The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Have you ever considered how the clothes you wear were made? Would you choose more sustainable options if they were clearly labelled?Dr Shane Timmons joined The Last Word to discuss new research conducted by the ESRI's Behavioural Unit which found that 'eco labels', which highlight an item of clothing's environmental impact, lead shoppers to make more sustainable choices.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Cal Thomas, US nationally syndicated columnist and Marion McKeone discussed Donald Trump's 24 hour diplomatic mission to the Middle East and his speech in the Israeli Knesset.They also looked ahead to Friday's Washington meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

At the beginning of October, Taylor Swift released her 12th studio album 'The Life Of A Showgirl'. Swift reunited with producer Max Martin for this album, who worked alongside her on the hugely successful Red, 1989 and Reputation records.However, her latest album hasn't been as universally lauded has her previous work. Having recently finished her Era's Tour, is Swift suffering from creative fatigue?John Caddell & Dee Reddy spoke to Matt on Tuesday's The Last Word.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Fergus Farrell, former rugby player and author of Rebuilding A Man, spoke to Matt about a freak accident that caused a spinal injury and his long, challenging road back to recovery.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Did you know that Hillery was forced to deal with rumours of his extramarital affair at a time when the Pope was visiting Ireland? Or that he was embroiled in political controversy when senior members of Fianna Fáil made calls to Áras an Uachtaráin to try and persuade the president not to dissolve the Dáil?In this episode of Think You Know...The Presidents?, Lise Hand and Flor Mac Carthy find the real scandals behind what was considered a largely uneventful presidency.

On Monday, Matt met Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, as he launched his new autobiography 'The Only Way I Know'.Farrell spoke openly about his working class upbringing in Wigan, the characteristics required to lead a professional team and his experience of becoming a father to his son Owen when he himself was just a teenager.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the chat.

Barry Kenny from Irish Rail outlined the changes to rail timetables and travel times, that will increase the commuter belt around Dublin.To catch the full conversation, press the play button on this page.

This week on The Week Trending Matt is joined by Broadcaster and Author Aoife Barry and Head of Training at Communications Clinic Lorcan Nyhan to discuss the week's biggest trending stories. This week they discuss Presidential candidate Heather Humphreys' criticism of Joe Brolly's ‘very misogynistic’ podcast comments, Nigel Farage's attack on football pundit Gary Neville and Hollywood's first completely AI actor Tilly NorwoodHit Play on this page to listen now

Matt is joined by Lew Lecturer at the University of Galway and Columnist at The Journal Larry Donnelly to discuss Venezuela's Opposition Leader María Corina Machado win of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. The politician has been in hiding since August 2024.US President Donald Trump had been lobbying for the prize having been nominated by several governments including IsraelHit Play on this page to listen now

Luke Combs will headline the iconic Slane Castle in 2026, becoming the first country singer to do so.He’ll be supported by The Script, Ty Myers, and The Castellows.Does this move signal a change in direction for the venue, after becoming famous for hosting some of the world’s biggest rock and roll acts?John Caddell & Dee Reddy spoke to Matt on The Last Word.

This week on Tech Thursday, Andy O'Donoghue joined The Last Word to run through all of the best budgeting and money apps. Whether you're saving up for something big or you just want to better manage your money, these apps could help you save some cash. Catch the full chat by pressing the play button on this page!

Critics have accused the government of failing to adequately tackle climate change in Budget 2026, which was announced by Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe & Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers on Tuesday.Labour TD Marie Sherlock said that climate action has “fallen off the political agenda”, while presidential candidate and Independent TD Catherine Connolly said that there’s no “recognition” of the issue in the budget.Environmental commentator John Gibbons spoke to Matt about this on Thursday.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

Why was Cearbhail Ó Dálaigh so divisive? The legal eagle managed to ruffle the feathers of many government officials during his time with one minister branding him a "thundering disgrace". But there are many questions that surround Cearbhail Ó Dálaigh's controversial (and short) term as president. Lise Hand and Flor Mac Carthy get colourful in their language and share how this presidency ended in such a public insult.

Children's writer and teacher, Leona Forde, was the latest inductee into the Culture Club. Leona spoke to Matt about the latest book in her Milly McCarthy series - Milly McCarthy And The Haunted House HullaBOOloo! She also discussed her favourite books, music, movies and TV shows.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

The winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on Friday and US President Donald Trump clearly believes that he deserves the honour.Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined The Last Word to discuss whether Trump has a chance of receiving one of the world's most prestigious awards and more of the latest news from the United States.Catch the full chat by pressing the play button on this page!

On Tuesday, the government confirmed that it would not be increasing tax credits or tax bands in Budget 2026.This has left many middle-income earners feeling as though they are worse off than before.Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, joined Matt on Wednesday to explain how this could impact your pocket.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers joins The Last Word to discuss Budget 2026 and Jim Gavin's withdrawal from the presidential race. Hear the full conversation by pressing the play button on this page.

