麻豆社

Abortion is one of the most emotive issues for both the public and the politicians, and yesterday there was a major development in the availability of abortions on the NHS that seemed to come out of the blue. Under the threat of losing a vote in the Commons, the Conservatives suddenly announced that the English health service would fund terminations for Northern Irish women for free. That's the Conservative government supported by the DUP - which is deeply anti-abortion. And forced by a Labour amendment to the Queen's Speech put forward by the sister party of the SDLP - which is deeply anti-abortion. So is this interference or a welcome change that only offers care and support already on offer in other parts of the UK? Chris Buckler spoke to Ann Furedi chief executive of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, Marion Woods from Life NI, Goretti Horgan, abortion campaigner and Mary Lewis from Iona Institute, a Christian think tank.

Also on the programme, 4pm yesterday afternoon was a big moment for politics here. The deadline that needed to be met in order to avoid profound and serious consequences. Remember that's what the Secretary of State warned. So did you notice when the clock struck four? Well 4pm came and went. And the talking just went on. The parties have now been given until Monday to continue negotiations when James Brokenshire is expected to make a statement announcing the government's next move. It is currently costing tax payers 拢12,205 per day to employ our MLAs. Chris Buckler spoke to Alliance Party MLA Stephen Farry and commentators Chris Donnelly and Malachi O'Doherty.

And, June is Motor Neurone's Disease awareness month and Chris Buckler has been speaking to Michael Holden, who was diagnosed with MND seven years ago.