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 Week Trending: Pope's AI Warning, 'Bin Interference', & Luke Kelly Loses His Hair
This week, Pope Leo XIV used the first major teaching document of his papacy to warn about the threat of artificial intelligence.
Dublin City Council said 'bin interference' by people looking for bottles and cans has cost it €500,000 and is leading to more rubbish on city streets.
And, a popular statue of Dublin folk legend Luke Kelly is undergoing extensive repair after visitors repeatedly broke off strands of its distinctive copper hair to take as souvenirs.
Dave Hanratty and Lise Hand join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories.
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Should Ireland Have More Bank Holidays?
Ireland currently has 10 bank holidays in the calendar year which is two fewer than the EU average.
It’s a topic that has been up for debate in recent years, with Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman previously calling for more to be added.
Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD and Damien McCarthy, Managing Director at HR Buddy speak to Matt on The Last Word.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
Has Gambling Hijacked Sport?
Author and academic Darragh McGee has published his new book “Imitation Games: How Gambling Hijacked Sport”.
He examines how betting has become more prominent in the experience of watching live sport and how young people – particularly young men – are being targeted through relentless marketing campaigns and ads.
He speaks to Matt on The Last Word.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
Environment: Planning Regulations For One-Off Housing To Be Eased
Rules surrounding plans for rural housing which aims to increase supply in Ireland are set to be eased at Cabinet next month.
Would this be a positive move for rural areas, and what would the environmental impact of such a move be?
Commentator John Gibbons speaks to Matt on The Last Word.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the discussion.
Tech Thursday: Get World Cup Ready
Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to chat about how you can get your home setup ready for the World Cup.
He has recommendations for high quality soundbars, projectors and other gadgets to improve at home viewing.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Culture Club: Doireann Ní Gríofa
Writer Doireann Ní Gríofa joins The Last Word for the Culture Club.
Doireann chats to Matt about her favourite music, movies, TV and more as well as her new book 'Said The Dead'.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Calls For Restrictions On Advertising For Alcohol-Free Drinks
The government is set to oppose a Bill that calls for restrictions on ads for alcohol-free drinks.
Padraig Rice TD of the Social Democrats is set to bring the Public Health (Alcohol) (Amendment) Bill 2025 forward on Thursday.
Deputy Rice and Fine Gael TD John Clendennan speak to Matt on The Last Word.
Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.
Opposition Vow To Strengthen Occupied Territories Bill
After years of delays, Cabinet agreed this week to bring forward the Occupied Territories Bill, which will prohibit the import of goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
However, opposition TDs have criticised the Government as the proposed legislation excludes a ban on services. The Taoiseach defended the move saying they had to consider the implications for Irish jobs.
Labour Party Senator Laura Harmon and Shay Brennan, Fianna Fail TD, join The Last Word to discuss.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
State Spent Almost €500m On Emergency Accommodation Last Year
Eoin O Broin, Sinn Féin TD and housing spokesperson and Seamus McGrath, Fianna Fáil TD and housing spokesperson discuss the costs of emergency accommodation.
They also debate what lies behind the increasing costs and whether current Government plans will end long terms homelessness by 2030.
To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
The Last Word On US: Iran War, Slush Fund & White House Ballroom Fuel Division In Republican Party
Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss the latest news from the United States including stalled negotiations to end the Iran war, continued backlash against a slush fund for Trump allies, and the ballooning cost of the US President's ballroom.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
What Now For Reality TV Following MAFS Allegations?
Former boss of Channel 4 Michael Grade has said the television industry faces a “watershed moment” after three participants of Married at First Sight UK made allegations of rape by their husbands.
Joe O’Shea and Elaine Burke speak to Matt on The Last Word’s TV & Streaming slot.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
The Last Word On Travel: Walking Holidays In Europe
Barry Taylor joins The Last Word to discuss some great walking holidays that aren't the Camino.
He has details on shorter routes in Ireland that could be done over a long weekend as well as longer routes abroad.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
The Week Trending: Catholicism, CMAT, & The Irish Language
While on a visit to Italy this week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, the first meeting between a pontiff and a Taoiseach since 2018.
Meanwhile, CMAT made headlines as she won the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for Best Album for her album 'Euro-Country'. The Irish popstar used the opportunity to urge artists to stop "sitting on the fence".
And a new survey has indicated a growing interest in the Irish language on both sides of the border.
Cathal O’Sullivan and Elaine Burke join The Last Word to...
The Last Word On Movies: Michael Bay To Direct Film About US Military Rescue In Iran
Brian Lloyd joins The Last Word to review the week's biggest movie releases, 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' and 'Finding Emily'.
