The Last Word with Matt Cooper
3,206 episodes — Page 29 of 65
Deposit Return Scheme Having A Positive Impact On Litter Blackspots
A survey conducted by An Taisce on behalf of Irish Business Against Litter found that litter from cans and bottles has reduced significantly around Ireland since the introduction of the deposit return scheme.Ian Guider was joined by Conor Horgan from IBAL to discuss this.Press the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the full chat.
Does Recent Success At The European Championships Gloss Over Investment Issues In Irish Athletics?
Last week, Ireland won two gold and two silver medals at the European Athletics Championships in Rome. It was the most successful championships since 1998.Athletics journalist Cathal Dennehy joined Ian Guider to discuss the financial challenges that athletes and coaches face in this country, and how more investment is needed in the sport to help development.Click the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the full chat.
The Week Trending
Eamon Ryan steps down from the Green Party, heatwaves sweeping Europe and beyond and Taylor Swift is a 'Derry girl'.Ian Power, CEO of Spunout.ie, and Roe McDermott, Irish Times advice columnist, joined The Last Word to discuss the week's biggest trending stories.
Defence Forces Begin Disciplinary Procedures Following Crotty Suspended Sentence Over Assault of Woman
Criminologist Trina O'Connor and Kate Mitchell, Head of Development and Policy for The National Women's Council of Ireland, discuss the suspended sentence handed down to Cathal Crotty after his conviction for the assault of Natasha O'Brien in Limerick where she was left unconscious. To catch the full conversation, press the 'Play' button below.
Kneecap Win Court Ruling To Challenge UK Funding Block
Kneecap have been granted leave by the Belfast High Court to proceed with a judicial review after the UK government blocked them from receiving their funding award.Dee Reddy joins Ian to discuss the outcome of this court case for the music scene.
Rishi Sunak Is Set To Lose Seat According to UK Poll
With two weeks to go before the UK general election, Nick Ferrari joins Ian to discuss the projections that Sunak may become the first ever sitting PM to lose his own seat in a general election.
Tech Thursday: Can AI Translate What Your Pet is Trying to Tell You?
Have you ever wondered what your pet is trying to tell you? Andy O’Donoghue joins the Last Word for this week's Tech Thursday to discuss the possibility that AI could translate what your pet is saying.For the full conversation, press the 'play' button below...
Aer Lingus To Cancel Up To 20pc Of Flights Each Day Next Week
Thousands of passengers will see their travel plans affected next week as Aer Lingus pilots begin their industrial action on Wednesday, 26th June.Travel commentator Eoghan Corry joined Ian Guider to give an update on what customers can expect in the coming days.Click the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the full chat.
Just Stop Oil Activists Arrested After Stonehenge Protest
Two people have been arrested after Just Stop Oil activists sprayed powder on Stonehenge.John Gibbons joined Ian Guider to discuss the fallout from the protest and also gave his reaction to the news that Eamon Ryan will step down as leader of the Green Party.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.
The Battle to Replace Eamon Ryans Begins
Roderic O’Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality Disability, Integration and Youth joins Ian on the show to discuss the Green Party Leadership election.
Culture Club: Andrea Mara
Thriller writer Andrea Mara, author of Someone in the Attic, joined The Last Word this week for the Culture Club. Press the 'Play' button on this page to hear her choices!
The Last Word on Business: NVIDIA Beats Microsoft to Become World's Most Valuable Firm
Nivida made history this Tuesday becoming the world's most valuable company, with a market cap of $3.335 trillion Lorcan Allen joins The Last Word to discuss this and other headlines in the world of business with thanks to Forvis Mazars, the next exciting chapter for Mazars. Same local team, new global reach. Press the 'play' button below to catch up on the full conversation...
