Woman's Hour - 18/01/2010

Woman's Hour with Jane Garvey including: It's been a tumultuous few weeks in Northern Ireland's political arena. The extra-marital affair and allegations of irregular business dealings of Iris Robinson have forced her husband Peter to step aside from his position as First Minister. But the appointment of Arlene Foster to the interim post has led some to wonder whether Iris' disgrace may ironically end up being a turning point for women in politics. It's the first time that a woman has been given such a prominent position in Northern Ireland, where women are substantially underrepresented in the political process. What will it take to get more women into the Assembly? Earlier this month, Schools Secretary Ed Balls, announced that all school pupils in England from five to 16-years-old will be taught about handling money and managing their savings. They will also learn other financial skills and have lessons on how mortgages work and debt management. So how will this work, and what will it achieve? And bold make-up is back in fashion - think powder, smoky eyes, false eyelashes and of course scarlet diva lips. And it's not just the young who are indulging. After years of wearing discreet make up, or none at all, women of all ages are supposedly slapping it on. And Sue Elliot Nichols on people who talk too much.