The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Tariffs, Gaza and the 'massive' trade deficit between Ireland and the US were among the issues raised during Taoiseach Micheál Martin's meeting with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.Daniel McConnell, editor of the Business Post, and Sarah Carey, Irish Independent columnist, join The Last Word to discuss how the Taoiseach's White House visit went and what could come from it.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The US stock market has plunged again after US President Donald Trump announced he will double the already planned tariffs on Canadian metal imports.Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss the market's reaction to Trumps latest moves and more of the day's business news. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

US President Donald Trump's plan to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50% is the latest in a series of trade policy moves that are driving concerns about a recession in the United States.Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and journalist Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss the latest news from the United States.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

On Tuesday, Manchester United announced plans to build a new 100,000-capacity stadium, which is estimated to cost approximately two billion pounds.But given the financial difficulties that United have faced in recent years, is the idea feasible?Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer with The Independent, spoke to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Ireland’s grand slam hopes in this year’s Six Nations came crashing down on Saturday after a scintillating 2nd half display by France at the Aviva Stadium.Is this Irish team about to enter a rebuilding phase, what positions are we lacking in depth, and should Jack Crowley start at outhalf for the final round game against Italy?Former Ireland international, Paul Wallace, and Off The Ball’s Will O’Callaghan spoke to Matt about the weekend’s results.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to discuss her recent trip to the Gastein valley in Austria. While Gastein has great skiing, there are lots of activities for non skiers from relaxing thermal spas to thrill-seeking ice climbing.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence has the potential to 'supercharge' financial fraud by creating more and more convincing scams, the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland has warned.Niamh Davenport, head of financial crime with the BPFI, and tech journalist Andy O’Donoghue join The Last Word to discuss the increasing frequency and sophistication of financial scams.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Meghan Markle's lifestyle programme takes the world by storm, and not in the way she might have hoped, Fair City's Carrigstown gets a Lidl, and should the FIFA World Cup have a half-time show?Aoife Barry, journalist and author of Social Capital, and Lorcan Nyhan, head of training at the Communications Clinic, join The Last Word to discuss the week’s trending stories.Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!

As part of The Big Busk for Focus Ireland, Matt is joined in studio by a special musical guest, rising star of Irish pop Moncrieff!He chats to Matt about his upcoming debut album, performs his latest single and is enlisted to help with the return of Karaoke Cooper.Catch the chat and both performances by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Andy O'Donoghue had the latest in smart kitchen tech including a smart air fryer, smart washing machines and smart blinds. To catch the full conversation, press play on this page.

Fionnuala Moynihan, International concert pianist, was the latest entry into The Last Word’s Culture Club.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear all her music, TV, film and literature favourites.

Tax revenue for the first two months of this year rose to €15.2 billion, boosted by a €1.7 billion payment from Apple as part of its tax settlement.Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss Ireland's latest exchequer returns and more of the day's business news.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Dr Mark Rowe, GP, and expert in burn out prevention, talks about his latest book. He outlines some of the things we can do today, from walking in nature, taking cold showers and making memories, that will improve our lives tomorrow.To listen to the full conversation, press the play button on this page.

US President Donald Trump made a number of exaggerated and inaccurate claims during his first address to a joint session of Congress since he returned to power.In a bonus installment of The Last Word on the US, Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and journalist Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss what Trump said during his lengthy speech as he outlined his vision for his second term as president.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

When Sarah Corbett Lynch was just eight-years-old when her father Jason was killed by his wife Molly Martens and her father Tom Martens leaving Sarah and her brother Jack orphaned.Sarah joins The Last Word to discuss her book 'A Time For Truth: My Father Jason And My Search For Justice And Healing'.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

US President Donald Trump has paused all shipments of military aid to Ukraine following his heated meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and journalist Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss the latest actions from the increasingly volatile Trump administration.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

After 5 rounds of the Allianz National Football League, Donegal sit in second place in the table, level on points with leaders Galway.However, after Donegal’s comeback win against Derry on Sunday, manager Jim McGuinness said that many teams in Division One don’t want to reach the league final because the provincial championships start just one week later.Former All-Ireland winner with Galway, Ray Silke, and Off The Ball’s Will O’Callaghan spoke to Matt about McGuinness’ comments on Monday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that a deal to end the war between Russia & Ukraine is “very, very far away”, following a tense meeting with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on Friday evening. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told European leaders that Europe is now at a “crossroads in history”, as eighteen heads of states met to discuss how best to defend Ukraine.Lara Marlowe, journalist based in Paris and Nick Ferrari, Presenter of Nick Ferrari at Breakfast on LBC Radio spoke to Matt about the European view of the issue.Matt was later joined by Thomas Byrne TD, Minister for State at the Department of Defence, Dr. Edward Burke, Lecturer in the History of War at UCD and regular US contributors Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone to discuss the story further.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversations.