Huge Rise In Cost of Funerals is Worrying Older People and Their Families
A RED C Survey conducted by An Post Insurance revealed that the price of funerals has skyrocketed by 42% since 2016 David McGowan of McGowan Funeral Directors and Nat O’Connor, Senior Public Affairs & Policy Specialist, Age Action join the show to discuss. Press the ‘play’ button below to catch up on the full conversation
What Rights Do Customers Have When Flights Are Cancelled Due To Strikes?
This week, the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association announced that Aer Lingus pilots would begin an indefinite work-to-rule action from Wednesday, 26 June.Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, joined Ian Guider to explain what rights customers have when if flights are cancelled or delayed due to strikes.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the full conversation.
White House Says Video Of Joe Biden "Freezing" Are Cheap Fakes
A new ad has been released by the Biden campaign highlighting Trumps criminal record.Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join Ian to discuss all the updates from the US.
Is There A Potato Shortage?
Many growers are reporting that some of your favorite varieties of potatoes have been lost due to poor weather conditions this year have caused a shortage. Food Economist Ciaran Fitzgerald joins Ian to discuss the impact on you.
What's Next for the Green Party as Eamon Ryan Steps Down as Party Leader?
In an announcement after today's cabinet meeting, Eamon Ryan stated his intentions to step as leader of the Green Party, Minister for Transport, Environment, Climate and Communications and that he would not contest the next general election in the Dublin Bay South constituency.Daniel McConnell, Editor of The Business Post and Sarah Carey, Columnist for the Irish Independent join Ian Guider, standing in for Matt, to discuss the possible reasons behind the Minister's choice to step down after a disappointing showing for the Green Party in the recent local and European elections.Gary Murphy, Professor of Politics at the School of Law and Government in DCU and Aisling Moloney, political correspondent for the Irish Daily Mail join the show to discuss what the future holds for the Green Party and who might be chosen as Ryan's successor.
Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan On His Decision To Step Down
Minister for the Environment and Transport Eamon Ryan joined The Last Word to explain why he has taken the decision to step down as leader of the Green Party.
Is Manifesting More Science Than Magical Thinking?
Dr Sabina Brennan, psychologist and neuroscientist, explains why she wanted to investigate the social media phenomenon of manifesting and find out if there was science based evidence for some of it's claims. She talks to Ian Guider about her new book, The Neuroscience of Manifesting.To catch the full conversation, press the 'Play' button below.
What, if Anything, Should Be Done to Stop Protests at the Homes of Politicians?
With further protests taking place outside the home of Taoiseach, Simon Harris over the weekend, the question is being raised across the country as to whether or not these protests should be put to a stop.Conor Lally, Security and Crime Editor for the Irish Times and Fianna Fail Senator, Malcom Byrne joins The Last Word to discuss protests that have taken place over the last number months and a bill brought forward by Senator Byrne that could see protests outside the homes of politicians result in convictions and jail timeTo catch up on the full conversation, press the 'play' button below...
Visiting The Spanish City Of Salamanca
Sinéad Kennedy, author of Life is a Cycle and solo travel expert, joined The Last Word to discuss all the great things to see and do in the Spanish city of Salamanca.Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!
Thousands Of Disqualified Drivers Fail To Give Up Licence
Around 10,000 disqualified drivers have failed to hand over their licences in the last two years. Despite this, only 26 people were prosecuted and one convicted for the offence in 2022 and 2023.Conor Lally, security and crime editor with The Irish Times, joined The Last Word to discuss this issue.
One In Four First Time Buyers Move County To Buy Home
Ali Ugur, chief economist with the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland, and Marian Finnegan, managing director of Sherry Fitzgerald Residential & Advisory, joined The Last Word to discuss why almost a quarter of first-time buyers are buying properties outside their own counties.Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!
Irish Athletes Star In Rome, Fr. Dougal Meets The Pope And Rishi Sunak’s Election Campaign
Brianna Parkins, Columnist with the Irish Times, and Kieran Cunningham, Chief Sports Writer with the Irish Daily Star, joined Matt to discuss some of the big stories that made the news this week.Plus, Brianna explained why she has decided to move home to Australia after living in Ireland for 5 years.Click the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the full chat.
