The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Rising interest rates have added almost €3,000 to the annual mortgage repayments for the typical first-time buyer. With more interest rate rises expected in the coming months this will likely increase further. Matt was joined by Charlie Weston, personal finance editor with the Irish Independent to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Nearly two-thirds of retail workers are earning less than €451 per week, according to new research from the Mandate trade union. Matt was joined by Gerry Light, general secretary of Mandate, and Neil McDonnell, chief executive of ISME to discuss this report, as well as calls for the introduction of a living wage. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined Matt to discuss the stories making headlines in the US this week. This includes a UFO taskforce to look at suspected spy balloons, Mike Pence plans to fight a subpoena from the counsel investigating Donald Trump and Nikki Haley enters the 2024 presidential race. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

Killer Kenneth Noye, who stabbed 21-year-old Stephen Cameron to death in 1996, has spoken about the murder for the first time since his release from prison in a new book. The journey towards arresting Noye for the murder was one with a lot of twists. Journalist Donal MacIntyre, co-author of A Million Ways To Stay On The Run: The Uncut Story Of The International Manhunt For Public Enemy No1 Kenny Noye joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss this story. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

U2’s long-rumoured Las Vegas residency has been announced but the Irish band will be missing one member. Drummer Larry Mullen Jr won’t join U2 in Vegas because he has to undergo back surgery. To discuss this news and the other music stories making headlines this week Matt is joined by Dee Reddy and Dave Hanratty. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

Over half of women and around 20% of men will experience a form of osteoporosis in their life. The common health condition weakens people’s bones making them more fragile and more likely to break. Dr Brian Higgins joined Matt to explain more about osteoporosis and what people can do to try and prevent it. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

Rory O’Neill has been commended for his performance on RTE’s Dancing with the Stars, in which he dedicated his latest routine to Professor Fiona Mulcahy, one of the first doctors who treated him when he was diagnosed as HIV Positive. Also up for discussion with Joe O’Shea and Sarah McGuinness was ‘The Last of Us’, which reached the half-way mark on Friday night, ‘Liam Brady: The Irishman Abroad’, and ‘Better’, which may fill the Happy Valley-shaped void in your life. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Ireland and France served up a Six Nations fixture for the ages on Saturday as Andy Farrell’s side came out on top of a 32-19 scoreline at the Aviva Stadium. Matt Williams and Fergus McFadden analysed the significance of the win in the context of this tournament, and for the 2023 World Cup. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Concerns have been voiced about CCTV cameras that are currently in operation within Leinster House. Green Party TD Patrick Costello has called for Hikvision cameras, which have been linked to security issues in Britain, the USA and Australia to be removed. Mr. Costello, along with Ronan Murphy, CEO of SmartTech247, joined Matt to explain how these cameras are operated and whether they pose a safety threat. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The Warner Bros’ Studio Tour is one of London’s most popular tourist spots with fans of all ages wanting to get a glimpse of the Harry Potter world. Sarah Slattery from TheTravelExpert.ie explained how to get there, what to expect and what makes the trip so special. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Liverpool hope to reignite their season on Monday night when Everton visit Anfield. Tony Cascarino and Mark Lawrenson joined Matt to discuss the Merseyside derby and the weekend’s Premier League fixtures. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Brianna Parkins and Lorcan Nyhan joined Matt to discuss the other stories making headlines this week. They talked about the possibility of a gender-neutral God, a missing Virgin Mary statue and Madonna hitting back at ageism and misogyny. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The weather phenomenon that was behind the Beast from the East in 2018 may return and bring heavy snow later this month. Alan O’Reilly joined Matt to discuss whether a spell of freezing weather could bring the country to a standstill once again. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

This year marks 25 years since the release of Titanic. To celebrate the event, the film has been re-released in cinemas around the country. Brian Lloyd from Entertainment.ie joined Matt for this week’s movie slot to discuss the film's return, as well as other releases hitting the big screen this weekend. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Teams in the Premier League wore green armbands last weekend to emphasise their support for environmental awareness. Did it have the desired effect on an international stage? Meanwhile, it was reported this week that plug-in hybrid cars emit more carbon dioxide than official measures suggest. It has caused further concern that vehicles which are sold as better for the environment may not be. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Yesterday, news broke that former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has returned to Fianna Fáil after leaving the party over a decade ago. Michael Clifford, Special Correspondent with the Irish Examiner and co-author of ‘Bertie Ahern and the Drumcondra Mafia’ joined Matt to look back on the controversy that surrounded his career following the findings of the Mahon Tribunal. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

