Scope Articles

Laying the Groundwork for success

29 Sep 2016

Groundwork NI has recovered from the doldrums and is now finding a way to help other organisations – especially smaller ones – flourish, according to its new CEO.

Debate of the Week – Rural Bank Closures

28 Sep 2016

Week three of our new eye on Stormont’s plenary sessions and we look at the SDLP’s motion on rural bank closures.

David Gordon: the task ahead

23 Sep 2016

When you are working with puppets the strings should never show. That’s why the first rule for spin doctors is shape the stories and never become part of them.

Debate of the week – visionary Brexit

22 Sep 2016

This week Scope will look at the UUP’s plenary call to action on their recent policy paper, A Vision for Northern Ireland outside the EU.

A dash of vodka meets a mixed reception

22 Sep 2016

When Smirnoff got involved with Pride, it was not to complete acclaim. Balancing positive marketing and discussing difficult issues, generating funding and acting in the purest interests of the community - this can be a real tangle.

What does the future hold for the sector?

16 Sep 2016

A major piece of research on the future of the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland is shortly to get underway.

Minority report: slow progress rather than cruise control

16 Sep 2016

A minority government – as Dublin is set to find out – is different from one in control of its own destiny. This has knock-on effects for anyone wanting to engage, especially those interested in new legislation or policy.

Debate of the Week: Housing Selection Scheme

15 Sep 2016

The first in a new series – we run the rule over one discussion from Stormont’s plenary sessions while the Assembly is in session. First up: housing selection.

Education - the discussion begins

9 Sep 2016

Scope is planning a series of articles on any and all aspects of our education system - and we want to hear from you.

Northern Ireland goes naked into the storms

9 Sep 2016

Some Northern Ireland politicians dispute the cause of global warming. Some even have unconventional views about the age and history of the earth. But you can’t argue with facts.

A solution or a fix?

7 Sep 2016

Proposals for new electoral boundaries in Northern Ireland are out for consultation. So far, so calm - but expect more fiery opposition, and support, when the effects on party representation in Stormont are seen more clearly.

In defence of Máirtín Ó Muilleoir

2 Sep 2016

How can politicians expect everyone else to take our political institutions seriously when they show such contempt for them themselves?

Unspoken issues around making a will

2 Sep 2016

In Northern Ireland, many people have not made a will, increasing the risk of intestacy to individuals and their families - while the lack of discussion about this issue also affects charities' funding.

Social democracy - departments and their profiles

26 Aug 2016

Twitter is the social channel of choice in politics. Scope undertakes a serious analysis of how the new NI Executive departments distribute information to the adoring masses.

Blowing in the wind: the answer to our energy woes?