The Last Word with Matt Cooper
On Ireland's most cutting edge current affairs show, Matt and his guests provide a running stream of intelligent opinions and heated debates on the issues that matter most to Irish listeners. You might not always agree, but you'll never want to miss a Word.
Latest episodes
Jun 13, 2025 • 28min
The Week Trending: The Freedom Flotilla, US Senator Tackled At A Press Conference & Changes To The Confirmation Pledge
Greta Thunberg and other activists on a Gaza-bound boat are deported by Israel, a Democratic US Senator is arrested and handcuffed at an immigration briefing in LA, and the Confirmation pledge gets a 21st century update.Author and journalist Aoife Barry and Eoghan Thomas McDermott, managing director at the Communications Clinic, join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Jun 13, 2025 • 6min
Ireland May Need To Generate Nuclear Power To Meet Demand: EirGrid
In the Last Word on Business, Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, explained why EriGrid's chairman in a statement said nuclear power general should be considered.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Jun 13, 2025 • 35min
The Last Word On The Environment: Your Questions Answered
To mark the 200th episode of The Last Word’s environment slot, Matt conducted a Q&A with John Gibbons with all the queries coming from you, the listeners.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear all of John’s answers.
Jun 12, 2025 • 15min
How Irish Came To Be The First Language Spoken In Iceland
Manchán Magan joins The Last Word to discuss the forgotten presence of Irish monks, migrants and storytellers in Iceland and how the two island nations have more in common than is often remembered. He uncovers all of this in his latest book 'Ireland in Iceland: Gaelic Remnants in a Nordic Land'.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Jun 12, 2025 • 9min
Tech Thursday: More Of The Best Home Security Tech
Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to continue his review of the best home security equipment and this time he has tech for inside the home, including smoke alarms, water leak detectors and smart plugs.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Jun 11, 2025 • 32min
Culture Club: Peter Hanly
Writer and actor Peter Hanly spoke to Matt about his upcoming play What Are You Afraid Of? A well known actor of stage, TV and film for many years, the play deals with Peter's experience of stage-fright and the impact on his career.Peter also discussed his favourite books, music, TV, film and more.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Jun 11, 2025 • 6min
One In Ten Irish Households Are Worth More Than €1m
A recent report reveals that 10% of Irish households boast a net wealth exceeding €1 million, while the poorest hold less than €2,400. This stark wealth divide sparks a conversation on the economic implications for homeowners versus renters. The discussion dives into the left-wing critique of local property taxes in Ireland, and transitions into a deep analysis of U.S.-China trade agreements and their potential fallout, especially concerning tariffs and key industries. It's a compelling look at wealth and global economic dynamics.
Jun 11, 2025 • 12min
1 In 4 Irish Couples Spend Up To €50k On Their Wedding
According to research carried out by Raisin Bank, the average budget for a wedding in Ireland is between €10,000 and €20,000.It also found that 45% of those surveyed were willing to go into debt to cover the cost of the big day, with 1 in 4 couples spending up to €50,000.Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, spoke to Matt on Wednesday.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.
Jun 10, 2025 • 12min
The Last Word On Travel: Summer Holiday Essentials
Sarah Slattery from travelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to talk through her top tips and accessories in order to have a five-star travel experience this summer.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Jun 10, 2025 • 16min
The Last Word On The US: Trumps Deploys Marines To L.A. As Riots Escalate
US President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of the Marine Corps to Los Angeles as protests over immigration raids continue across the city. Marion McKeone and Larry Donnelly join The Last Word to discuss the escalating tensions in LA and more of the latest news from the US. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
