The Last Word with Matt Cooper The Week Trending: Remote Work Labelled A 'Mistake' & Calls To Reduce Voting Age
Nov 14, 2025
Orla Ryan, a news reporter with the Irish Times known for her political and social insights, joins Joe O'Shea, editor of Cork Beo, to dissect trending topics. They tackle businessman Denis O'Brien's controversial take on remote work and graduating millennials. The discussion shifts to the potential reduction of the voting age to 16, emphasizing youth engagement. Additionally, they explore intriguing study findings linking binge drinking with career success and the implications of media trust following a BBC apology to Trump.
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Remote Work Debate Hits A Nerve
- Dennis O'Brien's critique of remote work reignited debate about productivity and workplace culture in Ireland.
- Joe O'Shea and Orla Ryan argue remote work suits many and that blanket condemnation overlooks real benefits like reduced commutes and care flexibility.
Young Workers Under Intense Pressure
- Joe O'Shea describes working in a Cork co-working hub dominated by people in their early 20s and says they work harder than his generation did.
- He highlights younger workers' pressures like rent and high costs driving intense work effort.
Focus On Output Not Presenteeism
- Employers should measure output and set clear targets because remote work makes presenteeism harder to enforce.
- Managers can rely on targets, line managers, and accountability sheets to ensure work gets done remotely.