The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Clodagh Finn and John Morgan join The Last Word to discuss the untold stories of the Irish WWII heroes who fought in the Resistance as told in their compelling book 'The Irish in the Resistance'.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

US President Joe Biden has pardoned Hunter Biden despite saying previously that he would not use his executive authority to pardon his son or commute his sentence.Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and Marion McKeone, US correspondent with the Business Post, join The Last Word to discuss this and more news from the United States.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Gregg Wallace has stepped away from presenting MasterChef after allegations of inappropriate behaviour were made by 13 people over a 17-year period against him.The BBC had previously announced a Celebrity MasterChef Cook-Off and a Strictly Festive Extravaganza. However, they have since been pulled from their Christmas schedule.Elaine Burke, host of the For Tech’s Sake podcast and The Last Word’s TV & Streaming contributor, spoke to Matt to explain the latest on the story.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their conversation.

Russell Alford, Food Critic for The Sunday Times and one half of the GastroGays, joined Matt for Tuesday’s travel slot.Bologna, a city famous for its authentic Italian food, was Russell’s choice this week.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear his recommendations.

As the 2024 general election comes to a close and the final few seats are filled around the country, Sarah Carey, Irish Independent columnist, and Gary Murphy, professor of politics at the School of Law and Government in DCU, join The Last Word to discuss who is likely to be in the next government.They are also joined by Harry McGee, political correspondent with the Irish Times, Lorcan Nyhan, head of training with The Communications Clinic, and Trina O'Connor, criminologist and community worker, to assess the turnout, the campaigns and how Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch came so close to being elected. Catch the full discussion by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Will O'Callaghan from Off The Ball and The Independent's Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney join Matt to discuss the weekend's Premier League action.Liverpool dominate Man City to go nine points clear at the top of the league, as Arsenal and Chelsea try to keep pace.Hit 'Play' to get all the latest.

Ian Guider, columnist with The Business Post, joins Matt to discuss the big business news of the day.According to the Central Statistics Office, the average weekly earnings for employees in the Irish economy rose by 5.3% year on year in the third quarter to stand at €955.49.Hit 'Play' to get the latest.

Two-time Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Davy Russell has released his autobiography.He spoke to Matt on The Last Word about his experience of riding Tiger Roll to win the Aintree Grand National in 2018, the sacrifices he made to ensure he succeeded in his career and his long road to recovery after fracturing two vertebrae and dislocating another in 2020.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

After a short three-week campaign, the 2024 general election is coming to a close.Daniel McConnell, editor of the Business Post, Tabitha Monahan, political reporter with the Irish Independent, and Gary Murphy, professor of politics at the School of Law and Government in DCU, join The Last Word to look back on the campaign and how it compared to the debates and personalities of elections past.Catch the full discussion by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has launched legal proceedings against a number of retailers nationwide for breaking sales pricing laws during Black Friday and January sales.Brian McHugh, chair of the CCPC, joins The Last Word to discuss the legal requirements retailers must stick to when displaying discounts.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Episode 14: It's Election Day and as votes are cast up and down the country, we look at what happens after.Sean Defoe joins Ben to discuss the election process after the ballots are closed, how transfer votes work and when we might see government formations begin.

Andy O’Donoghue had all the best Black Friday offers for this week’s Tech Thursday.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Episode 13: In the run up to the big day, join Today FM's Ben Finnegan as he covers what's being said across the political spectrum to help give you the best chance of being informed at the ballot box.On day 21 of the campaign, Jessica Woodlock joins us to discuss the Simon Harris interview on The Last Word, how parties expect their transfer votes to go and calls for young people to use their vote tomorrow.

Can you take a selfie in the polling booth? What happens if you make a mistake on your ballot? Can you vote without a polling card?Art O’Leary, chief executive of An Coimisiún Toghcháin, joins The Last Word to discuss the dos and don'ts of casting your vote in the general election. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris joined Matt on The Last Word ahead of Friday’s general election.Up for discussion was his time as health minister during the Covid-19 pandemic, Michael O’Leary’s comments about teachers and crime and policing issues.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

On The Last Word, writer Dermot Bolger discussed his favourite books, TV, music and other cultural influences.He also spoke his latest novel, Hide Away.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Episode 12: In the run up to the big day, join Today FM's Ben Finnegan as he covers what's being said across the political spectrum to help give you the best chance of being informed at the ballot box.On day 20 of the campaign, Andrew Lowth joins us to discuss the Leaders Debate on RTE last night, a junior minister makes a claim about the Occupied Territory Bill and Sinn Féin says they are ready for potential economic shocks if elected to government.

