
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 9, 2025 • 9min
Personal Finance: What Tariffs Will Mean For Irish Consumers
Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor, Irish Independent, discussed where tariffs might hit consumers in terms of fuel prices, pensions and energy prices.To catch the full conversation, press the ‘play’ button on this page.

Apr 9, 2025 • 29min
What Are The Best Songs Of The Last 25 Years?
On the Easter bank holiday weekend, Today FM will be counting down the best 500 songs of the last 25 years, and you the listeners can get involved by voting for your favourites via https://vote.todayfm.com/big500.Matt, Dee Reddy and John Caddell got involved on Tuesday’s music slot by picking some of their standout tracks.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their choices.

Apr 8, 2025 • 21min
The Last Word On The US: China Vows To 'Fight To The End' In US Tariff War
China has vowed to "fight to the end" as President Donald Trump threatens to impose further tariffs on Chinese goods.Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and journalist Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss Trump's escalating global trade war and more of the latest news from the United States.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Apr 8, 2025 • 13min
Jack Crowley’s Drop Goal Seals Munster’s Win Against La Rochelle
Munster recorded an impressive win against Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle on Saturday in the Investec Champions Cup last 16, setting up a mouthwatering tie against Bordeaux Bègles.Meanwhile, Leinster kept Harlequins scoreless at Croke Park which saw Leo Cullen’s side safely through to the quarter-finals.Former Munster player Alan Quinlan and Off The Ball’s Will O’Callaghan spoke to Matt about the weekend’s results.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Apr 8, 2025 • 11min
'Devastating' Spinal Surgeries Report Finds Children Not Protected From Risk
An independent review into the use of unapproved metal springs in paediatric spinal surgeries has found that "children were left unprotected from risk of harm".The report by the Health Information and Quality Authority found there was inadequate oversight within Children's Health Ireland and that families could not give informed consent to procedures using these devices due to a lack of information.Former director general of the HSE Tony O'Brien joins The Last Word to discuss the findings of the report.Hear the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Apr 7, 2025 • 10min
Should Passengers To The US Delete Their Social Media Before They Go?
Brian Honan, chief executive and cybersecurity expert, BH consulting and Louise Corrigan, US immigration lawyer, Louise Corrigan Law discuss discuss the recommendation to delete social media apps if travelling to the US, if you have been critical of current US Policy.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Apr 7, 2025 • 11min
The Last Word on Travel: Sea And River Cruises
Sarah Slattery from the travelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to talk about the best options for couples, families and solo travelers who may be looking to head away on a cruise.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Apr 4, 2025 • 23min
The Week Trending: Russell Brand Charged With Rape, Chappell Roan Says Friends With Kids Are 'In Hell' & Nobody Is Staying In Farmleigh
Russell Brand is charged with rape and sexual assault, Chappell Roan says all her friends who have children are 'in hell' and the rarely used Farmleigh House is costing the taxpayer almost €3.25 million a year.Fionnuala Jones and Dave Hanratty join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories.But first, Nick Ferrari, presenter of Nick Ferrari at Breakfast on LBC, explains the charges against the comedian and actor Russell Brand.Catch the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Apr 4, 2025 • 10min
Irish Surgeon On His Experience Of Treating Patients In Gaza
Trauma surgeon Dr Morgan McMonagle recently spent six weeks on a humanitarian mission in Gaza.On The Last Word he recounts the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in Gaza and the grim reality of treating patients in an active war zone.Hear the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Apr 4, 2025 • 9min
Only Half Of New Fathers Avail Of Paternity Leave
New research from the ESRI has shown that only half of fathers are using paternity leave, with issues around levels of income a common reason for not doing so.Claire Keane – Associate Research Professor in Taxation, Welfare & Pensions at the ESRI and co-author of the report and Frances Byrne, Director of Policy, Advocacy & Campaigning with Early Childhood Ireland spoke to Matt on The Last Word about this.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.
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