The Last Word with Matt Cooper
On Ireland's most cutting edge current affairs show, Matt and his guests provide a running stream of intelligent opinions and heated debates on the issues that matter most to Irish listeners. You might not always agree, but you'll never want to miss a Word.
The Royal Family In Crisis - What's Next?
Britain's royal family has been plunged into crisis following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor on suspicion of misconduct while in office.
Nick Ferrari, presenter of Nick Ferrari at Breakfast on LBC Radio, joins The Last Word to discuss whether this latest development has damaged the monarchy irreparably.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
The Last Word On The Environment: New Initiative Seeks To Save Irish Hedgehogs
A new initiative is looking for members of the public to sign up to become 'hedgehog helpers' in a bid to protect the much-loved animal.
John Gibbons joins The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest climate and environment news.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Paul Cullen On His Memoir About Searching For His Missing Early Years
Paul Cullen, former Irish Times Health Correspondent, talks to Matt about Outsider, his memoir that charts his recovery from injuries sustained in a fall off a mountain in Germany and his search for his biological parents.
While he had always known he was adopted, that fall was the propulsion for Paul's search to find out what had happened to him in his early years, and where and how he had spent the first few years of his life.
To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor Arrested On Suspicion Of Misconduct In Public Office
On Thursday morning, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The arrest comes after Thames Valley Police said they were assessing a complaint over the alleged sharing of confidential material by Mountbatten Windsor with Jeffrey Epstein.
The former prince, who turns 66 today, has previously denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
Mark Paul, London Correspondent with the Irish Times, updates Matt on The Last Word.
Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.
Culture Club: Una McKevitt
Playwright, author and director, Una McKevitt is the latest inductee into the Last Word Culture Club.
Una's play, Fair Deal, is running at the Peacock Stage at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. It's a satirical take on one last night in a Dublin family's home.
Una outlines the idea behind her play and also talks to Matt about her favourite music, film, TV, books and more.
To catch the full conversation, press the play button on this page.
U2 Speak Out On Gaza, Ukraine & The Killing Of Renée Good In New EP
U2 have surprised fans by dropping a six-track EP, 'Days of Ash', which is their most political work in years with songs about the killing of Renée Good in the United States, the wars in Gaza and Ukraine and the persecution of women Iran.
John Caddell joins Matt on The Last Word to listen to the EP and discuss the stories behind each of the tracks.
Hear the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
The Last Word On Music: Is Charli xcx's Wuthering Heights Album The Best Thing About The Film?
Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, has been met with mixed reviews since its release last Friday. However, critics have lauded Charli xcx for her accompanying album and her ability to pivot away from her 2024 record 'Brat'. John Caddell and Dee Reddy speak to Matt on The Last Word to have their say.
Elsewhere, Matt picks his all-time favourite songs by Irish artists as part of Today FM's search for the Top 100 greatest Irish songs.
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The Last Word On The US: Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson Dies Aged 84
US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson has died aged 84. His death marks the last of the iconic civil rights leaders who were led by Martin Luther King Jr.
Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest news from the United States.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
39,000 Shortfall in Student Beds Adding To Housing Crisis
A report from Sherry Fitzgerald found a 39,000 deficit in the number of student beds available to rent
Matt is joined by USI/AMLE VP for the Dublin Region Daniel Walsh and Labour Spokesperson on Higher Education Senator Laura Harmon to discuss
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Edel Coffey On How Writing Crime Fiction Is Her Source Of Escapism
Author Edel Coffey has published her third novel âIn Glass Housesâ.
She joins Matt on The Last Word to talk about why writing crime fiction appeals to her, why female readers are drawn to the genre and how her time as a journalist has stood to her when coping with the pressure of meeting deadlines.
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The Last Word On Travel: Holiday Ideas For Couples, Friends And Solo Travellers
Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to chat about some great deals and incredible trips for adults looking to get away.
Sarah has picked a wide range of holidays suitable for couples, friends and solo travellers.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
The Week Trending: Winter Olympics Controversy, âŹ100 Culture Card & DĂĄil Bar Sales
This week on The Week Trending, Matt is joined by Eoghan Tomas McDermott Managing Director at the Communications Clinic and News Reporter with the Irish Times Orla Ryan
They discuss ongoing controversies at the Winter Olympics, the new âŹ100 Culture Card Peter Chap Cleere wants to give to young people, the most popular items sold in the DĂĄil Bar and more
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The Last Word on the Environment: Celebrating 5 years
This week on The Last Word on the Environment John Gibbons joins Matt to celebrate 5 years.
