The Last Word with Matt Cooper

The DSPCA's waiting list for owner surrenders has reached concerning heights, with 848 applications currently in waiting. Gillian Bird, DSPCA spokesperson joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

At least 90% of people will have had chickenpox by the time they are a teenager. So what are the signs to look out for, and what should adults who haven't yet had it do to avoid it? Dr. Brian Higgins, GP from Galway Primary Care joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Ireland's Grand Slam decider takes place this Saturday, with Ireland on course to make history at home. Alan Quinlan and Paul Wallace joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Saturday Night Live have been criticized for a sketch that involved two cast members dressed up as Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell, relying on the usual worn out Irish stereotypes for laughs. Joe O’Shea and Elaine Burke joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

According to a new survey by Hays Ireland, 95% of Irish professionals say they think a four day working week is a good idea. But will it ever happen? Peter Cosgrove, Managing Director at Futurewise and Kevin Donoghue, Chairperson of Four Day Week Ireland joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

It has been announced that Gary Lineker will be returning to his post as presenter of Match Of The Day, with a full review being launched into how presenters at the BBC handle their social media accounts. This follows controversial comments made by Lineker about the British government's new asylum policy. Nick Ferrari, Presenter of Nick Ferrari at Breakfast on LBC Radio joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

It has been announced that Gary Lineker will be stepping away from his role as presenter of Match of the Day, following his controversial tweet criticizing the British government's new asylum policy. Lise Hand and Eoghan Tomas McDermott joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

After a shocking loss to Liverpool at Anfield last weekend, Manchester United are hoping to redeem themselves when they host Southampton this Sunday. Mark Lawrenson and Tony Cascarino joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

It's a big weekend for Irish film with the Oscars taking place in Los Angeles and a record number of Irish hopefuls in attendance. Aoife Barry, Assistant News Editor with the Journal joined us live from LA to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The most anticipated night in Hollywood is only around the corner! The Oscars takes place on March 12th, or in the early hours of March 13th Irish time. With more Irish nominations than ever, will we actually win any awards? Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

A survey has been commissioned by the National Transport Authority that looks into the reality of introducing free public transport in Ireland. John Gibbons joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The Taoiseach has confirmed that there is no change in the plans to end the eviction ban by the end of the month. So what will the Government do to ensure protection for renters, and what can be done to boost the supply of properties? Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The world's most popular music streaming service is changing it's interface to look more like video based social media apps like TikTok. This was announced at Spotify's Stream On event yesterday. Andy O’Donoghue joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Following the announcement of the British Government's new asylum policy, sports broadcaster Gary Lineker has controversially compared the move to 1930s Germany. Kieran Cunningham, Chief Sports Writer with the Irish Daily Star joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland have revealed that 1 in 12 cars on Irish roads are uninsured. Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor of the Irish Independent joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Today is International Women's Day, with events taking place in Ireland and around the world. But are these events just tokenism and do they mask a level of inequality that still exists? Kitty Holland, Social Affairs Correspondent at The Irish Times and Tanya Sweeney, Feature Writer and Columnist with the Independent joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Enoch Burke's appeal was dismissed by the COA today, leading to chaos amongst the Burke family. All family members were forcibly removed from court and Enoch's brother Simeon Burke has been arrested and charged. Frank Greaney, Courts Correspondent for TodayFM joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Tucker Carlson of Fox News has claimed the events of January 6th in Washington D.C. were 'mostly peaceful chaos' in a segment which depicts a 'peaceful' riot. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Despite expectations of an extension on the government's eviction ban, it has been decided by cabinet that it will finish as planned at the end of March. Danny McConnell, Political Editor at the Irish Examiner, Louise Bayliss, Campaign Coordinator with Focus Ireland and Ivana Bacik, Labour Party Leader joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Sleep is extremely important when it comes to our quality of life. However, many of us simply do not get enough of it. So how can we improve our quality of sleep? Dr. Brian Higgins joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Manchester United were in for a huge shock at Anflied in the weekend's biggest Premier League fixture, losing 7-0 to home side Liverpool. Mark Lawrenson and Tony Cascarino joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

According to Blackrock Health, a quarter of people who experience signs of potential heart issues don't follow up for treatment. We were joined on The Last Word by Ann Malone, a woman who credits her Fitbit and her doctor for preventing her having a stroke. We were also joined by Dr. Zain Sharif, Consultant Cardiologist at Blackrock Health. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Despite recent cancellation rumours, a report from the Irish Sun has revealed that Dancing With The Stars is in fact an extremely profitable and important show for RTÉ, bringing in €47,000 in ad revenue per ad break. Joe O’Shea and Elaine Burke joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Minister Eamon Ryan is set to bring a memo to government tomorrow outlining plans to reduce car emissions which could involve congestion charges and a huge rise in parking fees. Frank McDonald, former Irish Times Environment Editor and Brian Caulfield, Associate Professor of Transport at Trinity College Dublin joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Miguel Delaney and Mark Lawrenson joined us on The Last Word to give their opinions and predictions for this weekend's Premier League fixtures, including Manchester United and Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Paul Mescal has been doing very well for himself, and it's safe to say he is very much in the public eye these days. An awkward moment between himself and Zendaya at the Screen Actor's Guild awards has set Twitter alight with both actor's fanbases arguing back and forth nonstop! Ben Finnegan, News Anchor at Today FM and Roe McDermott, Journalist and Relationships Columnist with the Irish Times joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Electric Ireland will begin to apply the state's third and final energy credit to customer accounts in the next couple of weeks, however it can only be used for bills that have been issued after the beginning of March. Sinn Fein Senator, Lynn Boylan joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Tech journalist Andy O’Donoghue returned to The Last Word this week to discuss why ChatGPT is becoming more popular among technology companies around the world. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

