The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Elon Musk has completed his $44m takeover of Twitter after months of speculation over the deal. Jenny Darmody, Deputy Editor at Silicon Republic, considers how Twitter might change after Elon Musk’s take over. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Today FM presenter Pamela Joyce and Mark Paul, Business columnist with the Irish Times discussed some of the other stories making headlines this week, including the release of Matthew Perry’s book, and criticism of UK foreign secretary James Cleverly for saying LGBT football fans should respect Qatar. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Ford have announced that the Fiesta has reached the end of the road. First introduced in 1997, the Fiesta has had many different models and was a go-to for those looking for a small and affordable car. But what other popular cars have been given the chop over the years? Presenter and motoring enthusiast Anton Savage joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss the most-beloved decommissioned cars. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Emma Donoghue is the writer of the new movie 'The Wonder' coming to Netflix in November and starring Florence Pugh. The film is based on Emma's book by the same name and is not her first film adaptation. She also wrote the script for the 2015 film Room which was shortlisted for an Academy Award, Golden Globe and Bafta for Best Adapted Screenplay. On The Last Word, Matt spoke to Emma about the movie. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Recent anti-Semitic remarks made by rapper Kanye West have caused deep upset and have received widespread condemnation from celebrities, global corporations and fans around the world. On The Last Word, Matt spoke to John Caddell and Dave Hanratty about the comments and whether fans should continue to listen to West’s music in light of the controversy. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The World Meteorological Organisation has found there is now more planet-warming carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen in the atmosphere than at any time since records began. Environmental commentator John Gibbons joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss this and more. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

In his new book, Ian McKinley explores how a catastrophic eye injury derailed his career and his path back to international rugby stardom. He joined Matt in studio to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

There is a workforce and workload crisis in general practice in Ireland and as a result qualified doctors are moving abroad or finding other work. The HSE predicts a GP shortage of up to almost 1,400 by 2025. Dr Maura McLoughlin, GP in Galway City, spoke to Matt about the pressure on GPs in Ireland. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

A study from the Teachers' Union of Ireland has revealed that nine in ten secondary schools have struggled to fill vacant teaching posts in the last six months. What is causing the shortage of teachers and how can the issue be solved? Irish Examiner Columnist and teacher Jennifer Horgan, and TUI President Liz Farrell joined us to discuss.

A Russian court has rejected an appeal by the US basketball player Brittney Griner against her nine-year prison sentence for possession of drugs. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone discuss this and more in our weekly US slot. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

When Richard's beloved wife Joan died in 2021 after almost four decades of marriage, she set him a challenge: to find a pocketful of happiness in every day. The result of that challenge is a memoir, reflecting on the personal and professional life of the Oscar-nominated actor. Richard joined Matt in studio to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

This weekend saw Taylor Swift and Arctic Monkeys battle it out on the charts following the release of their new records. What do John Caddell and Dee Reddy have the say about these high-profile albums? Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

New treatment guidelines that redefine obesity care have been launched with the support of doctors, patient groups and the HSE. The guidelines move away from obesity being a ‘lifestyle illness’ to recognising that obesity is a disease driven by complex factors. Professor Dónal O'Shea is HSE National Clinical Lead for Obesity. He joined Matt to discuss what these new guidelines mean for patients and doctors. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

‘Life Begins In Leitrim : From Kurdistan to Croke Park’ is Zak Moradi’s autobiography. The former intercounty hurler tells his story of being born in a refugee camp and how he and his family ended up travelling from Iraq to Carrick-on-Shannon, and then settled in Tallaght. The book has been nominated in the Best Irish Sports Book category at the 2022 An Post Irish Book Awards, and Zak joined Matt in studio to discuss it. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Due to the nature of it's storytelling, Netflix's hit show The Crown will now carry a 'fictionalised' disclaimer. Joe O'Shea and Elaine Burke joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

University College Cork will take on the archive of the late actor Richard Harris. The Limerick born actor was one of the first great Irish movie superstars from his breakthrough role in ‘The Sporting Life’ to his much-loved performance in the first two Harry Potter films. The donation to UCC has been made by the Harris family. Richard’s son, ‘Mad Men’ actor Jared Harris, joins Matt to discuss this new collection and the legacy of his father. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Malaga airport is frequented by millions of international visitors each year, but most use it as a gateway to stay in beach resorts on the Costa del Sol. However, the city itself is vibrant with lots to do and see. Sarah Slattery joined Matt to give her guide for visiting the Malaga city. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Given the extent of the current climate and energy crisis, Engineers Ireland have called on the Government to reconsider the legislative ban on generating nuclear energy. John Gibbons discusses this and other issues. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

After just 45 days in Number 10, Liz Truss has stepped down - becoming the shortest-serving prime minister in UK history. What happened in the 24 hours leading to her resignation and where does this leave the British government? Rachel Cunliffe, Senior Associate Editor of New Statesman and Nick Ferrari, presenter of Nick Ferrari at Breakfast on LBC join us to discuss.

This week is Menopause Awareness Week - the first ever in Ireland. To mark the occasion, we discuss the signs and symptoms of perimenopause with Dr Brian Higgins.

With the An Post Irish Book Awards 2022 drawing closer, we are delighted to announce the shortlists for Eason Novel of the Year and Eason Sportsbook of the Year. Bert Wright from the An Post Irish Book Awards joins us live in studio for the announcement, alongside a few familiar faces - Edel Coffey, Paul Howard, Aoife Dooley, Louise Kennedy and Aingeala Flannery.

