The Nolan Show is the television version of Stephen Nolan's much listened to radio programme on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Five Live. The format is specifically tailored to cover the latest current affairs and developments in Northern Ireland and the whole ethos of the programme is to put the viewer and the audience into the heartbeat of the action by e-mailing, telephoning and tweeting in their views. I've commented on the show's format and think it's one of the best across the UK, in my honest opinion.
Many people over the last two Monday nights will have cast their eyes on the recent two part documentary where former First Minister of Northern Ireland, Dr Ian Paisley, was interviewed by Eamonn Mallie. Dr Paisley's comments have sparked a lot of debate and much of last night's programme was dominated by it. I was absolutely gutted to have just missed out on the opportunity to put my view across on the show but, just before I fly across to Wales this morning, I wanted to put my views on the record.
Nobody can deny that Dr Ian Paisley is a major and publicly well known person within Northern Ireland and beyond. In general, as with many well known political and publicly know people I think there is always an inevitability that the person in question will have to speak out or express themselves publicly in reflection of their career and public life. Tony Blair, Nelson Mandela and Margaret Thatcher are just a few examples of people who have expressed themselves in the aftermath of holding public office or a major position in the public eye, whether they have done so through an autobiography or on television, for instance.
Dr Paisley is well known and, albeit some may deem some of his recent comments as controversial, would it not occur to anybody that at some point he had to express himself publicly, reflecting back on times before? In the aftermath of the last couple of weeks, I would be very intrigued to hear what others like current First Minister, Peter Robinson, say about their time in office and before that also.
The other aspect to this whole discussion is on how history, in fifty years from now if God wills, will view politicians such as Dr Ian Paisley and Peter Robinson. The big ambition for Northern Ireland is to continue to move on from the sad times of the past and to continue to build a prosperous future for the people here. There has been a lot of investment into Belfast, Derry/Londonderry (I was there last September) and all over Northern Ireland and that needs to keep coming in order to sustain it's future.
Touring Belfast yesterday, I gained an impression and appreciation of the history of the city, significant events that have taken place and where Belfast and Northern Ireland are going for the future. I have no doubt that I will come back again. Walking past many areas of this city, particularly in the city centre, it is almost difficult to imagine the carnage that had taken place here all those years ago during the troubles. I've never felt so safe, secure and welcomed and the people of Belfast and Northern Ireland. It almost felt like I was still back home in Scotland. The people here in Northern Ireland have a lot to be proud of about today and the future.