People Before Profit have written to Sinn Fein, the Social Democrats and other opposition parties about the prospect of forming a government after the next election. Party TD Richard Boyd Barrett spoke to Ian Guider about their proposal and explained what their vision of a left-leaning government would look like. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland has announced plans to use AI to clamp down on social media posts that mislead consumers. Ian Guider spoke to Russell Alford of the Gastrogays and Orla Twomey, CEO of the ASAI to discuss how this would work, and whether influencers can do more to provide clarity with their ads and sponsored content. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

A new report from the International Energy Agency found that global emissions hit record highs of 36.8 billion tonnes in 2022. John Gibbons returned for his weekly environmental slot to explain the significance of these findings. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

From today TDs and Senators are receiving a pay rise which will see the wages of our elected representatives reach their highest figure since the Celtic Tiger. Daniel McConnell, Political Editor of the Irish Examiner, Bernard Durkan, Fine Gael TD for Kildare North and Ruth Coppinger, activist and former Solidarity TD joined Ian to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Interest rates look likely to continue rising this year for mortgage holders due to inflation. Our personal finance expert Charlie Weston predicts this may continue in to 2024. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

After 3 years of many people working from home, are we starting to see a 'remote work rebound'? Ian Talbot, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive and Robert Mac Giolla Phádraig, Sigmar Chief Communications Officer and Talent Summit Founder, joined Ian to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

We spoke to Pat Dennigan, CEO at Focus Ireland and Louise Bayliss, Advocacy Coordinator at Focus Ireland about the reasons people find themselves homeless, the services provided by Focus Ireland, and the ever developing issue of homelessness in this country. This is ahead of The Big Busk on Friday March 10th in aid of Focus Ireland. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Rupert Murdoch has admitted to Fox News' pushing of Trump's 'Stolen Election' claims for the purpose of profit. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Focus Ireland Ambassador Paul Geoghegan joined us on the Last Word to talk about his experience with homelessness and the work done by Focus Ireland to change the lives of those who are homeless. This is ahead of 'The Big Busk' on Friday March 10th, in aid of Focus Ireland. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Being a new parent is very demanding and often leads to self-neglect which can result in burnout. How can new parents make sure they are taking care of themselves properly while caring for a young child? Dr. Brian Higgins, GP at Galway Primary Care joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

After a disappointing game for Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final yesterday, Manchester United have won their first trophy since 2017. What's next for the club? Mark Lawrenson and Tony Cascarino joined Matt to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Member of NPHET, Professor Martin Cormican has questioned the effectiveness of Ireland's lockdown decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Professor Anthony Staines, Chair of Health Systems at the School of Nursing and Human Sciences in Dublin City University, and Michael McNamara, Independent TD joined Matt to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Are you thinking of searching out a holiday deal? Our travel expert Sarah Slattery joined Matt to discuss the best February travel bargains available! Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

An Irish citizen who previously worked in Leinster House is being deported from Australia on suspicion of being a threat to national security because she may be a Russian spy. Sunday Times Crime Correspondent John Mooney joined Matt to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

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The Carabao Cup final takes place at Wembley on Sunday, and with Manchester United taking on Newcastle United, it looks to be a very exciting game. Miguel Delaney and Tony Cascarino joined us to give their predictions ahead of Sunday. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Will fruit and veg shortages caused by changes in weather patterns see us relying on locally grown seasonal produce? Laura Byrne, Assistant News Editor at The Journal.ie and Kieran Cunningham, Chief Sports Writer at the Irish Daily Star joined Matt to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

There was a record number of people marked as 'officially homeless' in January, according to the latest figures from the Department of Housing. The total number includes 8,323 adults and 3,431 children. There have been calls for the eviction ban which is due to expire in March to be extended. Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD and Housing Spokesperson, and Karl Deeter of Irish Mortgage Brokers joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The death was announced this morning of veteran football commentator John Motson, aged 77. Motson worked for the BBC for over 50 years, covering ten World Cups and 29 FA Cup finals. Mark Lawrenson joined Ian Guider on The Last Word to remember Motson’s career and told listeners what it was like to work alongside him in the commentary box. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

According to recruitment consultancy Robert Walters, the rate of pay rises in Ireland has hit a 10 year high for professional service firms. Average pay rises are at 4%, but when inflation is taken into account, employees are at a loss of €1,300. Suzanne Feeney, Country Manager at Robert Walters Ireland outlined the findings of the study. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Ireland’s food security has been impacted by climate change, with retail giants confirming shortages of fruit and vegetables imported from Spain, Italy and Morocco. Yields of peppers, broccoli, lettuce and aubergines have been affected. John Gibbons explained why a continued cold spell in Europe is affecting supplies to supermarkets. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

On the 24th of February 2022, Vladimir Putin gave a televised address saying his aim was to ‘de-Nazify’ Ukraine. The Russian artillery that had been amassed on the border crossed into Ukraine and missiles began to fall on Kyiv and elsewhere. In the intervening weeks and months, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians fled, including journalist Maria Romanenko. One year on, Ukraine has liberated much of the territory captured by Russia, but the war still rages on. Maria joined the Last Word and outlined her journey out of Ukraine where she left her family behind, what her life has been like since she settled in Manchester, and what she and her relatives back home are hoping for the future. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.