Cian O'Callaghan, deputy leader of the Social Democrats, is the latest leader interview on The Last Word ahead of the general election on November 29. He joins Matt to discuss his party's housing plans, healthcare and red lines for forming a government.Listen back to the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Charlie Weston from the Irish Independent joined Matt on Wednesday for The Last Word’s weekly personal finance slot.They discussed how, ahead of Black Friday, online shoppers are being warned not to pay “hidden” costs and how Black Friday and the Christmas period can be a key target for fraudsters.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Sarah Slattery from TheTravelExpert.ie was back for The Last Word on Travel where she gave the best Black Friday deals on offer for your next trip.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear her choices.

Episode 11: In the run up to the big day, join Today FM's Ben Finnegan as he covers what's being said across the political spectrum to help give you the best chance of being informed at the ballot box.On day 19 of the campaign, Eamonn Torsney talks us through all the do's and don'ts of voting, Fine Gael spoke to RTE about a certain viral video, Aontú says the government has failed drivers and People Before Profit put forward plans to avoid young people emigrating.

Musgraves, Tesco and Costcutter are among retailers who have said they are no longer stocking products linked to MMA fighter Conor McGregor following his civil rape trial.Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss the business fallout for McGregor after Nikita Hand, who accused McGregor of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, won her claim against him.Catch the full discussion by pressing the 'play' button on this page.

US President-elect Donald Trump has promised to impose hefty tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada and China on his first day in office, which he says is in retaliation for illegal immigration and “crime and drugs” coming into the US.Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and Marion McKeone, US correspondent with the Business Post, join The Last Word to discuss Trump's tariff plans, the dismissal of legal cases against the incoming President and more.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'play' button on this page!

On Tuesday, Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman spoke to The Last Word as the countdown to Friday’s general election continued.Matt asked him about the party’s climate targets, investment in infrastructure, and whether Tusla is fit for purpose following revelations that 53 children known to state services died in the space of three years.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Episode 11: In the run up to the big day, join Today FM's Ben Finnegan as he covers what's being said across the political spectrum to help give you the best chance of being informed at the ballot box.On day 18 of the campaign, Aidan Delaney discusses Mary Lou McDonald's interview on The Last Word, a new opinion poll reveals challenges for Fine Gael, we discuss Simon Harris' 'viral video' interaction with a carer in Cork and an independent assessment has found that the main parties election promises have failed when it comes to climate.

The Last Word continued its series of party leader interviews on Monday, and this time Matt was joined by Sinn Féin's Mary Lou McDonald.They discussed who Sinn Féin would be willing to go into government with, relations between Ireland and the USA and what can be done to improve the health service.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Ivana Bacik, leader of the Labour Party and candidate for Dublin Bay South joined the Last Word to outline her party's policies ahead of polling day.She spoke about forming a left alliance and whether she would consider a grand coalition of the left, the Labour Party policies on climate change and the dangers of being the junior coalition partner.To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Zach Tuohy, former Laois footballer and AFL player with Geelong and Carlton, has released his autobiography The Irish Experiment: From The GAA to the AFL.He spoke to Matt about his decision to pursue a career in professional sport, his life in Australia and what lies ahead in retirement.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their chat.

Episode 10: In the run up to the big day, join Today FM's Ben Finnegan as he covers what's being said across the political spectrum to help give you the best chance of being informed at the ballot box.On day 15 of the campaign, Sean Defoe is here to recap the second week of the campaign, Sinn Féin proposes a border poll, Independent Ireland is pledging 'green taxes' and People Before Profit discuss Ireland's neutrality.

Nikita Hand has won her civil rape case against MMA fighter Conor McGregor.The verdict came after a three-week trial during which Mr McGregor denied raping Ms Hand and insisted he had consensual sex with her.Today FM courts correspondent Frank Greaney, Cliona Saidléar, executive director of the Rape Crisis Network, and author Edel Coffey join The Last Word to discuss the landmark verdict.Hear the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Richard Boyd Barrett, leader of People Before Profit, joined The Last Word for his leader interview ahead of the general election.He spoke to Matt about the prospect of a left-wing coalition government, his party's plans for a state construction company and Ireland's military neutrality.Listen back to the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Episode 9: In the run up to the big day, join Today FM's Ben Finnegan as he covers what's being said across the political spectrum to help give you the best chance of being informed at the ballot box.On day 14 of the campaign, Aontú launch their manifesto, Labour commits to their disability support pledges, Fianna Fáil launches a plan for Dublin North Inner City and Sinn Féin announces policies aimed at keeping young people in Ireland. Andrew Lowth also joins Ben to discuss Sinn Féin's proposals.

Michael Collins, leader of Independent Ireland and candidate for Cork South-West, joined The Last Word for the latest general election leader interview.He spoke to Matt about what it means to have a political party made up of independents and his party's priorities when it comes to agriculture, immigration and protecting rural Ireland.Listen back to the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button this page.