The Last Word on Environment: What Will European Election Results Mean For Climate Change Measures?
John Gibbons joins Matt to discuss the possible impacts the European election results may have on climate change measures as the new parliament term begins.To catch up on the full conversation, click the 'play' button below...
Who Will Win Euro 2024?
Euro 2024 gets underway this weekend in Germany.Matt was joined by Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer with the UK Independent, Gavin Cooney, Sportswriter with The42.ie and former Republic of Ireland international Tony Cascarino to preview the tournament.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to catch the full chat.
Tech Thursday: Tech For Your Summer Roadtrips
Andy O'Donoghue has recommendations on how technology can bring your summer roadtrip to the next level.We also discuss big changes on 'X' as we will no longer be able to view what tweets others have likedFor the full conversation, press the 'play' button below...
How To Look After Your Gut
Leading gastro dietitian Lorraine Cooney joined The Last Word to discuss gut health and her new book Why You Can't Go.Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!
800,000 Jobs At Risk From AI According to Government Report
A series of Government reports show that the Irish labour market is slightly more exposed to AI because of our knowledged based economy. Elaine Burke, host of For Tech's Sake podcast and Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME, discuss the findings of the reports.Catch the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button below.
Paul McLoone On 25 Years In The Undertones
Paul McLoone joins Matt for Culture Club.They're chatting music, film and everything that's happened within 25 years of The Undertones!
Electricity Regulator Wants To Put Levy On Bills To Subsidise Renewable Energy
Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor at the Irish Independent joined Matt to discuss how Ireland’s energy regulator could add a charge to household electricity bills in October in order to subsidise renewable energy operators.Click the ‘Play’ button on this page to listen to the full conversation.
Hunter Biden Found Guilty In Gun Trial
Hunter Biden has been convicted of three charges in his federal gun trial, making him the first son of a sitting US president to receive a criminal prosecution. Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and Marion McKeone, US correspondent for The Business Post joined The Last Word to discuss this and more of the week's biggest stories from the United States.Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!
Author Kevin Barry on Finally Finishing the First Novel He Ever Tried to Write
Kevin Barry, author of Dark Lies the Island, City of Bohane and Night Boat to Tangier returns with his new book The Heart in WinterBarry joins The Last Word to discuss his career to this point and the writing behind his new bookCatch the full conversation by pressing the 'play' button below...
Economy In Good Shape But "Uncertain World" A Cause For Concern
With interest rates in the news at the moment, is the economy in a healthy state?Gabriel Makhlouf, Governor of the Central Bank joins Matt to discuss the biannual financial stability review.
The Last Word on Travel: Family Activities in Cork City
Sarah Slattery from TravelExpert.ie joins Matt to relive a recent trip to Cork and gives tips on the best places to stay, great spots to eat and some great activities for family'sTo catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button below...
Why Did Sinn Féin Fail To Make A Breakthrough In The Local And European Elections?
Fine Gael TD and Minister of State for EU Affairs & Defence, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, and Sinn Féin TD & party Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty joined The Last Word as counting for the local and European elections on Monday evening.Click the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the full chat.
Apple Have Unveiled New AI Tools
Ian Guider joins Matt to talk through all the new changes Apple have announced will be added to the iPhone and iPad. Plus they discuss the companies that have offered to build the power connections to connect their data centres.
The Week Trending
Rishi Sunak ditches D-Day event, AI in elections and Gail leaves Coronation Street...Writer and broadcaster Aoife Barry and Eoghan Tomas McDermott, managing director of the Communications Clinic, joined The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!
