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
Apr 23, 2025 • 22min
The Last Word On The US: Donald And Melania Trump To Attend Pope Francis’s Funeral
US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he and his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, will attend Pope Francis’s funeral at The Vatican on Saturday.Pope Francis had previously been critical of President Trump’s views on immigration, describing the program of mass deportations as a “major crisis”.Nationally syndicated columnist, Cal Thomas, and Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at University of Galway & Columnist with TheJournal.ie spoke to Matt about this on Tuesday.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.
Apr 22, 2025 • 17min
The Legacy Of Pope Francis
Following the death of Pope Francis, Redemptorist priest Tony Flannery, theologian Gina Menzies and catholic commentator Breda O'Brien join The Last Word to discuss the legacy he has left behind.Catch the full discussion by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Apr 17, 2025 • 11min
Tech Thurs: Google Pixel 9a And Other Alternatives To iPhones
Andy O'Donoghue reviews the best and more affordable smartphones on the market from Google, Samsung and Oneplus.
Apr 17, 2025 • 11min
Dublin Councils Developing Plans For Tourist Tax In The Capital
Dublin's four local authorities are developing plans for a new tourist tax in the capital which they say could help fund the upkeep of the city.A working group is due to be set up later this year to consider the proposal.Sinn Féin councillor on Dublin City Council Séamus McGrattan and Paul Gallagher, chief executive of the Irish Hotels Federation, join The Last Word to discuss the potential for an additional charge for tourists staying in Dublin.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Apr 17, 2025 • 8min
Acute Mental Health Patients Leaving EDs Without Appropriate Care, Report Suggests
A new report from the Mental Health Commission has said that there is an urgent need to improve mental health services at emergency departments and that steps should be taken to make access to care easier.Professor Jim Lucey, Inspector of Mental Health Services at the Mental Health Commission, spoke to Matt on The Last Word about this.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.
Apr 16, 2025 • 34min
Culture Club: Keith Donald
Saxophonist, member of Moving Hearts, and author of Music and Mayhem, Keith Donald talks to Matt about the culture that made him, from his early music influences and his time playing with Van Morrison and Christy Moore.To catch the full chat, press the ‘play’ button on this page.
Apr 16, 2025 • 6min
Pharma Giants Warn Of Investment 'Exodus' From Europe Unless There Is 'Radical Policy Change'
Pharmaceutical companies are calling for 'radical policy change' from the European Union in order to limit a potential 'exodus' of future investment in Ireland and other EU member states.Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss the warning issued by pharma executives to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and more of the latest business news.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Apr 16, 2025 • 11min
Personal Finance: Why Are Easter Eggs So Expensive?
Easter eggs appear to be the latest products to be impacted by inflation, with a 200g egg now costing approximately €7.50. That’s more than double the price of five years ago.Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent spoke to Matt about this, and also about how the introduction of the auto-enrolment scheme is facing further delays.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.
Apr 15, 2025 • 19min
The Last Word On The US: Trump Blames Zelensky For Starting The War With Russia
US President Donald Trump has once again claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky started the war with Russia, saying "you don't start a war with someone 20 times your size and then hope people give you some missiles."Cal Thomas, nationally US syndicated columnist, and journalist Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss Trump's comments on Ukraine and more of the latest news from the US.Catch the full discussion by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Apr 15, 2025 • 11min
Irish Students Heading To The States Warned Of Potential Risks Of Activism
The Union of Students in Ireland has urged students travelling to the US on a J1 visa this summer to be "cautious and informed" about the potential risks of "activism", as US authorities continue to clamp down on university protests.Jenny Maguire, president of Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union, and Fiona McEntee, US immigration attorney, join The Last Word to discuss the possible threats faced by Irish students in the US if they are outspoken on certain issues.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