They discuss the past five years and what's next
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Calls For FAI To Boycott Nations League Fixture Against Israel
The FAI has said that it will fulfil its Nations League fixtures against Israel later this year despite previously calling on Uefa to ban the team last year.
The association faced pressure on Friday to boycott the ties by some politicians and fans.
However, Fine Gael Senator Evanne NĂ Chuilinn said the onus should be on global governing bodies to implement sanctions where they see fit.
She, alongside sports journalist Kieran Cunningham, speak to Matt on The Last Word about the issue.
Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear t...
Man United Co-Owner Criticised After Saying UK has been "Colonised by Immigrants"
Over the last day Manchester United Co-Owner Jim Ratcliffe has been heavily criticised for comments he made including saying the UK has been 'colonised by immigrants'.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Ratcliffe to apologised and the Man United Co-Owner said he was "sorry that my choice of language has offended some people".
Matt is joined by Nick Ferrari from LBC radio to discuss
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Fall In Average Working Hours Driven By Fathers Taking More Time Off
Are you working less hours per week since the pandemic?
Average hours worked in Ireland fell by 6.5% between 2019 and 2024, according to a new labour market report from the Central Bank. This decline was due to fathers of young children taking more time off, however, mothers of older children increased their average working hours.
Peter Cosgrove, managing director of Futurewise, and Jennifer Keane, founder of paygap.ie, join The Last Word to discuss how household labour patterns are shifting and whether people are actually working less.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play...
Tech Thursday: The Latest Keyboards And Peripherals
Tech expert Andy O'Donoghue joins Matt on The Last Word to talk through all the latest keyboards and peripherals on the market to improve your home office.
Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear his suggestions.
Culture Club: Tom Dunne
Tom Dunne, broadcaster and singer/songwriter with Something Happens, joins The Last Word for the Culture Club.
Tom chats all about his favourite cultural picks and also what songs, including his own, could make it on to Today FM's list of the top 100 Irish songs.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
What's Next for Irish In America In Trump's Immigration Crackdown?
The Taoiseach said there are "five to six" cases of Irish people being held by Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the US
This includes Kilkenny man Seamus Culleton who has been held since September. US-based Immigration Lawyer John Foley & Journalist Marione McKeone joins Matt to discuss what's next for Irish immigrants in America.
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The Last Word on Music: TodayFM's 100 Greatest Irish Songs Of All Time
This week on a special edition of The Last Word on Music, Dee Reddy and John Caddell join Danny McConnell to share their picks for the greatest Irish Songs of all Time.
To vote for your favourite Irish song ever you can go to https://vote.todayfm.com/100-greatest
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The Last Word On The US: Democrats Reject Latest White House Offer On ICE Reform
Democrats are taking a hard line in negotiations over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as they demand greater controls on immigration officers.
Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss the stand-off which could lead to a DHS shutdown and more of the latest news from the United States.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
The Last Word on Travel: Family Holidays
This week on The Last Word on Travel, Sarah Slattery joins Frank Greaney to give us the best recommendations for family getaways
From luxury to budget and everything in between she has recommendations for every kind of family holiday
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Sick Palestinian Children Arrive In Ireland For Treatment
A group of Palestinian children have arrived in Ireland for treatment for various illnesses.
The Irish Red Cross are helping to oversee the treatment of the now 27 children that have arrived in Ireland, Frank Greaney is joined by Head of International & Migration at the Irish Red Cross Niall OâKeeffe to find out more
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TikTok Is 'Addictive' And Must Change - EU
European regulators are seeking to ban TikTok's most addictive features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and its âhighly personalisedâ recommender system.
The European Commission has made a preliminary ruling that the social media platform must change it's 'addictive' design or face major fines.
Adrian Weckler, technology editor with the Irish Independent, and Regina Doherty, Fine Gael MEP, join The Last Word to discuss this significant move by the EU and whether it will succeed in getting TikTok to drop these features.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
League Of Ireland 2026 Season Preview
The new League of Ireland season kicks off this weekend and after Shamrock Rovers' domination last year, can anyone stop Stephen Bradley's side this time around?
David Sneyd, Sportswriter with The42.ie, speaks to Will O'Callaghan on The Last Word to look ahead at what's to come.
The Week Trending: Ski Jumper enhancements, Catherine Connolly & Coldplay Kiss Cam Return
This week on The Week Trending Will O'Callaghan is joined by Cathal O'Sullivan and Emily Keegan to discuss the weeks biggest trending stories
They discuss World Anti-Doping looking into ski jumpers using penis enlargement drugs, the kidnapping of a US anchors mother, a daring rescue in Australia and more.
