The Last Word with Matt Cooper

This week, Aoife Barry, a broadcaster and author known for her media insights, is joined by sports commentator Cathal Mullaney. They delve into the controversial AI 'nudification' tools and their implications for society. Aoife also critiques Elon Musk's monetization strategies for Grok, while Adrian Weckler highlights the legal responsibilities of platforms like X. The discussion shifts to Scotland's new bank holiday for the World Cup, revealing a unique cultural perspective. The panel also reflects on changing attitudes towards youth drinking and health resolutions.

Donal Fallon, a historian and podcaster known for exploring Irish pub history, teams up with Dr. Perry Sher, head of the School of Business and Social Sciences, to discuss the future of Irish pubs. They delve into the alarming 20% decline in pub numbers and the impact of rising costs on rural establishments. Topics include the appeal of Dublin's tourist-friendly pubs versus the challenges faced by local bars, evolving drinking behaviors, and the necessity of preserving conversation in pubs. They also examine the global spread of Irish pubs and the changing role of food.

John Gibbons, an environmental commentator, joins to discuss Ireland's rejection of the EU's Mercosur trade deal. He critiques Ireland's agricultural hypocrisy while highlighting the need for fair comparisons with Brazil's biodiversity. Gibbons warns about the political and economic fallout of opposing trade competition, advises on the importance of EU-South America partnerships, and touches on public support for green policies amidst economic concerns. He also evaluates the implications of missed climate targets and the role of foreign investment in renewable energy.

Larry Donnelly, a Lecturer in law at the University of Galway and Boston native, offers a legal and political lens on a recent tragedy where an ICE agent fatally shot a woman. He argues that the use of lethal force was unjustified and critiques the political double standards surrounding enforcement. They explore issues of civil liberties, including the implications of masked agents, and reflect on the political narratives around the January 6th events. Additionally, Larry touches on recent Senate actions regarding Venezuela and the challenges facing the Democratic Party.

Ilona Duffy, a GP from Monaghan, shares her insights on vitamins and supplements, offering medical advice on cautions around their use. Sarah Keogh, a registered dietitian and founder of Eat Well, discusses dietary deficiencies and the importance of vitamin D, especially in winter. They shed light on the pros and cons of creatine, the limited benefits of magnesium for sleep, and the necessity of checking dietary sources for hair health. The duo stresses informed decision-making regarding supplements, emphasizing evidence-based recommendations.

Andy O'Donoghue, a tech journalist specializing in consumer devices, dives into the world of foldable phones. He explores the Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold’s impressive tri-screen design and hefty price tag, along with its multifunctional capabilities. Andy also discusses the practical benefits of devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold. He even speculates on the potential release of an Apple foldable, highlighting trends in the market and innovative tech advancements.

Dermot Bannon, a prominent Irish architect and host of RTÉ's Room to Improve, shares captivating insights into his life and work. He loves exploring cities without a plan, which fuels his creativity. Dermot reveals the challenges of modern architecture, including budget pressures and the impact of AI on design. He fondly recalls his first concert, U2's Unforgettable Fire, and discusses the music and films that shaped him, especially The Commitments. His passion for architecture and urban life shines through in this engaging conversation.

Geraldine Herbert, motoring editor and automotive trend expert, Brian Caulfield, transportation professor specializing in urban mobility, and Russell Vickers, CEO focused on autonomous vehicle deployment, dive into the future of driverless cars in Ireland. They discuss Nvidia's latest tech platform and the challenges of weather and signage for autonomy. The conversation highlights the likely dominance of robo-taxis over car ownership, the need for geofencing in rural areas, and the ongoing significance of public transit in an autonomous future.

This discussion features Aoife O'Donoghue, a Professor of Law at Queen's University Belfast with a focus on international law and its challenges. They delve into the weakening prohibition on the use of force, particularly regarding US actions in Venezuela, questioning if these violate international norms. Aoife highlights how powerful nations twist narratives to justify military interventions. They also touch on Greenland's self-determination and the legal implications of US interests, revealing the complexities of international law in today’s geopolitical landscape.

Charlie Weston, the Personal Finance Editor of the Irish Independent, joins to discuss how quitting smoking and vaping can slash life insurance costs by 50%. He emphasizes the importance of honesty on applications, as even occasional use can classify you as a smoker. Charlie quantifies savings from quitting and highlights the rising costs of cigarettes and vapes. The conversation also touches on challenges like addiction, the paradox of smoker annuities, and the broader impacts of medical inflation on health insurance costs.