The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Eoghan Murphy was Minister for Housing from 2017 to 2020 and it was a tenure that received widespread criticism as homeless figures continued to rise and the housing crisis worsened.He has released his book “Running from Office: Confessions of Ambition and Failure in Politics” about his time in government and on Thursday, he joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss it.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss what impact Donald Trump's US presidential victory will have on the economy in Ireland, Europe and the rest of the world. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Donald Trump has been elected US president for a second time, making a remarkable comeback from his loss against Joe Biden in 2020.Marion McKeone, US correspondent for the Business Post, Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated columnist, and Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at University of Galway and political columnist with TheJournal.ie, join The Last Word to discuss Trump's victory and what his second term as president will look like.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Matt was joined by Gary Murphy, Professor of Politics at the School of Law and Government in DCU and Danny McConnell, Editor, Business Post, to discuss the impact of Donald Trump's victory for Irish politics, trade and security.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

As millions head to the polls in the United States the knife-edge presidential election is still all to play for. Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and Marion McKeone, US correspondent for the Business Post, join The Last Word to assess each candidate's performance in the final days of the campaign and concerns about violence over election outcome.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Lawrence Donegan, author of the ‘GoodbyeDonald?’ Substack blog spoke to The Last Word live from Mar-a-Lago in Florida to give an update on the feeling on the ground as voting continues in the 2024 US Presidential race.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear his chat with Matt.

Sarah Carey, Columnist at the Irish Independent, Gary Murphy, Professor of Politics at the School of Law and Government in DCU and Louise Burne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Mirror spoke to Matt about how the coming weeks could play out for each political party once the general election is called.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

The cap on passenger numbers at Dublin Airport, which was due to come into effect next summer, is set to be paused after a decision by the High Court on Monday.Ian Guider joined Matt for The Last Word’s daily business news to explain the decision.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Russell Alford, co-restaurant critic with The Sunday Times and one half of the Gastro Gays, returns to The Last Word to discuss more of his favourite foodie travel destinations. This time he talks about the best food and restaurants in Seoul, South Korea and Chicago in the US.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

US presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump spent the weekend making last ditch efforts to drum up support before polling day.With just one day to go, Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at the University of Galway and political columnist with The Journal, joins The Last Word to asses each of the candidates' chances and what could happen once polls close.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Seven-time All-Ireland winner with Kilkenny Richie Hogan has released his new autobiography, “What It Takes”.He joined Matt to talk about his career that lasted almost two decades, infamous run-ins with teammates at training and what it’s like to be in the pundit’s chair after so much time spent as a player.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael appear to have joined forces to block a strategy from the Green Party, which includes new anti-pollution taxes for motorists, just before the general election is called.Tabitha Monahan, political reporter with the Irish Independent, and Brian Leddin, Green Party TD for Limerick City, join The Last Word to discuss.Listen to the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Dave Hanratty, host of the No Encore podcast and Voices Editor and Podcast Producer with TheJournal.ie, Laura Byrne, joined Matt on Friday for The Week Trending.Up for discussion was the fake Halloween parade on O’Connell Street, Michael Healy Rae’s use of a Taylor Swift deepfake ahead of the general election and Saoirse Ronan’s viral moment on last Friday’s Graham Norton Show.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

In the final days of the US presidential election, the race is on a knife edge as Donald Trump and Kamala Harris focus on getting as many people out to vote as possible.Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and Marion McKeone, US correspondent with the Business Post, join The Last Word to discuss why the race is so close, Trump's promise to 'protect women' and more.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

There’s huge Irish interest in the big screen this week as the hotly anticipated ‘Small Things Like These’ starring Cillian Murphy and Eileen Walsh hits cinemas.Also due for release this weekend is Steve McQueen’s latest film ‘Blitz’, set during World War II and starring Saoirse Ronan.Roe McDermott, Movies Editor with Hotpress, joined Matt to give her reviews.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their chat.

