The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Eoin Hayes suspended from the Social Democrats, Donald Trump is Time's Person of the Year and the real-life Succession plans.Breda Brown, communications director at Unique Media, and Lorcan Nyhan, head of training with 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!

The Climate Change Advisory Council has proposed reducing emissions in Ireland by 67% by 2040, stating that the country has failed to rise to the challenge of tackling climate change.Environment commentator John Gibbons spoke to Matt about this warning on Friday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Michael Foley, Sportswriter with The Sunday Times and Chief Sportswriter with the Irish Daily Star, Kieran Cunningham, joined Matt to look back at the best sports books that were released in 2024.Among their choices were “The Racket” by Conor Niland, “Unladylike” by Hayley Kilgallon and Johnny Sexton’s “Obsessed”.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the rest of their picks.

Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to talk through his top picks for sound tech, phones and tablets for gifts this Christmas.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe and journalist Lise Hand were back once again for The Last Word’s review of the best non-fiction books of the past 12 months.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their choices.

Actor Simon Delaney is the latest inductee into the Culture Club.The author of new novel 'Watching Over You' joins The Last Word to discuss his favourite music, movies, TV and more.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Credit unions' mortgage and business lending capacity are set to treble in the coming years under proposals from the Central Bank.Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss what this means for customers and more of the day's business news.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

On Wednesday’s The Last Word, Vaughan Yates, founder of The Virgin Mary Bar, gave his choices of non-alcoholic drinks for you to enjoy throughout the Christmas period.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear what he picked.

Authors Edel Coffey and Kevin Power joined Matt on Wednesday for The Last Word’s annual Fiction Books of the Year slot.Edel’s choices included Ferdia Lennon’s “Glorious Exploits” and “Intermezzo” by Sally Rooney, while Kevin picked “The Proof of My Innocence” by Jonathan Coe and Colin Barrett’s “Wild Houses”, among many others.To hear their full list of choices hit the ‘Play’ button on this page.

Russell Alford and Patrick Hanlon, AKA the GastroGays and Restaurant Critics with the Sunday Times, had their choices of just some of their favourite cookbooks published in 2024.To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.Cook: Traditional Irish Cooking with Modern Twists by Graham HerterichSaladology by Theo Kirwan (Sprout & Co)Simply Jamie by Jamie OliverWhole Catch by Aishling MooreSeason by Mark MoriartyCooking with Anna Haugh: Modern Home Cooking With Irish Heart by Anna Haugh A Compendium of Irish Pints by Ali DunworthThe Home Sommelier by Brigid O'Hora

Judith Boyle, beverage lecturer at TU Dublin, had her seasonal choices of best beers and ales to pair with your Christmas diner or for parties during the holiday season.To listen to the full conversations, press the 'play' button below.

A 26-year-old has been charged with murdering Brian Thompson, UnitedHealthcare’s CEO.According to officials, Luigi Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania after he was spotted eating at a McDonald’s.Nationally syndicated columnist Cal Thomas & Marion McKeone, US Correspondent with the Business Post, joined Matt for this week’s US slot to discuss this.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

The (UK) Independent's Chief Football Writer, Miguel Delaney, joins Matt to discuss all the action from the Premier League over the weekend.Chelsea announce themselves in the title race, Man City drop points again and Man United lose at home to soaring Forest.Hit 'Play' to get the latest.

Brigid O'Hora, author of The Home Sommelier and wine expert with Classic Drinks, introduced Matt to some new wines, white, red and sparkling, to try with the turkey and trimmings.Brigid's recommendations are; Cremant de Bordeaux Ballerin, NV. €40Avanzi Lugana Sirmione, Italy €15Bodegas Valdesil Godello, Valdeorras, Spain €24 Fleurie, Famille Chermette, Poncie, Beaujolais €18 Chateau Puynard, Cotes de Blaye ‘The Steps’ Merlot/ Cabernet Sauvignon €20 To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Sarah Slattery from travelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to discuss the best Christmas markets and experiences in Ireland this festive season. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ was written in just 15 minutes in August.It went on to become one of the most iconic Christmas tunes of all time.Join Louise Cantillon for a Last Word on Music Christmas Special, with the story behind Mariah Carey’s iconic 'All I Want For Christmas Is You'.

The FAI apologises over use of 'Londonderry' in a match programme, Marian Price sues Disney over 'Say Nothing' scene and growing number of allegations against Masterchef's Greg Wallace.Roe McDermott, advice columnist with The Irish Times, and Kieran Cunningham, chief sports writer with the Irish Daily Star, join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Children in mixed schools have more friends than those at single-sex schools and boys in all-boys schools have the lowest level of closeness to their friends according to new research.Irish Times Parenting Columnist Jen Hogan joins The Last Word to discuss why she thinks co-education is best for boys and girls.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

With the Green Party out and Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael on course to be back in government, John Gibbons joins The Last Word to discuss what the general election result could mean for Ireland's fight against climate change.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to talk through his top picks for kitchen and beauty tech that could make wonderful gifts this Christmas. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Frank Greaney, Courts Correspondent, Today FM, had the details of Mr Justice Alexander Owen's judgement on legal costs after Nikita Hand won her civil case against Conor McGregor.

Chef Mark Moriarty joined Matt on the Culture Club to discuss his favourite music, books, film and TV.He also spoke about his new book Season: Master the Elements of Amazing Taste.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

It's that season where work Christmas parties are in full swing and they can often make or break office relations.Julie Galbraith, partner and head of employment law at Eversheds Sutherland, to discuss what employers and employees should keep in mind to prevent a HR hangover after the festivities.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The 2024 general election saw voter turnout fall to record low levels, but many are sceptical about the reliability of the turnout figures due to flaws with the electoral register.Art O'Leary, chief executive of the Electoral Commission, joins The Last Word to explain why the register might be overstated and to answer more of your questions about last Friday's vote.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' on this page.

With government formation talks commencing this week Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with The Irish Independent, had some recommendations that the new government could use in order to ease the cost of living.He also discussed how an IT issue led to some PTSB customers facing a delay in receiving their wages on Friday.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear his chat with Matt.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.