GAA Told No More Funding for Facilities Unless Females Players Get Equal Access
Junior Minister for Sport, Thomas Byrne, has warned GAA clubs and county boards that state funding would be withheld for facilities if female players are not given equal access. Sinead O'Carroll, Editor of the Journal.ie and Professor of psychology at University Limerick, Orla Muldoon, join Matt to discuss.To catch up on the full conversation, press the 'play' button below...
Robbie Keane Steps Down As Manager Of Maccabi Tel Aviv
Gavin Cooney, Sports Writer with the42.ie speculates on what might be next for former Ireland striker Robbie Keane as he steps down as manager of Israeli team Macabbi Tel Aviv.To catch the full conversation press the 'Play' button below.
The Last Word on Environment: UN Chief Wants to Ban Fossil Fuel Advertising as Two Studies Highlight New Climate Records
John Gibbons joins The Last Word to discuss news that the Un Chief is considering banning fossil fuel advertising as new studies have revealed new climate change records have been hit.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button below...
ECB To Cut Interest Rates For First Time In Nearly Two Years
The European Central Bank has announced that it will cut interest rates by 0.25%.Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International & Economic Affairs and Martina Hennessy of Doddl.ie joined Matt to explain what this could mean for mortgage holders in Ireland.Click the ‘Play’ button on this page to listen to the full chat.
Essential Gadgets For Summer Festivals
For Tech Thursday on The Last Word, Andy O'Donoghue put together a list of the latest essential tech and gadgets for anyone going to a festival this summer.Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!
Culture Club: Oisín McKenna
Author of Evenings and Weekends Oisín McKenna joined The Last Word this week for The Culture Club!Press the 'Play' button on this page to hear his choices.
Some Migrant Candidates are Scared to Canvass
Several local election candidates with a migrant background from across the country have said they are "too scared" to go out and canvass ahead of the polls opening this Friday due to the racist abuse they have faced.Teresa Buczkowska, Political Participation Coordinator with the Immigrant Council of Ireland and Gary Murphy, Professor of Politics at the School of Law and Government in DCU join The Last Word to discuss the impact this is having on the migrant candidates as well as the legislation surrounding the migrant populations right to voteTo catch the full conversation press the 'play' button below...
Personal Finance: How To Get The Most Out Of Your PRSI
Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with The Irish Independent, joined Matt to discuss what benefits you could receive if you’re paying PRSI.Click the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the full chat.
SSE to Lodge New Plans for a Second Windfarm off of County Wicklow
SSE are set to submit planning applications for the development of a second windfarm off the shore of Wicklow that would see up to 56 turbines installed.Ian Guider joins The Last Word to discuss this and other headlines in the world of business with thanks to Forvis Mazars, the next exciting chapter for Mazars. Same local team, new global reach.Press the 'play' button below to catch up on the full conversation...
Hunter Biden Goes On Trial With Gun Charges
Cal Thomas, and Marion McKeone join Matt to discuss the updates on Joe Biden's Mexican Border executive order, Hunter Biden on trial, and Donald Trump saying that 'Americans won't stand for him to be imprisoned' after his guilty verdict.Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page.
RSA Calls For Doubling Of Penalty Points For Driving Offences
The Road Safety Authority is calling for emergency legislation to double the number of penalty points given to drivers for speeding and mobile phone use.It comes as 81 people have died on Irish roads so far this year, the worst record in a decade.Geraldine Herbert, motoring editor of the Sunday Independent, and Susan Gray, chairperson and founder of PARC Road Safety Group, joined The Last Word to discuss whether increasing penalty points would help make roads safer.Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page.
Investigation Launched Into Incident Where Taoiseach Was ‘Jostled’ In Mayo
A Garda investigation has been launched after Taoiseach Simon Harris was confronted by protestors whilst on the campaign trail in Co. Mayo last weekend.Louise Burne, Political Correspondent with The Irish Daily Mirror and Daniel McConnell, Editor of The Business Post, joined Matt to discuss whether such incidents could lead to politicians needing more protection.Click the ‘Play’ button on this page to listen to the conversation.