Latest Updates

Will the new year bring a new Stormont? An election appears a distinct possibility, but ash for cash is not the only consideration - the reduction in MLAs is equally intriguing.

There are many reasons why people choose to be interviewed by Nolan: an instruction from God will be a new one to most of us. 

Scope takes a look at some of the things we should expect for local politics and society in the coming 12 months.

Scope takes a look at some of the things we should expect for local politics and society in the coming 12 months.

In the last Stormont focus before Christmas recess, we look at what the Communities Minister is and isn’t saying about his plans for a social strategy.

News outlets are as predictable as the seasons. For them Christmas is not a period for contemplation of the divine but for reflections on a very different spirit: booze. 

2016 has been a remarkable year for politics but don’t draw a line under anything as we approach the new year – now, as much as ever, it is destination unknown.

Rates of dementia are decreasing amongst older people but broadly better health in other areas means it is becoming more prominent as a cause of death.

A series of news stories this week illustrate both the depths of the crisis engulfing the health service and the immense task faced by reformers. 

CS Lewis Square opened last week – another major boost for Belfast. When can the successful greenway projects that have helped the city and surrounding areas be developed across Northern Ireland?

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.

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

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’.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.