Special
A studio audience puts questions to a panel of public figures on the week's big talking points. Noel Thompson presents.
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Here’s a selection of texts, emails, phone calls and tweets received during Spotlight Special on 16th February 2016
Ìý
How do I convince my children to vote given their perception of MLAs in relation to expenses claims?
More of the same ... no accountability taken and none explained. Henry.
Close Stormont...not value for money...Just a gravy train. Mairtin, Belfast
All MLAs should have a budget- when it’s spent, tough. Anon
And so we descend into the usual rantings that masquerade as 'politics' in NI.... What a sorry joke but we deserve what we elected. Peter, Omagh
The expenses claims will be swept under the carpet, so much for a fresh start! Philip, Kilrea
Easy solution -Ìý give them a big pay rise and scrap the expenses scheme.Ìý Anon
It's high time these so called 'rules' that govern the expenses were revised, what a disgrace! Anon
How can NI believe in a shared future when the First Minister declined an invitation to attend 1916 centenary celebrations?
I have to say, that as First Minister, the role should be inclusive of all and everyone. Anon
I'm a Brit on hols in lovely East Clare. Is 100 years not long enough to bury the hatchet? Mike
I'm sorry but as a teacher facing ever increasing cuts in budget, the Easter Rising commemoration is her worry!!! Anon
It's disgusting that they are comparing the Easter Rising to the brave men who fought and died for everyone's freedom. It's not a shared society for protestants, and blatant sectarianism.Ìý Mark, Belfast.
Hearing the bickering, squabbling and rudeness of our politicians is what makes our young people have no appetite for voting. We might as well have a class of five year olds standing for election! Anon
In this country there will never be a shared future until religion is removed from our schools. Anon
Jeffrey Donaldson needs to get out of the pastÌý and look to the future of Northern Ireland.Ìý Arlene Foster has to represent all of the community of Northern Ireland , let him remember that.Ìý With politicians like Jeffrey and Jim (Allister),Ìý Northern Ireland will be stuck in the past. Dean, Derry.
Why can we not just understand each other's culture? As a Protestant I think we should celebrate our past. Is it any wonder people including me, don't vote? Anon
Let us mourn and respect all those who died in 1916, be it from German or British bullets...it is reprehensible to twist history for political point scoring.Ìý Ruth, Bangor
Do you envisage a run on Irish passports if the UK votes to leave the EU?
Our charity sector is entirely dependent on Europe. Can you really see a Conservative government matching that funding if we leave?
So the only reason why NI should stay in Europe is so we can protect the hand outs. Surely we have more ambition than that? Anon
Get out of Europe, because we can trade with (the) 80million diaspora and we can start farming again and sell our products, instead of getting farm payments to stop farming. Our seas have been raped by being in the EU. Don.
If I lose my single farm payment I will be moving to Australia. End of story. John
Regardless of the financial arguments the sheer lack of democracy in Brussels is a disgrace. How can we call ourselves democrats when an unelected commission make half our laws? James
The British taxpayer has paid millions to Ireland via the EU. Murray, Belfast
The European Union is not an Economic Union, it is a political union formed to stand against the ' threat ' of the Soviet Union. Now why should we pay into that farcical waste of our money? Anon
With younger generations influenced by global issues, why do NI politicians keep referring to the past?
The past is and always will be a massive part of this province. Murders, massacres and bombings to name but a few can NEVER be forgotten and frankly, shouldn't be. Jamie
The world is in uproar and we don’t live in the past WE WALLOW IN IT! Bill
NI politicians make a good living keeping us all living in the past....they are not capable of giving us a future. Anon
Would you ever tell the politicians to leave the past in the past, and whatever money it takes for court cases, put it into our healthcare, Ivan.
It's time the old politicians were voted out and a new generation elected in. Only then will the past stay in the past. Mary, Coalisland.
Can you explain why women in NI don’t have the same access to abortion as women elsewhere in the UK?
Protect life. Not destroy it. Women and unborn babies deserve better than a quick fix of abortion. Let’s promote a culture of life not death. Ciara, Derry
Re the abortion question. If unionists want to be part of the UK why have different laws? Anon
Who will show compassion to the unborn child?Ìý Anon
This issue should be dealt with by medical personnel, rather than ill -informed politicians. Anon
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Presenter | Noel Thompson |
| Producer | Elaine Forrester |
| Deputy Editor | Gwyneth Jones |
| Editor | Jeremy Adams |
Broadcast
- Tue 16 Feb 2016 22:45Â鶹Éç One Northern Ireland HD & Northern Ireland only