As part of The Big Busk for Focus Ireland, Today FM is looking for Ireland's best up and coming busker!Joe Sweeney is one of the musicians competing to be crowned Ireland's Next Big Busker. He joins The Last Word to talk about his busking journey. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

98FM's Cathal O'Sullivan and Irish Times advice columnist, and Hot Press movies editor, Roe McDermott sit down with Matt to go through all the biggest stories of week.From Donald Trump’s bizarre AI Gaza video to the Tates' stateside visit and why Sophie and Jack have become such popular names. Get all the week's action by hitting 'Listen' here.

Daniel McConnell, Editor of the Business Post, discussed the Taoiseach’s upcoming trip to Washington DC.He also reacted to the repatriation flight that deported 32 people back to Georgia from Ireland.To listen to the full conversation, press the ‘play’ button on this page.

Journalist and author Martin Dillon joins The Last Word to discuss the role played by women in the Troubles and the toll it took on them, as described in his new book 'The Sorrow and the Loss'.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Roe McDermott, Movies Editor with Hotpress, joined Matt for this week’s movies slot on The Last Word.She predicted who she thinks will win big at Sunday night’s Academy Awards and discussed the release of “The Last Showgirl” starring Pamela Anderson.Matt and Roe also remembered the Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, whose death was announced on Thursday morning alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

At GAA Congress in Donegal last weekend, president Jarlath Burns described rural depopulation as “a full-blown crisis” for the association.Speaking at the event, Mr. Burns said “it is unconscionable that we would be the generation who preside over the permanent demise of rural Ireland.”So, what can the GAA do to ensure rural clubs in Ireland survive?Michael Foley, sportswriter with The Sunday Times, spoke to Matt about the issue.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Following the introduction of several conservation measures, the number of brown bears has risen by 17% across Europe since 2016. Experts have seen a 12% rise in the Eurasian lynx and a 16% jump in the number of wolverines over the same time period.Environment commentator John Gibbons joined Matt on Thursday to discuss this.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

To celebrate the release of his new book “The Boy From The Sea”, author Garrett Carr was The Last Word’s latest entry to the Culture Club.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear his choices.

Glanbia's share price fell by around 20% today as the nutrition company predicts its 2025 profits will take a battering, Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss this and more of the day's business news. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Leinster and Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll joined Matt on Wednesday to talk about Ireland’s win against Wales in round 3 of the Guinness Six Nations, and what they need to improve on ahead of the huge clash with France at the Aviva Stadium. They discussed what Ireland’s bench might look like, their struggles at the scrum, and Jack Conan’s impressive tournament so far.Brian spoke to The Last Word as Guinness teams up with Field of Vision to bring a revolutionary sensory experience to visually impaired fans at this year's Men’s & Women’s Six Nations Championships.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their chat.

A new survey has found that most people are not willing to pay more for a transition to renewable energy.Charlie Weston, personal finance editor with the Irish Independent, joins The Last Word to discuss why people might not want to fund a green future. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Matt talks to Zara, a Focus Ireland Ambassador about her experience accessing the services of the homelessness charity and how she was helped in securing the future of her family.To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Gabija Gataveckaite, political correspondent with the Irish Independent, and Peadar Toibin, leader of Aontú, join The Last Word as it has been revealed that a scanner at the National Gallery, which cost almost €125,000, has been lying idle for eight years.Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Jack Chambers also joins to Matt to discuss the ‘huge frustration and anger’ among taxpayers over cost overruns in the public sector.Catch the full discussion by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

French President Emmanuel Macron met with President Donald Trump at the White House this week and the two leaders clashed over how much money each has given to Ukraine.Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated columnist, and journalist Marion McKeone joins The Last Word to discuss the latest news from the United States.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

A new report from the Economic and Social Research Institute says that there was a strong link between the number of cases of Covid-19 reported daily and the efforts the Irish public made to reduce the spread of infection.Professor Pete Lunn, Research Professor at the ESRI spoke to Matt about these findings, and how attitudes and behavioural patterns towards the pandemic varied among different socio-economic backgrounds and age groups.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to listen to the conversation.