Opposition parties have criticised the government on Tuesday after details of Budget 2026 were announced.Sinn Féin’s finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty accused the government of delivering “nothing” for people who are feeling the effects of the cost of living crisis, and that the budget plans "bear no connection with what's going on out there in the real world".Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe joined Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers have unveiled the details of Budget 2026. The €9.4 billion package includes measure aimed at increasing housing delivery, a VAT reduction for the hospitality sector, and a €500 permanent reduction in student fees but it there is no cost-of-living-package or tax cuts for workers.Ian Guider, business columnist with Business Post, Nancy Fallon, tax partner with KPMG, and Daniel McConnell, editor of the Business Post, join The Last Word to discuss what is in Budget 2026.Hear the full conversation by pressing the play button on this page!

Erskine Childer's presidency is something of a tragic tale which begins with his revolutionary father who was executed in 1922, while his then 16 year old son was taken out of his British boarding school to say goodbye. But why did Childer's father's dark secrets haunt him? And how did his wife nearly become his successor?In this episode of Think You Know...The Presidents, Lise Hand and Flor MacCarthy, jump on board what was Ireland's first presidential bus called the 'Wanderly Wagon' to find out what shaped Childers' presidency.

Russell Alford, one half of the GastroGays and producer of 98FM’s Breakfast Show, joined Matt on Monday for The Last Word on Travel.He took us through all the best spots to sample the local delicacies if you’re planning a trip to Turin or Brussels.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear his choices.

Matt sits down with sexual assault survivor Bláthnaid Raleigh to discuss her new book 'Aftermath'.In it she tells the story of her five year long wait for justice after she was raped by by Jonathan Moran at a house party in Mullingar in 2019.They also discuss how she feels the justice system added to her stress.Hit Play on this page yo listen now

There are "questions to be answered" within Fianna Fáil after the party's candidate Jim Gavin pulled out of the presidential race on Sunday, according to Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher.Kelleher, who himself made a bid for the Fianna Fáil presidential nomination, joins The Last Word to discuss Gavin's withdrawal and what's next for the party and it's leader, Taoiseach Micheál Martin.Catch the full chat by pressing the play button on this page!

MAGA has slammed the Pope as being "woke" after he blessed a block of ice; Met Éireann has said it ensured that none of this year's storms would share a name with the presidential candidates; and tributes pour in for writer and documentary maker Manchán Magan who has died aged 55.Fionnuala Jones and Joe O’Shea join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Chief Executive at the Restaurants Association of Ireland Adrian Cummins and Social Policy Officer at the Irish Congress of Trade Unions Laura Bambrick join Will O'Callaghan to discuss what chnagess could be made for the hospitality sector in Budget 2026A VAT reduction and more is on the table.Hit Play on this page to listen now

Ecologist Anja Murray has charted Ireland's constantly changing natural world in her new book 'Frog Routes, Polka Dot Newts and Other Treasures of Irish Nature'.She joins The Last Word to discuss the birds, animals and plants that people should look out for in October.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Professor in Transportation at Trinity College Dublin Brian Caulfield and economist Colm McCarthy join Will O'Callaghan to discuss what happens now the Metrolink now it has been granted planning permission.They also discuss whether the Metrolink is the most effective project Hit Play on this page to listen now

John Gibbons joins Will O'Callaghan to discuss the weeks biggest environmental stories .This week they discuss the death of legendary conservationist Jane Goodall, the impact rising sea levels will have on coastal housing and more.Hit Play on this page to listen now

Ireland has one of the incidences of high blood pressure while also having some of the lowest rates of diagnosis Will O'Callaghan is joined by Consultant Cardiologist at the Mater Private Network Dr Paul Hill to discuss choices you can make to improve your blood pressureHit Play on this page to listen now

Why would Éamon de Valera - rebel, revolutionary and Ireland's third president - be cancelled if he was around today? In the third episode of Think You Know...The Presidents, Lise Hand and Flor MacCarthy get to grips with some of the more questionable actions of the man referred to as the 'long fellow', and why did he seem to love dressing up so much? This and more - including our very own, 'Space Dev' and his fear of the old gogglebox.

Novelist Sophie White joins The Last Word for the Culture Club. Sophie's latest book 'Such A Good Couple' is out now and she chats all about it, as well as her favourite music, movies, TV and more. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Business editor of the Sunday Times Brian Carey chats to Matt about the biggest business stories of the day.Today they discuss the news that Conor McGregor's stout firm is being sued by suppliers over alleged unpaid debts, David Beckham's latest business figures and why Aer Lingus is not enthusiastic about the proposed lifting of the Dublin Airport passenger cap.Hit Play on this page to listen now

Matt sits down with Dr Harry Barry to discuss his most personal book yet; Beneath the SurfaceThey discuss Dr Barry's own struggles, his time spent in Tanzania and more.Hit Play on this page to listen now.