From TVs to laptops and smartphones, Andy O'Donoghue had a comprehensive guide to the best value deals ahead of Black Friday.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

As next Friday's general election edges closer, environmental commentator John Gibbons joined Matt for an in depth look at how each political party intends on tackling climate change, should they make it into government.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Artist Maser spoke to Matt about his origins as a street artist, creating his now iconic Repeal the 8th image and all his picks for favourite music, TV, movies and more.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Episode 8: In the run up to the big day, join Today FM's Ben Finnegan as he covers what's being said across the political spectrum to help give you the best chance of being informed at the ballot box.On day 13 of the campaign, Jessica Woodlock joins Ben to discuss Micheal Martin's interview on The Last Word, Sinn Féin is defending their call for an independent review of RTÉ's coverage of international conflicts, Fianna Fáil commits to a new centre for autism and neurodivergent services and Labour is proposing new policies around additional Gardaí.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin is the latest party leader to be interviewed on The Last Word ahead of the general election on November 29th.The Fianna Fáil leader joined Matt in studio to discuss the cost of living, crime and policing and whether RTÉ should no longer be involved in GAA GO.Listen back to the full conversation by hitting the 'play' button on this page.

According to the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland, Labour costs and skills shortages are leading to the rise in overall home rebuild costs.Meanwhile, Bank of Ireland is cutting its fixed mortgage rates by 0.5% from today which will be welcome news for customers.Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, spoke to Matt on Wednesday’s personal finance slot.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their chat.

Episode 7: In the run up to the big day, join Today FM's Ben Finnegan as he covers what's being said across the political spectrum to help give you the best chance of being informed at the ballot box.On day 12 of the campaign, Ellen Butler is joining Ben to discuss last night's 10 person debate, Sinn Féin announces their manifesto, Fine Gael launches its health plan and a new plan to use the Apple Tax money for climate action is launched by Labour.

With the general election campaign in full swing, political parties are making a range of spending promises as they attempt to sway voters. But all that could be in jeopardy following Donald Trump's US presidential win.John Deasy, former TD and former Irish government envoy to US Congress, and Dan O’Brien, chief economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs, join The Last Word to discuss what a Trump presidency will mean for Ireland's economy and diplomacy.Catch the full discussion by pressing the 'play' button on this page.

Ahead of his return to the White House, President-elect Donald Trump has made a number of controversial appointments and nominations to his administration.Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and Marion McKeone, US Correspondent with the Business Post, join The Last Word to discuss the individuals Trump has chosen for critical Cabinet posts and top White House jobs. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Last night, ten political party leaders took part in the first major televised debate of the 2024 general election campaign.It lasted just over two hours, but how well did each leader perform and is it likely to sway any voting preferences?Daniel McConnell, Editor of the Business Post, joined The Last Word to analyse the standout moments.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

The Sunday Independent has reported that Aer Lingus has asked its staff to take unpaid leave in the new year as it plans to restructure its ground operations department at Dublin Airport in 2025.Meanwhile, medical device company Abbott is due to open a new manufacturing facility in Kilkenny, creating 800 jobs.Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joined Matt for Monday’s business news.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Episode 6: In the run up to the big day, join Today FM's Ben Finnegan as he covers what's being said across the political spectrum to help give you the best chance of being informed at the ballot box.On day 11 of the campaign, Fine Gael doubles down on its support forJohn McGahon, The Green Party announces it would be happy to go into government with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, People Before Profit put forward a new idea for renters and The Social Democrats commit to their pledges for rights for persons with disabilities. Eamonn Torsney also joins Ben to discuss the Fine Gael manifesto launch.

As political parties enter the second week of election campaigning, Louise Burne, Political Correspondent with The Irish Mirror, discussed the issues of the day including why Fine Gael is under fire for backing John McGahon as a candidate in Louth after images and video of a pub brawl were published online over the weekend.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

The Last Word kicked off its series of party leader interviews on Monday ahead of the general election on November 29th.First up was Aontú’s Peadar Tóibín, who spoke to Matt about immigration, public transport issues, the cost-of-living crisis and which parties he would be willing to go into government with.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post joined Matt for Friday’s business news.They discussed how a new health insurer, Level Health, has launched in Ireland. The move is expected to boost competition within the market.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Aoife Barry, journalist and author of Social Capital, and Ian Power, CEO of Spunout.ie, join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories including Leaving Cert reforms, the rise of Bluesky after Trump's election and Robbie Keane's wife hits out at 'dangerous' comments. Catch the full chat by pressing 'play' button on this page!

Sean Ronayne, ornithologist and author of Nature Boy: A Journey of Birdsong and Belonging, spoke to Matt about his love of nature, and his project to record every bird species in Ireland, and the importance of conservation.To catch the full conversation, press the ‘play’ button on this page.