LGBT rights and the law

Consider these two legal judgements. 

Debate of the week: meet the new plan, same as the old plan

The new Health Minister brought her 10-year plan for health reform to the floor on Tuesday.

Health reform, part two – stubborn opposition

Scope looks at media shortcomings and the spectre of a populist threat to health reform that just won’t go away.