The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Conor Faughnan, a transport commentator, pushes for high-capacity public transport like metro and heavy rail to tackle Dublin's commuting woes. Janet Horner, a Green Party councillor, sheds light on local transport strategies including bus priority and cycling initiatives. Mary Rose Burke, CEO of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, discusses the staggering economic costs of congestion and the urgent need for public transport investment, arguing for solutions like Metro and BusConnects to improve the daily commute.

John Gibbons, an insightful environmental commentator, dives deep into the ecological impact of leaf blowers, spotlighting their noise and air pollution. He shares alarming comparisons of decibel levels and health risks associated with petrol-powered models. The conversation also touches on insightful alternatives like battery-powered blowers. Beyond leaf blowers, Gibbons critiques Galway's transport planning, advocating for public transit solutions over new road constructions, and raises awareness about sustainable practices like composting and the benefits of leaving leaves.

Ray Silke, a former All-Ireland winning captain of Galway, shares his frustrating commuting experiences, highlighting how delays impact family life and quality of living. Karen Ronan, CEO of Galway Chamber, discusses the critical need for a Galway Ring Road to support business growth and alleviate traffic woes. They both advocate for a multimodal transport strategy to enhance accessibility. The conversation reveals how commuting struggles are driving young people away and stressing the importance of integrated infrastructure planning.

Charlie Weston, personal finance editor of the Irish Independent, and Dr. Laura Bambrick, head of social policy at the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, dive into the urgent need for regulations against companies dodging the new pension auto-enrolment system. They discuss the risks of inferior schemes being forced on employees and the push for minimum standards. The duo highlights the challenges small employers face and clarifies misconceptions about the administrative burden of auto-enrolment, stressing its long-term necessity for securing workers' futures.

Andy O'Donoghue, a seasoned technology journalist and gadget reviewer, dives into the world of GPS watches for kids. He shares insights on safe options like the Explorer XGoKid and X6 Play, highlighting features such as safe zones and SOS capabilities. Listeners learn about essential tips on SIM requirements, subscription plans, and water resistance for these gadgets. Andy also reveals his top pick, the Explorer X-Go 3, while comparing GPS trackers to more comprehensive watches.

Colm Williamson, founder of the satirical outlet Waterford Whispers News, shares insights into his creative journey and the influence of social media on satire. He discusses the origins of his site, the dynamics of growing followers on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and the inspiration behind the 2025 annual. Colm also dives into his love for music, recalling how Nirvana Unplugged inspired him, while reflecting on his favorite films and memorable moments from his favorite concerts, showcasing his diverse cultural influences.

In this engaging discussion, radio producer Diarmuid Doyle shares his harrowing four-hour commute from Navan, shedding light on its toll on mental health. Labour TD Mark Wall advocates for solutions like flexible work policies to combat congestion. HR expert Alison Hodgson emphasizes the recruitment benefits of hybrid work, while Professor Brian Caulfield presents alarming data on traffic trends and delayed infrastructure projects. Motoring editor Geraldine Herbert warns about public transport capacity issues, highlighting the connection between housing shortages and longer commutes.

Ali Dunworth, author of A Compendium of Irish Pints, dives into the shifting drinking culture in Ireland, where one in three now drinks at home. She discusses the cultural significance of pubs, the challenges of solo visits for women, and how home drinking has increased since lockdowns. Ali highlights the rise of non-alcoholic options and pubs evolving to offer more than just drinks, like quizzes and events. With significant trends in reducing alcohol consumption, she argues for the social benefits of pub environments compared to solitary home drinking.

Marion McKeown, a political commentator and journalist, joins conservative analyst Cal Thomas to discuss the latest in U.S. politics. They dive into Trump's surprising call for Republicans to push for the release of the Epstein files, despite his earlier claims of distraction. The duo examines concerns over possible redactions, the implications for Trump's loyalty to the MAGA base, and why foreign policy decisions, particularly concerning Saudi Arabia, continue to spark debate. Their sharp insights spotlight the interplay of politics, media, and voter sentiment.

Daniel McConnell, editor of the Business Post, discusses the surprising timing of Paschal Donohoe's resignation and its rarity. Dan O’Brien critiques Donohoe's fiscal policies while highlighting potential benefits to Ireland from his new World Bank role. Sarah Carey warns of a 'brain drain' in Fine Gael, stressing the need for effective leadership beyond technical skills. Professor Gary Murphy predicts limited changes in government stability despite the reshuffle, pointing to new cabinet replacements with cautious optimism.