This week on our personal finance spot Charlie Weston spoke to Matt about why motorists are facing a loyalty premium on insurance, the cost of fuel and savings interest rates. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

New research from the University of Vienna has found that dating apps can make people overly self conscious and less likely to go on dates in person. So are dating apps actually making it harder for people to find love? To discuss this Matt was joined by Roe McDermott, journalist and relationships columnist with the Irish Times. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has rejoined Fianna Fáil after more than 10 years. He left the party in 2012 following the findings of the Mahon Tribunal. To react to the news, as well as discuss the possibility that the Dáil could have 250 TDs by 2050, Matt was joined by Gary Murphy from the School of Law and Government in DCU, Political Editor with the Irish Examiner Daniel McConnell and Fianna Fáil Senator Lisa Chambers. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The 2023 Grammys had many standout moments. Beyonce made history by becoming the most-awarded Grammy artist of all time, and Ben Affleck became a meme once again. To discuss the awards show and the week’s other music stories Matt was joined by Dee Reddy and John Caddell. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

President Joe Biden will outline an optimistic vision for the future of the US during his State of the Union address tonight. Matt was joined by Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone to talk about what can be expected from Biden’s annual address as well as the other US news stories of the week. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Dr. Harry Barry has spent years looking at the causes and treatments for many mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, panic and phobias. His new book focuses on the impact that Covid-19 lockdowns have had on social skills and how people can improve their emotional connection with others. Dr. Harry Barry joined Matt to discuss his book The Power of Connection. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Matt was joined by Jamesie O’Connor and Seamus Hickey to look ahead to the start of the 2023 National Hurling League. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Beyoncé has announced her Renaissance World Tour, but if Irish fans want to see her they are going to have to travel. Matt was joined by Dave Hanratty, host of the No Encore podcast, and Michael Murphy, music lecturer in IADT to discuss why some music superstars are opting out of Irish gigs Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Ben Finnegan and Laura Byrne joined Matt to discuss the week’s biggest news as well as the other stories making headlines, including anti-migrant protests, renaming Dublin’s streets and cancelling rugby songs. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Hannah Daly is the author of “Knowing No Boundaries”, where she tells the inspirational story of how, despite being profoundly dyslexic, dyspraxic and having a sensory processing disorder, she has written a memoir and become an occupational therapist. She spoke to The Last Word about the challenges she faces in day-to-day life and how she adapts to overcome them. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

It was reported on Thursday that Tánaiste Micheál Martin has signed off on a plan to replace the government jet, with the current aircraft coming to the “end of its lifecycle”. Political Editor of the Irish Examiner Daniel McConnell & Senator Tom Clonan joined Matt to discuss the matter and explain how the new aircraft will differ to the current one. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Katie Taylor has previously expressed her desire to have her homecoming fight against Amanda Serrano held at Croke Park. However, that dream may be over as Eddie Hearn has stated that due to the cost of renting the stadium, it won't be possible to hold the event at GAA’s Headquarters. Matt spoke to Gavan Casey of The42.ie on what this means for the fight and how it could impact fans hoping to attend it. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Oil and gas company Shell has reported record annual profits after energy prices soared last year. Profits hit $39.9bn in 2022, double last year's total and the highest in its 115-year history. Meanwhile, Golf clubs have complained of noise pollution from planes taking off from Dublin Airport’s new runway, which has apparently resulted in players considering giving up memberships. John Gibbons joined Matt in studio to talk about the environment stories making headlines this week. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

This week has been dominated by the ongoing story of how the State sought to deny, delay and discount the compensation people were owed for their nursing home care. But is this the first time something like this has happened? Mick Clifford, special correspondent with the Irish Examiner joined Matt to discuss the State’s history of ignoring its obligations to citizens who are often the most vulnerable. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Wholesale gas prices have dropped and are now below what they were before the war in Ukraine began. However, many people won’t see a drop in their energy bills for a while yet. Matt was joined by Charlie Weston, personal finance editor of the Irish Independent to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Ireland has a long history with emigration to the United States. Many women were among the wave of Irish emigrants in the 19th and 20th century and a lot of them found a quiet and better life. But what about those who didn’t? Dr. Elaine Farrell and Leanne McCormick, authors of Bad Bridget joined Matt to discuss the crimes, mayhem and untold lives of Irish emigrant women. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined Matt to discuss the week’s biggest news stories in the US including the murder of Tyre Nichols, with seven police officers now suspended. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