The death toll in Spain has surpassed 150 people after parts of Valencia saw a year’s worth of rainfall in eight hours.Environmental commentator John Gibbons joined Matt to explain how climate change has an impact on extreme weather events.Press the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to discuss a range of devices that allow viewers to get the best out of their streaming services.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

We’re just 5 days away from the US election, and both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have headed to the western states in their final attempts to sway voters in their favour.Lawrence Donegan, Author of the ‘GoodbyeDonald?’ Substack blog and US-based journalist Dave Hannigan joined Matt to continue The Last Word’s countdown to November 5th.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their chat.

Broadcasting legend Marty Whelan was this week’s inductee into The Last Word’s Culture Club.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear his choices.

Britain had its first budget under the new Labour government today and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves set out a plan to raise £40 billion in taxes as she promised to "fix the foundations" of the economy.Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to asses the UK budget and discuss more of the day's business news. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Matt spoke to journalist, producer and author Trevor Birney about his book Shooting Crows.The book details his arrest and investigation over his documentary from 2017 on the collusion between the RUC and Loyalists in the Loughlinisland Massacre. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Munster have confirmed the departure of head coach Graham Rowntree following a poor start in the season for the club. Liam Toland, former Munster and Leinster player, joins The Last Word to discuss Rowntree's shock exit and what's next for Munster.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

A comedian at a Donald Trump rally in New York's Madison Square Garden called Puerto Rico "a floating island of garbage" sparking outrage amongst both Democrats and Republicans.Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and Marion McKeone, US correspondent with the Business Post, join The Last Word just one week out from polling day in the US.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Nicola Tallant, Investigations Editor at the Sunday World, has released her new book “Web Of Betrayal: Murder In Ireland’s Brutal Gangland”, which looks at the murder of Robbie Lawlor and gives an insight into the infamous gangland feud in Drogheda, Co. Louth.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear her chat with Matt.

Traders in Dublin city centre are taking a High Court challenge over traffic measures introduced by the city council in August. Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss this and more of the day's business news, including the Irish business man who wants to be the next chief executive of fashion brand Boohoo.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

A new survey has found that Dublin is the second most expensive city in Europe. The clocks are going back this weekend, but should they? And King Charles was heckled while visiting Australia.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 conversation by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

With 11 days to go until America goes to the polls, Bruce Springsteen is the latest celebrity to endorse Kamala Harris for the presidency. He appeared at her rally in Georgia on Thursday night, which drew approximately 20,000 people.Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at the University of Galway and political columnist with TheJournal.ie Marion McKeone, US Correspondent with the Business Post joined Matt for Friday’s update from the States.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the conversation.

Writers Kevin Barry, Edel Coffey, Christine Bohan, Conor Niland and Bert Wright from the An Post Irish Book Awards joined Matt as he unveiled the nominees for this year's Last Word Listeners' Choice category. They also discussed the importance of the awards and why Ireland is a literary powerhouse.To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

John Gibbons returned for The Last Word’s weekly environment slot on Thursday.Up for discussion was the success of the deposit return scheme, whether nature’s carbon sink is failing, the Climate Change Advisory Council’s warning that Ireland could face an €8bn fine by 2030 if we fail to meet our climate targets and the effectiveness of disruptive climate protests.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

There's bad news for drivers as road tolls will rise on motorways once again next year, the fourth increase since 2022. Geraldine Herbert, motoring editor with the Sunday Independent, joins The Last Word to discuss why tolls are increasing and also the further rollout of average speed cameras on Irish roads.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The number of job vacancies has fallen significantly in the past year according two new reports looking at the Irish jobs market.Ian Guider joins The Last Word to discuss this and more of the day's business news.Catch the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The Swing Cats frontman Luke Thomas, who will be performing alongside Una Healy at this year’s Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, joined Matt for this week’s Culture Club.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear his choices.