Matt is joined by Sinn Fein TD and Cathaoirleach of the Public Accounts Committee John Brady and Business Post Editor Danny McConnell to discuss the latest Comptroller and Auditor General report.Their report for 2024 shows that public money has been wasted across a range of areas including unused hotel rooms for Guards staffing events and vacant office buildings leased by the Office for Public Works.Hit Play on this page to listen now

The latest Safefood food basket research has found that low-income families are spending up to 33% of their weekly income to afford a healthy diet.Costs for a household with a teenager in it are more than 20% higher than those with children of primary school age.Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, spoke to Matt on Wednesday.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

Multiple All-Ireland winner with Kerry and one of The Last Word’s GAA analysts, Marc Ó’Sé, has released his autobiography ‘Ó’Sé: A Kerry Family, A Football Dynasty.He spoke to Matt about being part of one of the most famous families in the GAA which saw him play alongside his brothers Darragh and Tomás, and under the management of his uncle, Páidí.He also discussed how Gaelic football evolved from the early days of his career to the latter stages, and what his relationship was like with former managers Jack O’Connor and Eamonn Fitzmaurice.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Matt is joined by Writer and Director Jim Sheridan to discuss his new film: ‘Recreation: The Trial of Ian Bailey’, which examines the murder trial that never happened.Hit Play on this page to listen now

Matt is joined by Marion McKeone and Cal Thomas to discuss the latest news from the US.This week they discuss Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu's agreement on a peace plan for Gaza, Trump's latest plans to deploy the National Guard and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's new proposed rules for army personnel. Hit Play on this page to listen now

Baker and entrepreneur Una Leonard is well-known for her delicious cakes and treats, but she has also just released her second cook book 'Good Together'.She joins Matt to discuss how her mother's cancer battle inspired her new book and why she decided to relocate her bakery, 2210 Patisserie, to Mullingar.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Seán T. O’Kelly brought political  savvy and international flair as head of a newly-fledged nation trying to figure out its place  in the world. It was during O’Kelly’s terms in office that the Áras became the party-spot for high-flying night-owls. xBut behind the scenes, his two terms were not without their  controversies. How did this diplomat manage to massively annoy both the Pope and  Joseph Stalin in one fell swoop? And did this presidency mark the start of Ireland’s great grá for US presidents? In this second episode of Think You Know...The Presidents, our dynamic duo Flor Mac Carthy and Lise Hand present a twist on the life and times of Seán T.O'Kelly with the help of historian Liz Gillis.

Matt is joined by legendary Irish athlete Sonia O'Sullivan to discuss her extensive career in Athletics and punditry and the importance of looking after your health in sport.Hit Play on this page to listen now.

Former Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has released his new book 'The Changing Game: The Past, Present and Future of Football".He joined Matt on Monday to talk about how football has evolved over time, how elite-level management in 2025 differs to that of previous years and how, if circumstances were different, he could have managed Leeds United.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Joe O'Shea and Elaine Burke join Matt to discuss the biggest TV and Streaming moments of the week.This week they discuss Netflix's House of Guinness, Big Brother being absent from Irish TV screens, the latest Strictly Come Dancing news and more.Hit Play on this page to listen now

Europe have won their first away Ryder Cup since 2012 in Bethpage New York, with Ireland's Shane Lowry making the crucial putt to retain the trophy. However the weekend saw the European players face heckling and personal abuse from the American crowd, including Rory McIlroy's wife having a drink thrown at her.Matt is joined by Gavin Cooney from the42.ie and Political Columnist and Law Lecturer Larry Donnelly to discuss gold's big weekend Hit Play on this page to listen now.

As conservative campaigner Maria Steen marked the end of her presidential bid on Wednesday, many were quick to spot the €20,000 designer bag on her arm. Elsewhere, British Prime Minister Kier Starmer has revealed plans for a controversial UK digital identity card and US President Donald Trump has claimed he was 'sabotaged' while at the United Nations General Assembly.Orla Ryan, Irish Times journalist, and Paddy Duffy, TV producer, join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Uefa's executive committee is expected to meet next week to decide whether to suspend Israel from its competitions over its almost two-year assault on Gaza.Miguel Delaney, chief football writer with the Independent, joins The Last Word to discuss the impact that a such a ban would have on world football and next year's World Cup.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

From thermostats to lightbulbs and air purifiers, Andy O'Donoghue had a run down of the best devices to make your home efficient and cozy heading into the winter months.To catch the conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Research conducted by Maynooth University has found that the warm nighttime temperatures which were experienced this summer are now 40 times more likely due to climate change caused by human activity.John Gibbons spoke to Ian Guider on Thursday’s The Last Word.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

A number of Dublin city councillors boycotted a ceremony to award the Freedom of the City to Barack Obama over objections to the former US president's record in foreign and domestic policy.Obama, who is visiting Dublin this week, was originally granted the honour by councillors in 2017 but he didn't come to receive the award until now.Conor Reddy, People Before Profit-Solidarity group leader on Dublin City Council, and Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at the University of Galway and columnist with TheJournal.ie, join The Last Word to discuss whether it was appropriate for Obama to be given the Freedom of Dublin. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Novelist Eimear McBride was the latest Culture Club inductee.Eimear spoke to Matt about her new novel, The City Changes Its Face. She also discussed her favourite music, films, books and the cultural touchstones that have influenced her life and work.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.