He also discusses the latest movie news including reports that Michael Bay, the director behind 'Pearl Harbor', 'Armegeddon' and the Transformers movies, is set to direct a military drama based on the recent rescue of two US pilots in Iran.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Champions Cup Final Preview
On Saturday, Leinster take on Bordeaux Begles in this year’s Champions Cup final.
After so much heartbreak in the competition in recent seasons, can Leo Cullen’s side finally get over the line?
Liam Toland and Matt Williams join Matt on The Last Word to preview the game.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.
Latest In Travel & Adventure Tech
Andy O'Donoghue talks to Matt about the latest gadgets for all kinds of holidays, whether a weekend getaway or a long haul, backpacking adventure. From cordless hair straighteners to satellite phones, Andy has you covered for all eventualities.
To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Culture Club: Rosemary Hennigan
Author Rosemary Hennigan is the latest guest to join The Last Word for the Culture Club!
She chats to Matt about her favourite music, movies, TV shows and more as well as her new novel 'The Hotel Guest'.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Will Changes To Work From Home Rules Convince Employees To Change Jobs?
A new survey conducted by Morgan McKinley has found that employers reversing rules regarding work from home arrangements has increased their considerations for leaving their jobs.
The study also found that women are disproportionately impacted by having to return to the office more frequently.
Tracy Keevans, Global Foreign Direct Investment Director at Morgan McKinley, speaks to The Last Word about the findings.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
Personal Finance: 25 Per Cent Rise In Everyday Costs Over Last 5 Years
This week on The Last Word, Charlie Weston, personal finance editor with the Irish Independent, looks at how much people's day-to-day costs have increased over the last five years.
He also discusses Sky's latest crackdown on so-called 'dodgy boxes' and runs through the details of a new savings account from PTSB.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
The Last Word On The US: DOJ Sets Up $1.8B Fund That Could Go To Jan 6 Rioters
The US Justice Department announced Monday that it was establishing a $1.776 billion fund to compensate Trump allies who claim they were targeted by the Joe Biden administration.
Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss the 'anti-weaponisation' fund, which is expected to pay out money to Jan. 6 rioters, and more of the latest news from the United States.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Ex-Garda Paul Moody Jailed For Four Years For Abuse Of Partner
Former garda Paul Moody who abused and terrorised his former partner and the mother of his child over a number of years has been jailed for four years.
This sentence marks the second time Moody has been jailed for abuse of a partner. In 2022, he was sentenced to three years and three months for coercive control of his former girlfriend, Nicola Hanney.
Frank Greaney, Today FM courts correspondent, joins The Last Word to discuss today's sentencing.
Hear the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Legislation To Tackle Puppy Farms Brought To Cabinet
On Tuesday, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon brought draft legislation to tackle puppy farms before Cabinet.
The legislation proposes various new measures including regulations around litter numbers, breeding age and standards of living conditions.
Minister Heydon speaks to Matt on The Last Word about this.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
TV & Streaming: Will RTE Continue Eurovision Boycott Next Year?
The Eurovision song contest took place in Vienna last week, with Bulgaria winning Saturday’s final with the song “Bangaranga”.
But after Ireland and RTE’s boycott this year due to Israel’s participation in the competition, will they continue with the same stance in 2027?
Joe O’Shea and Elaine Burke join Matt on The Last Word.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the discussion.
CCPC Warns Over Pitfalls Of Car Hire Abroad
Following an survey of Irish holidaymakers' experiences of car hire abroad, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, it was found over 40% had issues with their car hires.
Long wait times, hidden fees and the car not being as described were some of the issues reported.
Orla Delargy, Deputy Communications Director at the CCPC, speaks to Matt about the survey and offers advice for those planning to hire cars abroad.
To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
The Last Word On Travel: A Guide To Visiting The Greek Islands
Greece is home to more than 200 inhabited islands, many of which are very popular with Irish tourists.
Kaitlin Murphy from thetravelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to run through what some of the Greek islands have to offer and to give some travel tips for anyone looking to go island hopping.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
The Week Trending: Eurovision, Wordle, & The Mosquito That Killed Cromwell
It's Eurovision week but this year there is no Irish entry and viewers in Ireland will have to switch to the BBC if they want to watch the final in Austria.
In other TV news this week, Wordle, the popular online game, is getting a TV adaptation.
And, a statue to commemorate the mosquito that may have killed Oliver Cromwell has been proposed as a quirky new attraction for Cork city.
Paddy Duffy and Fionnuala Jones join The Last Word to discuss these and more of the week's trending stories.
Catch...
What Does The Future Hold For RTE?
Former government minister Shane Ross has written his latest book, looking back on the history of the national broadcaster.