From social setting to price point, Brigid O’Hora, author of ‘The Home Sommelier’, knows exactly what to look for when picking up the perfect bottle of wine.On Wednesday, she joined Matt on The Last Word to share some tips.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Veterinary surgeon Noel Fitzpatrick, aka the Supervet, joins The Last Word to discuss his new book 'Dogs And Their Humans' which tells the stories of healing and hope from his surgery and explores the unique relationship between dogs and the people that care for them.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The tragic death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne has raised questions in the music industry about the duty of care for young artists. Former boyband singer Robbie Williams and former X-Factor contestant Katie Waissel are among those who have raised concerns about the care and support provided to musicians in the industry.John Caddell and Dee Reddy join The Last Word to reflect on the effects of sudden stardom and what more can be done to protect young stars.Catch the full discussion by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Journalist and author Lara Marlowe has written a book about Lieutenant Yulia Mykytenko, who, at 29 years of age, has been fighting on the frontline for Ukraine since 2016.Lara, Yulia and Nazar Yatsyshyn spoke to Matt about what the future holds for Ukraine after Russia’s invasion in February 2022.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

US presidential nominees Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are neck and neck in the polls just two weeks out from the election.Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at the University of Galway and columnist with The Journal, Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and Marion McKeone, US correspondent with the Business Post, join The Last Word to discuss how both candidates are faring as they try to convince the undecided voters.Catch the full discussion by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

On Tuesday, Matt was joined by chef Neven Maguire to discuss the release of his 20th book “Eat Out At Home”.He talked about how to create the ideal dinner party menu, being 35 years in business at MacNean House in Blacklion and his love for 90’s dance music.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Dublin city needs 1,000 extra gardaí over three years and more cultural spaces according to a new report from a group tasked with developing proposals to improve the capital.David McRedmond, chief executive of An Post and chair of the Dublin City Taskforce, joins The Last Word to discuss these proposals.Catch the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Ulster beat Connacht in the interprovincial final in Croke Park on Saturday night, where the Football Review Committee’s proposed rule changes were trialled.Former All-Ireland winner with Galway, Ray Silke, and Off The Ball’s Will O’Callaghan joined Matt to give their verdict on whether the rules could improve the game in the long run.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Daniel McConnell, Editor of the Business Post, joined Matt to run through the day’s political stories.They discussed when the general election is likely to be called, how Gerry “The Monk” Hutch is reportedly considering running as an independent candidate and Heather Humphreys becoming the latest Fine Gael TD to step down.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Have you ever dreamt of coming face to face with gorillas in the wild? Sarah Slattery from the travelexpert.ie recently ticked gorilla trekking in Rwanda off her bucket list and she joins The Last Word to talk about her experience.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Written with Wham! band mate Andrew Ridgeley when George Michael was just 17 years old, Careless Whisper is now a modern-day classic.‘Careless Whisper’ holds a truly unparalleled legacy that resulted in George Michael becoming the youngest recipient of an Ivor Novello Award at just 21 years old, propelling him into global superstardom. Today, 40 years after its release, ’Careless Whisper’ resonates even more with new generations of listeners, with TikTok currently surpassing 700 million views, while on YouTube the video averages close to half a million views every day. It is also a member of YouTube’s and Spotify’s exclusive Billions Club.Join Today FM's Steve K for a Last Word Special on George Michael's iconic "Careless Whisper."

On the week trending Orla Ryan of thejournal.ie and Russell Alford, one half of the GastroGays discuss the tributes to singer Liam Payne and the criticism levelled at some media outlets for the way his death was reported. They also chat about the continued election speculation, and protests by members of the hospitality sector.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button below.

Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and Marion McKeone, US correspondent with the Business Post, join The Last Word to discuss Kamala Harris' appearance on Fox News, Donald Trump dropping out of interviews due to 'exhaustion' and more news from the US presidential election.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Lawrence Donegan has been travelling across the USA ahead of the US Presidential Election on November 5th and on Thursday, he joined Matt from Texas to describe the mood among voters before they go to the polls.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

On Thursday’s The Last Word, Matt and John Gibbons discussed whether implementing limits on data centres and passenger numbers at Dublin Airport will help or hinder Ireland’s economic progress.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Author of 'The Girl On The Train' Paula Hawkins joins The Last Word to discuss her new mystery thriller 'The Blue Hour' which is very different to her previous work.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

How can you use tech to make your kitchen smarter?Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to discuss the best kitchen tech and gadgets to improve your kitchen.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

New figures from the CSO show that house prices rose by more than 10% in the year to August, the fastest rate of increase in more than two years. Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss rising house prices and challenges in increasing housing supply.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.