As cases of #covid19 run rampant in Northern Ireland – why do people not get it that it’s the law here to wear a face mask?@StephenNolan #NolanLIVE 10.45pm @BBCOne pic.twitter.com/coIRSIoL2v
— The Nolan Show, BBC (@BBCNolan) October 7, 2020
Last night/this afternoon.
BBC NI presenter Stephen Nolan defended his actions on Nolan Live last night which saw the irate host confront members of the public for not wearing face masks while inside a Belfast petrol station.
Via Belfast Telegraph:
The popular presenter was accused of attempting to “criminalise” people for not wearing masks, with loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson saying Mr Nolan was “punching down, trying to coerce the ‘little people’ on behalf of the powerful”.
Responding directly to the message, Mr Nolan denied criminalising people.
“If people break the law, they are criminalising themselves,” he tweeted.
“And as for little people – there is none more little than a vulnerable person, helpless because they are surrounded by people who don’t give a damn about their safety.”
He added: “This is about the community protecting each other. Never will so many citizens have the power to protect life.”
Meanwhile…
The BBC backed Mr Nolan in his approach to the matter saying there was a “significant public interest” in the matter and his programme reflected differing views. It said those approached were given an opportunity to explain their actions.
Good times.
[Top (L-R) Arlene Foster, Stephen Nolan, Caitríona Ruane]