DJ Calvin Harris and rapper Travis Scott will headline this summer’s Longitude Festival in Marlay Park. To discuss this and the week’s other music stories Matt is joined by John Caddell and Dee Reddy. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

Most people will suffer from some form of back pain throughout their lives. But what causes it and how can it be dealt with? Dr Brian Higgins joined Matt to talk all about back pain. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

There have been growing numbers of protests targeting refugees and asylum seekers in recent months. Online livestreams of just seven of the anti-migrant protests that took place in Ireland early this year were viewed more than one million times. To discuss why we are seeing more far-right demonstrations, Matt was joined by Paul Hosford, political correspondent with the Irish Examiner, and Aoife Gallagher, senior analyst at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

Joe O’Shea and Sarah McGuiness joined Matt to discuss the baffling phenomenon of viewers watching TV and streaming services with the subtitles on (in the same language). They also highlighted two fantastic picks of the week, including a new Netflix documentary about the life of Pamela Anderson.

Karina Molloy was one of the first women to join the Irish Army, where she rose through the ranks against a backdrop of systematic inequality and abuse. She served on 11 tours of duty and ended her career with the rank of Company Quarter Master Sergeant. In 2021, Karina was also involved in the documentary Women of Honour, which outlined abuse in the Irish Army. On The Last Word, Karina spoke to Matt about her new book A Woman In Defence. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Liverpool’s poor run of form continued over the weekend after they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton. However, Brighton’s celebrations were marred by Fabinho’s tackle on Evan Ferguson which saw the 18-year-old leave The Amex on crutches. With the Republic of Ireland getting their World Cup qualifying campaign underway in March, could Stephen Kenny be without his best attacking threat against France? Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

If you’re planning a getaway this summer with your partner or some friends and can’t agree on a destination, Sarah Slattery from TheTravelExpert.ie outlined all of the latest offers to inspire an unforgettable trip this summer. Whether Portugal, Italy or Greece, Sarah has all of the tips ahead of planning your summer holiday. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

This weekend sees the return of the Allianz National Football League. Matt was joined by Marc Ó Sé, Ray Silke and Dick Clerkin to look at the weekend’s fixtures. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Many Irish car buyers may have to wait a year or more for their new car as delivery dates are pushed out further and further. In many cases the final price of the car also can’t be guaranteed. To explain why this is happening Matt was joined by motoring journalist Neil Briscoe. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Mairead Cleary and Dave Hanratty joined Matt to discuss the other stories making headlines this week including a campaign to make Irish pubs world heritage sites and Meta allowing Trump back on Facebook and Instagram. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

At a time when we’re more dependent on our phones than ever, should we be concerned about our personal information being hacked? Matt was joined Sandrine Rigaud, co-author of ‘Pegasus’, the story of how people’s privacy can be exposed by software, and an Irish hacker who helped uncover a spyware scandal. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

It looks as though sharing your Netflix password could become a thing of the past. The streaming service announced that they’ll be cracking down on multiple people using the same account from the end of March. Andy O’Donoghue explained the reason behind the decision on this week’s Tech Thursday. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Fianna Fáil Senator Malcom Byrne has proposed legislation that could see people intimidating politicians outside their private homes jailed for six months or more. This could also cover targeted protests outside of refugee centres. He and Liam Herrick, Executive Director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties spoke to Matt about whether this was a good idea, and how it would be implemented should it pass. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The Doomsday Clock has been set at 90 seconds to midnight, which is the closest to global catastrophe it has ever been. It’s said to represent a time of "unprecedented danger". Meanwhile, a new SUV that has bulletproof glass, blinding strobe lights, electric door handles and wing mirrors that can shoot pepper spray could be about to hit the roads. The Last Word’s environmental commentator John Gibbons explained why he thinks this could be dangerous. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

President of the Irish Farmers Association Tim Cullinan has said that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael “need to stand up” for the agriculture sector when shaping plans to tackle climate change. Tim Cullinan joined Matt on The Last Word to explain what he means when he says “the Green Party tail has been wagging the Government dog”. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

There have been suggestions that employers should be charged to keep parking spaces for their staff as a way to help reduce the number of cars in urban centres. To discuss this Matt was joined by Janet Horner, Green Party councillor and member of Dublin City Council’s Transport Committee, and Paddy Comyn, head of communication with the AA. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

About 360,000 homeowners have submitted property tax valuations for their homes that are lower than the estimated value from Revenue. Charlie Weston joined Matt to explain why suspicions have been raised about some of these valuations. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.