Thinking of heading to Australia and not sure where to start? Kaitlin Murphy from the travelexpert.ie has just returned from spending a year down under. She joins The Last Word to run through everything you should know before you go, including visa requirements, the best places to live, how to find a job and how life in Australia compares to Ireland.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Ireland came from behind to beat Wales on Saturday and set up what is being billed as the title decider for this year’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations.Matt spoke to Will O’Callaghan from Off The Ball and Matt Williams about Ireland’s performance, squad fitness ahead of Round 4, and France’s impressive victory over Italy.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

In a recent interview with the Sunday Times, Garda Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary said he wants to make increasing the number of guards on the streets of Dublin a priority.Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD for Dublin North Central & spokesperson for Justice and Catherine Ardagh, Fianna Fail TD for Dublin South Central, spoke to Matt about what they think needs to be done to make the city's streets safer.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the discussion.

Pope Francis' health scare leaves many wondering if he will resign, living in a cabin in the garden, and the future of the James Bond franchise.Fionnuala Jones and Dave Hanratty join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Elon Musk took to the stage in Washington this week and showed off a chainsaw given to him by Argentina’s president Javier Milei. Musk went on to say that it was his “chainsaw for bureaucracy”, whilst also wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat.Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at University of Galway & Columnist with TheJournal.ie joined Matt on Friday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne joins The Last Word to discuss measures being considered by government to boost homebuilding and address the housing crisis.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to discuss how artificial intelligence is evolving and how soon we could see a version of AI that adapts and learns like humans.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Ian Guider, columnist with The Business Post, joins Matt to discuss all the big business headlines from Wednesday.IDA Ireland plans to deliver 75,000 new jobs in their five year plan, amid economic and political uncertaintyListen here for all the latest business news

Ahead of the release of his new show Small Town, Big Story on Sky Atlantic, actor Chris O’Dowd was the latest guest to be inducted into The Last Word’s Culture Club.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear his choices.

Government is expected to announce changes to the €800 tax-free payment given to those hosting Ukrainian refugees in the coming weeks.Of the 80,000 Ukrainians still in Ireland, more than 36,000 are living in private accommodation under the Accommodation Recognition Payment scheme which is due to expire on March 31st.Emma Lane Spollen, national coordinator with the Ukraine Civil Society Forum, and Matt Carthy. Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson on justice, home affairs and migration, join The Last Word to discuss to what extent Ireland should continue to support Ukrainian refugees in Ireland.Catch the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The government is said to be considering relaxing planning rules on modular homes in back gardens in the latest effort to ease Ireland’s housing crisis.Minister of State at the Department of Housing, John Cummins and Martin Markey, Chief Executive of the Hardware Association of Ireland spoke to Matt on Wednesday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

The United States and Russia have agreed to have closer cooperation and continue planning an end to the war in Ukraine following a meeting of officials in Saudi Arabia.Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and journalist Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss this and more of the week’s news from the United States.Catch the full conversation by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!

More than 80,000 homes are lying vacant in Ireland despite the ongoing housing crisis, according to new analysis from An Post.Jude Sherry, director of Anois, and Orla Hegarty, architect & assistant professor at the School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy at UCD, join The Last Word to discuss what could be done to get many of these empty properties back in to use.Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!

The tourism industry has raised concerns over the government’s plans to introduce a so-called ‘accommodation levy’ on hotels and short terms lettings in Dublin.Darragh Moriarty, Labour Councillor in Dublin City Council and Paul Gallagher, Chief Executive of the Irish Hotels Federation, spoke to Matt about the idea.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Manchester United now sit in 15th place after losing 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur yesterday, in what Miguel Delaney of the Independent described as the worst Premier League match he attended all season.Meanwhile, after dropping points against Everton in the Merseyside derby last week, Liverpool got back to winning ways on Sunday when they beat Wolves 2-1 and stayed 7 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table.Miguel spoke to Matt and Off The Ball's Will O’Callaghan about the weekend’s results on Monday's The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button to hear the chat.

If time and budgets are limited, Sarah Slattery, thetravelexpert.ie, suggests affordable day trips to European cities, from Paris, to Bergamo, to Amsterdam.To catch the full conversation, press the ‘play’ button on this page.

A 34-year-old man has died after he was stabbed in Dublin city centre in the early hours of Saturday morning.Meanwhile, new figures released by An Garda Síochána shows that the number of knives that were seized in Ireland is up by 58% between 2015 and 2024. So, what’s being done to tackle the issue of knife crime in Ireland?Matt spoke to criminologist Trina O’Connor and Richard Guiney, Chief Executive of Dublin Town, to hear their views.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation