The Last Word with Matt Cooper

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.

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.

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.

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.

Episode 5: 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 8 of the campaign, Fianna Fáil launches their plan to tackle crime leading to a fight back from Fine Gael, we delve into People Before Profit's transport policy focuses on their key free of charge proposal and Labour's proposals for the primary care sector. Sean Defoe also joins Ben for a round up of the first week of the campaign.

Episode 4: 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 7 of the campaign Simon Harris reveals Fine Gael's election slogan, People Before Profit Solidarity launch their manifesto, Sinn Féin put forward their immigration plan and Andrew Lowth joins us to discuss the Finna Fáil healthcare plan.

Paul McAuliffe, Fianna Fáil spokesperson on social protection, local government and electoral reform, and Pa Daly, Sinn Fein justice spokesperson, join The Last Word to discuss what their parties would do to manage crime and increase safety on the streets if they are in the next government.Hear the full debate by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

This week, President-elect Donald Trump began announcing his nominations for top roles within his administration. Among the nominations are Republican congressman Matt Gaetz to serve as attorney general, Stephen Miller to become deputy chief of staff for policy and Kristi Noem for the role of Homeland Security Secretary.Marion McKeone, US Correspondent, Business Post and Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at University of Galway & Political Columnist with TheJournal.ie, explained what this may mean when Trump takes over as President.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

COP29 is being held in Azerbaijan until the 22nd of November, and the country’s president Ilham Aliyev has criticised "Western fake news" regarding the country's emissions, saying that oil and gas are a “gift from God”.Meanwhile, Argentina has pulled out of talks in Baku after the country’s president Javier Milei previously said that climate change is a “socialist lie”.Commentator John Gibbons joined Matt for this week’s environment slot.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

George Hamilton is the latest inductee into the Culture Club.The legendary sports commentator, Lyric FM presenter and author of The Hamilton Notes joins The Last Word to discuss his favourite music, books, movies and more. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Episode 3: 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 6 of the campaign Fine Gael launched their childcare policies including their commitment to the 'baby bundles', The Social Democrats, Labour and Fianna Fáil all announced pledges around renters and home delivery, and Ellen Butler joins us to discuss how these housing policies stack up.

Elon Musk was one of the biggest contributors to US president-elect Donald Trump’s election campaign and now he will play a significant role in the Trump administration as he is appointed to lead a new government efficiency agency.Eric Lipton, investigative reporter with the New York Times in Washington, joins The Last Word to discuss how tech billionaire Musk and his businesses stand to benefit from Trump's presidency.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

On Wednesday, The Last Word continued its buildup to November 29th’s general election, this time looking at how immigration will affect how people cast their votes.Colm Brophy, Fine Gael TD for Dublin South-West and Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín joined Matt to discuss their positions on the subject.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

On day six of the campaign trial, Gary Murphy Professor of Politics at the School of Law and Government in DCU, joined Matt to assess the election campaign so far, and to consider whether a Trump-style Department of Government Efficiency could work in Ireland. To listen to the full conservation, press the 'play' button on this page.

On Tuesday’s music slot, John Caddell and music journalist Zara Hedderman reacted to the news that Robbie Williams is set to play Croke Park next summer.Also up for discussion was the upcoming BBC Two documentary ‘Boybands Forever’, Olivia Rodrigo announcing a date for Marlay Park and Simon & Garfunkel’s reconciliation.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

This week on the Last Word on The US, Marion McKeone is joined by Larry Donnelly to discuss the first appointments to Trump's cabinet.The appointments so far suggest a massive deportation programme to come.

Episode 2: 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 5 of the campaign we have Sinn Féin launching their housing policy, The Green Party launching their manifesto and Andrew Lowth joins Ben to discuss what parties are pledging to do with the Apple tax money.

Author and journalist Catherine Sanz joins The Last Word to discuss her book 'Drama Drives Interest: The Web Summit Story' which looks at the rise and fall, and rise again, of the massive tech event and its notorious CEO Paddy Cosgrave.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'play' button on this page!

Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, eGovernment and Circular Economy and Green Party candidate Ossian Smyth and Senator Fiona O'Loughlin, Fianna Fáil candidate, join The Last Word to debate what climate actions their parties' will take if they are in the next government.Catch the full debate by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Manchester City lost their fourth consecutive game for the first time in Pep Guardiola’s career, leaving his side 5 points adrift of Liverpool at the top of the table.How concerned should Guardiola be about City’s form, and is Liverpool’s momentum sustainable throughout the season?Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer with The Independent and Off The Ball’s Will O’Callaghan joined Matt on Monday for a debrief of the weekend’s Premier League results.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Episode 1: Over the next three weeks politicians will be pounding the pavements, knocking on doors, kissing babies and making promises. After months of speculation - a General Election will take place in Ireland. Polling day will be Friday, November 29th. 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.With a new episode coming every weekday evening you won’t miss a thing.To kick us off, we have Michael O'Leary's teaching moment, a housing debate and promises to end government waste.

Ireland were beaten by the All Blacks on Friday night in their opening fixture of the 2024 Autumn Internationals, ending their 19-game unbeaten run at the Aviva Stadium.Matt was joined by Paul Wallace and Will O’Callaghan from Off The Ball to discuss how Andy Farrell's side will look to bounce back against Argentina and the lack of atmosphere inside the stadium.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

In the first of our election debates, Eoin Ó Broin, housing spokesperson for Sinn Féin, and Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure and Fine Gael housing spokesperson, joined Matt to debate the housing crisis, which remains the biggest issue for many voters heading to the polls on November 29th.To catch the full debate, press the 'play' button on this page.

Fine Gael is scrambling to limit the fallout after controversial comments Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary made about teachers at a party event.Daniel McConnell, editor of the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss what's been going on in the first few days of the general election campaign.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Orla Ryan from TheJournal.ie and Eoghan Tomás McDermott, Managing Director at the Communications Clinic, join Matt to discuss the big news stories of the week. Donald Trump’s victory hailed as ‘the biggest political comeback in US history,’ General Election 2024 gets underway at home, and fans clash in Amsterdam after Ajax vs Maccabi Tel Aviv tie. For all the week's biggest news, hit ‘Play’ now. 

The 2024 general election is officially underway with just three weeks until polling day on Friday, November 29.Gary Murphy, professor of politics at the School of Law and Government in DCU, Sarah Carey, columnist with the Irish Independent, and Daniel McConnell, editor of the Business Post, join The Last Word to discuss the issues that could define the general election campaign. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer with The Independent, has released his new book “States of Play: How Sportswashing Took Over Football”. It looks at how modern football has never been more powerful, yet the injection of money into the sport is creating a host of issues on a global scale.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear his chat with Matt.

After Donald Trump was elected as the 47th US President this week, environmental campaigners have expressed concerns about his impact on attempts to tackle climate change.Environmental commentator John Gibbons joined Matt to discuss this on Thursday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to talk about the best home sound system tech to elevate your listening experience.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.