He reflects on past controversies that threatened to impact its reputation and also looks forward to what the future might hold for the company.
He speaks to Matt on The Last Word.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
A Quarter Of World Cup Matches To Be Played In Temperatures Above 26 Degrees
World Weather Attribution has conducted a study which found that 25% of matches at this year’s FIFA World Cup are likely to be played in temperatures over 26 degrees Celsius.
Extreme heat conditions are most likely to be experienced in Miami, New York, New Jersey and New York.
Officials insist they have plans in place to accommodate players if the weather gets too hot, but is it fair to expect them to compete in such conditions?
Environmental commentator John Gibbons joins Matt on The Last Word.
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Tech Thursday: Screenless Tech Wearables
This week for Tech Thursday, Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to discuss some of the latest screenless wearable tech amid increasing demand for screen free smart watches and health tracking devices.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Culture Club: David Gray
Ahead of bringing his Past & Present Tour to Dublin's Fairview Park & the SSE Arena in Belfast, David Gray joins Daniel McConnell on for The Last Word's Culture Club.
Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear his choices.
Bertie Ahern Backtracks On Immigration Comments
Bertie Ahern has said he has 'no problem' with people from Africa or the Congo as he rolls back on comments he made during a recent canvas in Dublin Central.
In a video circulating on social media, the former Taoiseach says, in a conversation on a doorstep, that he has concerns about the level of immigration and that Ireland "can't be taking in people" coming from "the Congo".
Louise Burne, political correspondent with the Irish Examiner, and Gary Murphy, professor of politics at the School of Law and Government in DCU, join The Last Word...
Seamas O'Reilly On His Debut Novel
Author Seamas O'Reilly talks to Matt about his debut novel, Prestige Drama. Set in Derry, it tells the story of a Hollywood star coming to town to research a role for a Troubles based TV show and what happens when she mysteriously disappears.
Seamas also discusses the literature of Northern Ireland and the role writers play in getting to a collective truth.
To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
The Last Word On The US: Trump To Visit China As Iran War Rumbles On
US President Donald Trump will this week make a state visit to China with the Strait of Hormuz, tariffs and Taiwan all likely to be on the agenda during talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss Trump's visit to China and more of the latest news from the United States.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
VFI Warn Rising Costs Will Lead To Closure Of Rural Pubs
The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland has warned that rural pubs in Ireland are facing an “existential threat” due to rising costs, citing 2,500 closures since 2005.
The organisation is calling on the government to provide tax credits in order to protect smaller pubs around the country.
Pat Crotty, Chief Executive of the VFI, speaks to Matt on The Last Word.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
The Last Word on TV & Streaming: The Bear to End with Season 5
Elaine Burke and Kate Henshaw join Matt to talk about the biggest tv news and releases of the week.
They chat about The Bear, Amandaland and more
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Just 3% Of People In Ireland Cycle Daily
New research by RedClick has found that just 3% of people in Ireland cycle every day and highlights the barriers that cyclists face on Irish roads.
Should more be done to make cycling in Ireland more accessible, or is there too much investment in cycling infrastructure considering the low numbers presented in the study?
Conor Faughnan, Motoring Expert at Carzone.ie and Ciaran Cannon, CEO of Cycling Ireland speak to Matt on The Last Word.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
More Than 30 Council Bought Vacant Properties Lying Neglected
There are more than 30 council-owned properties currently lying in states of dereliction.
Joining Matt to discuss what can be done to bring these properties back in to use is Founder & Director of Anois, Jude Sherry and Sinn Fein Councillor and Member of the Dublin City Council Housing Committee Daithí Doolan
Hit Play on this page to listen now
The Last Word On Travel: Off The Beaten Track In Europe's Hotspots
Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to chat about some great lesser known destinations in Europe's hotspots.
Sarah's recommendations:
Asturias, Northern Spain
Puglia & Matera, Italy
Chania, Crete
Tavira, Portugal
Île de Ré, France
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
The Week Trending: Hantavirus, Attenborough Turns 100 & Pre-flight Pints
Some of the stories dominating the news this week included the cruise ship hantavirus outbreak, the 100th birthday of legendary British environmentalist David Attenborough, and Michael O'Leary's latest call to ban airport pints.
Deirdre O’Shaughnessy, Irish Examiner editor and podcast host, and Jennifer Horgan, teacher and columnist, join The Last Word to discuss these and more of the week's trending stories.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
The Last Word On Movies: Should Stars Of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Have American Accents?
Brian Lloyd joins The Last Word to review the week's biggest movie releases, 'Mortal Kombat II' and 'The Sheep Detectives'.
He also discusses the latest trailer for Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' which has sparked debate over the use of American accents and contemporary language by the stars in the film.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
