

The Last Word with Matt Cooper
Today FM
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 20, 2025 • 22min
The Last Word On The US: Donald Trump Sworn In As 47th President Of The United States
On Monday, Donald Trump became the 47th US President.In his speech, President Trump criticised Joe Biden’s presidency, declared a national emergency at the US-Mexico border and said that as of Monday, it will be official policy of the US government that there are only two genders – male and female.Cal Thomas & Marion McKeone joined Matt on The Last Word to give their reaction to his speech.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Jan 17, 2025 • 21min
The Week Trending: US TikTok Ban, Cherry Tomato Bridge & Who's Going To Trump's Inauguration?
What's going to happen with the US TikTok ban, why did cherry tomatoes on a Dublin bridge send social media into a frenzy, and who's going (or more importantly, who isn't going) to Donald Trump's inauguration?Aoife Barry, journalist, and Russell Alford, 98FM producer and food critic for Sunday Times as one half of GastroGays, join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Jan 17, 2025 • 11min
Schools Told Not To Accept Psychologists’ Reports For Irish Exemptions
The Department of Education has contacted several schools In Ireland to say that they can’t award exemptions for studying Irish based on psychological reports alone. This decision comes as the number of students receiving exemptions issued by school principals has risen.Carl O’Brien, Education Editor at the Irish Times and Séaghan Ó Suilleabheán, Irish language presenter and content creator, joined Will O’Callaghan on Friday’s The Last Word to discuss the issue.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Jan 16, 2025 • 12min
What’s In The Programme For Government For Climate Change?
The next government will consist of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, the Regional Independent Group and Independent TDs Michael and Danny Healy-Rae.How does their programme for government impact climate change?Environment commentator John Gibbons spoke to Matt on Thursday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their chat.

Jan 16, 2025 • 13min
The Last Word On The US: Biden’s Exit Speech Warns Of The Rise Of US Oligarchs
US President Joe Biden delivered his exit speech on Wednesday night, issuing a warning about a concentration of wealth in the United States.Matt spoke to Marion McKeone and Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at University of Galway & Columnist with TheJournal.ie, about his comments.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Jan 16, 2025 • 10min
Conor McGregor Ordered Not To Publish CCTV Footage Shown During Civil Rape Trial
MM fighter Conor McGregor has been ordered by the High Court not to publish or share the CCTV footage shown during the recent civil action taken by Nikita Hand.Frank Greaney joins The Last Word to outline what was heard in court.

Jan 16, 2025 • 8min
Are Hospital Parking Charges A Toll On Ill Health
Irish hospitals took in almost €16 million in car parking charges in 2023 according to a new report from Irish Country Living. Hospital parking remains a burden on sick people and their families despite Taoiseach Simon Harris promising in 2020 that the charges would be capped at €10 per day.Ciara Leahy, editor of Irish Country Living, joins The Last Word to discuss the report.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page

Jan 16, 2025 • 33min
What’s In The New Programme For Government?
A deal for the next government was agreed between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, the Regional Independent Group and Independent TDs Michael & Danny Healy Rae.Micheál Martin will be Taoiseach until November 2027, with Simon Harris taking over for the remaining two years of the government’s term.Matt was joined by Fine Gael TD Jennifer Carroll-MacNeill, Padraig Mac Lochlainn, Sinn Féin TD for Donegal, Sean Canney TD from the Regional Independent Group and Fianna Fáil’s Niall Collins TD on Wednesday's The Last Word to discuss this.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Jan 15, 2025 • 33min
Culture Club: Roisín O’Donnell
Roisín O’Donnell has just released her debut novel, Nesting, a tense exploration of one women’s attempts to get away from a coercive partner, and a portrait of life inside the housing system.In the culture club, she spoke to Matt about the books, movies, music and TV that have influenced her.

Jan 15, 2025 • 12min
January Is Divorce Month - How Can Couples Keep The Costs Down And Relationships Intact?
January is often considered 'divorce month' as the new year see lots of couples take the first steps towards splitting up.Michelle Brown, divorce consultant, specialist family mediator and author of Scars of Divorce, joins The Last Word to discuss how to get a divorce in Ireland while keeping the costs down and relationships as amicable as possible.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!