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How Money Laundering Is Taking Over The World
While it's constantly said that we are rapidly moving towards a cashless society, in the world of organised crime, cash remains the undisputed king.
Investigative journalist Oliver Bullough joins The Last Word to discuss his new book 'Everybody Loves Our Dollars' which pulls back the curtain on the world of money laundering.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Helmets And High-Vis Clothing To Be Mandatory For E-Bike And E-Scooter Users
Following advice from the Road Safety Authority, the government announced that it intends to make wearing high-visibilty clothing and helmets mandatory for those using e-bikes and e-scooters.
Environmental commentator John Gibbons speaks to Ian Guider on The Last Word.
Hit the âPlayâ button on this page to hear the piece.
Tech Thursday: Getting The Best Sound From Your TV
The Last Word's tech guru Andy O'Donoghue is back with the latest gadgets and sound-systems to optimise your streaming and listening experiences.
To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Culture Club: Dave Rudden
Author Dave Rudden is the latest inductee into the Last Word Culture Club. His latest book, the fantasy adventure Sister Wake, is his first book for adults.
He tells Will about writing for the BBC, and completing his first fantasy adventure, before he discusses his favourite music, books, TV and movies.
To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
When Should You Call A Doctor When You Have A Sick Child?
Paediatric consultant Dr Niamh Lynch's joins The Last Word to chat about her new book 'Should I Be Worried?' - a go-to-guide for parents of young children that gives them the information they need and empowers them to trust their instincts.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Personal Finance: Monthly Costs Of Owning A Car Hits New High
Carzoneâs 2026 Motoring Report has found that the average cost of running a car is now âŹ224.40, which is a 6% increase on last year.
Insurance premiums and fuel prices have been cited as the most common reasons among those surveyed.
Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, speaks to Will OâCallaghan on The Last Word.
Hit the âPlayâ button on this page to hear the piece.
The Last Word On The US: Bill And Hillary Clinton To Testify In Epstein Probe
Former US president Bill Clinton and former secretary â of state Hillary Clinton have agreed to testify in a US congressional investigation into the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Their decision comes just days before a vote in the Republican-led House of Representatives t on whether to hold the couple in criminal contempt for refusing to appear.
Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest news from the United States.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
The Week Trending: Beatlemania, 17 Days Of Rain, & AI Speech Writing
This week we got a taste of what to expect from the four upcoming biopics about The Beatles with the release of the first images of Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, Joseph Quinn and Harris Dickinson as the Fab Four. Ireland has had 17 consecutive days of rain, will it ever stop? And Cork's Lord Mayor has said that he uses AI to write his speeches.
Lise Hand and Kieran Cunningham join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
The Last Word On The US: More Epstein Files To Be Released
Marion McKeone joins Will O'Callaghan to discuss the latest release in relation to the Epstein Files, as 3 million more pages are published.
Marion also has details of the arrest of former CNN host Don Lemon, who was detained by federal agents after filming at protest at a Minnesota church.
To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
The Last Word On The Environment: Why Dredging Wonât Solve Irelandâs Flooding Problems
As many parts of Ireland continue to experience severe flooding, there have been calls for dredging to be done to some rivers and streams to clear debris and reduce water levels.
However, is that the right solution to alleviate the issue? If itâs not, what else can be done to tackle it?
John Gibbons speaks to Daniel McConnell on The Last Word.
Hit the âPlayâ button on this page to hear the piece.
The Last Word On Tech: The Latest In EVs
Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to discuss the latest innovations in electric vehicles.
From affordable cars with high scale features to ultra-luxury EVs, there are a lot of exciting new options coming in 2026.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Culture Club: Leon Diop
Leon Diop, co-founder of Black and Irish and author of Mixed Up: An Irish Boyâs Journey to Belonging is the latest inductee into the Culture Club.
He speaks about the importance of his Black and Irish podcast before delving into all his favourite music, TV, movies and more.
To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
How To Get Cheaper Car Insurance For 2026
Has your car insurance premium risen since last year? Do you want to switch providers but aren't sure where to start? If so, Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, has all the best tips for getting the best value for money for the year ahead.
He joined Matt on Wednesdayâs The Last Word.
Hit the âPlayâ button on this page to hear the piece.
Is Tipping Becoming Less Voluntary?
Two thirds of consumers feel that tipping is becoming "less voluntary" while three out of four would like businesses to make it easier to opt out of tipping, according to new research from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)
Dr Deirdre Curran, lecturer at the University of Galway whose research focuses on hospitality employment conditions, and Gina Murphy, owner of Hugoâs restaurant in Dublin, join The Last Word to discuss tipping policies and practices.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