Journalist and author Tommie Gorman discusses his new book ‘Never Better: My Life In Our Times’. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

More than 50% of people believe that companies with a pet-friendly policy are a more attractive place to work and 27% say it would influence their choice of where to work, according to a new survey from the ISPCA. With a lot of new dog owners in the country since lockdown, should more workplaces have pet-friendly policies? CEO of the ISPCA, Dr Cyril Sullivan and vet Tim Kirby joined The Last Word to discuss.

Charlie Weston, personal finance editor with the Irish Independent, and Michael Dowling, managing director of Dowling Financial explain what the Central Bank’s easing of mortgage lending rules mean for first time buyers. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Cabinet has signed off on a winter eviction ban which is expected to run from November until the end of March. How is it going to work and what does it mean for renters and landlords? Daniel McConnell, Political Editor of the Irish Examiner and Pat Doyle, CEO Peter McVerry Trust join us to discuss.

Andy O’Donoghue, tech journalist, outlines how Meta’s latest technology will track eye movements of users and why this raises privacy issues. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated columnist and Marion McKeone, US Correspondent with the Business Post discuss the latest news from the US, including Kevin Spacey’s testimony at his civil trial in New York where he has denied the claim that he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old at a house party in 1986. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Arctic Monkeys and Taylor Swift will go head-to-head in the charts this week as they both release new albums. ‘The Car’ by Arctic Monkeys will be the band’s 7th studio album, while ‘Midnights’ will be Swift’s 10th, and the first since ‘Evermore’ was released in 2020. John and Dee joined Matt in studio to speculate about what we can expect to hear from both records. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Liverpool secured an impressive 1-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday which has left Guardiola's side four points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal. Matt was joined by Miguel Delaney to discuss whether the result can reenergise Jurgen Klopp's team after a slow start to the season. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Thirty-five projects aimed to increase the use of public transport, cycling and walking have been launched by the Government. Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said the Pathfinder Programme will transform communities and improve sustainable travel. He joined The Last Word to discuss further.

Actor Robbie Coltrane has sadly passed away at the age of 72, after an iconic and memorable career. Joe O'Shea and Elaine Burke join The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Frank Greaney, Courts Correspondent with Today FM, has the latest on the sentencing of Jonathan Dowdall and his father Patrick Dowdall for facilitating the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in 2016. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The mother of jailed teacher Enoch Burke was removed from court today after interrupting proceedings. Frank Greaney joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

It's a huge match up this weekend in the Premiere League, with Liverpool playing host to Manchester City. How are Liverpool's chances looking? Mark Lawrenson and Tony Cascarino joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Climate protest at the London National Gallery, controversial football celebrations and much more on the Week Trending with Brianna Parkins and Dave Hanratty. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

When it comes to discussing climate change, everyone has an opinion! But often dangerous myths and misconceptions are thrown around. John Gibbons joined the Last Word to debunk some popular climate myths we hear on a daily basis. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

A new biographical film about the life and times of writer Emily Brontë is being released this week starring Emma Mackey of 'Sex Education' fame. Brian Lloyd joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Dry eyes are extremely common and a source of discomfort for many people. But what causes this issue and how can it be treated? Dr. Brian Higgins joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

A welcomed last minute reversal on the decision to move Ukrainian refugees from Co. Kerry to Co. Mayo has been made by the Government. Niall Kelleher and Angie Gough joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Apologies have been made on behalf of the Republic of Ireland women's soccer team after a video surfaced on social media containing song lyrics referencing the IRA during their world cup qualifying celebrations. Sinead O’Carroll joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

A new pension auto-enrolment scheme is in the works for those without a private or occupational pension in place. Charlie Weston joined the Last Word to answer the many listener queries sent in about the new scheme. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Disgraced former film producer Harvey Weinstein is back in court to face trial for multiple charges of sexual misconduct, despite currently serving a 23 year sentence for previously convicted offenses. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Well known British television presenter Adrian Chiles joined the Last Word today to discuss his new book, 'The Good Drinker : How I Learned To Love Drinking Less'. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Kanye West has been suspended from Twitter and Instagram after the latest in a long string of controversies for the hip-hop artist and entrepreneur. Dee Reddy and John Caddell joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Why may Artificial Intelligence used for job recruitment not be as 'intelligent' as we once thought? Andy O’Donoghue joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The idea of a first time Ski holiday can be daunting, so Sarah Slattery joined the Last Word with her best advice and recommendations for first time Skiers. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Are Liverpool at crisis point after their loss to Arsenal over the weekend? Mark Lawrenson joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' on this page.

Beloved Irish actor Brendan Gleeson hosted the long running American comedy show 'SNL' over the weekend, with an appearance from popular co-star Colin Farrell. How was his performance, and did it translate well to the American audience? Joe O’Shea and Sarah McGuinness joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

About 750,000 people in Ireland are without a private or occupational pension, and will depend on support from the state pension. A new auto-enrollment pension scheme is in the works which will support workers in such a position. Charlie Weston joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Many people are facing potential eviction this year due to the rise in bills, rent and other costs. Will the Government introduce an eviction ban? Pat Davitt and Wayne Stanley joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.