The Last Word with Matt Cooper

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

Dr. Paul Hill, a Consultant Cardiologist at the Mater Private Network, sheds light on Ireland's troubling blood pressure stats. He explains why many go undiagnosed due to silent symptoms and limited access to healthcare. Dr. Hill discusses the severe health impacts, including strokes and kidney disease, and highlights the lifestyle factors contributing to high blood pressure, like diet and stress. He emphasizes that significant improvement can be achieved in just four to six months with smart lifestyle changes and offers practical advice on managing blood pressure effectively.

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

Dr. Harry Barry, an Irish GP and mental health author, shares insights from his personal memoir, 'Beneath the Surface.' He opens up about his own struggles and the importance of vulnerability. Dr. Barry discusses his work in Tanzania, where he developed a blood bank and trained midwives, even delivering his own child under challenging conditions. He emphasizes the significance of emotional resilience, social connections, and early mental-health intervention, arguing that teaching coping mechanisms is vital in combating loneliness and improving overall well-being.

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