The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Episode 5: In the run up to the big day, join Today FM's Ben Finnegan as he covers what's being said across the political spectrum to help give you the best chance of being informed at the ballot box.On day 8 of the campaign, Fianna Fáil launches their plan to tackle crime leading to a fight back from Fine Gael, we delve into People Before Profit's transport policy focuses on their key free of charge proposal and Labour's proposals for the primary care sector. Sean Defoe also joins Ben for a round up of the first week of the campaign.

Episode 4: In the run up to the big day, join Today FM's Ben Finnegan as he covers what's being said across the political spectrum to help give you the best chance of being informed at the ballot box.On day 7 of the campaign Simon Harris reveals Fine Gael's election slogan, People Before Profit Solidarity launch their manifesto, Sinn Féin put forward their immigration plan and Andrew Lowth joins us to discuss the Finna Fáil healthcare plan.

Paul McAuliffe, Fianna Fáil spokesperson on social protection, local government and electoral reform, and Pa Daly, Sinn Fein justice spokesperson, join The Last Word to discuss what their parties would do to manage crime and increase safety on the streets if they are in the next government.Hear the full debate by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

COP29 is being held in Azerbaijan until the 22nd of November, and the country’s president Ilham Aliyev has criticised "Western fake news" regarding the country's emissions, saying that oil and gas are a “gift from God”.Meanwhile, Argentina has pulled out of talks in Baku after the country’s president Javier Milei previously said that climate change is a “socialist lie”.Commentator John Gibbons joined Matt for this week’s environment slot.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

This week, President-elect Donald Trump began announcing his nominations for top roles within his administration. Among the nominations are Republican congressman Matt Gaetz to serve as attorney general, Stephen Miller to become deputy chief of staff for policy and Kristi Noem for the role of Homeland Security Secretary.Marion McKeone, US Correspondent, Business Post and Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at University of Galway & Political Columnist with TheJournal.ie, explained what this may mean when Trump takes over as President.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

George Hamilton is the latest inductee into the Culture Club.The legendary sports commentator, Lyric FM presenter and author of The Hamilton Notes joins The Last Word to discuss his favourite music, books, movies and more. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Episode 3: In the run up to the big day, join Today FM's Ben Finnegan as he covers what's being said across the political spectrum to help give you the best chance of being informed at the ballot box.On day 6 of the campaign Fine Gael launched their childcare policies including their commitment to the 'baby bundles', The Social Democrats, Labour and Fianna Fáil all announced pledges around renters and home delivery, and Ellen Butler joins us to discuss how these housing policies stack up.

Elon Musk was one of the biggest contributors to US president-elect Donald Trump’s election campaign and now he will play a significant role in the Trump administration as he is appointed to lead a new government efficiency agency.Eric Lipton, investigative reporter with the New York Times in Washington, joins The Last Word to discuss how tech billionaire Musk and his businesses stand to benefit from Trump's presidency.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

On Wednesday, The Last Word continued its buildup to November 29th’s general election, this time looking at how immigration will affect how people cast their votes.Colm Brophy, Fine Gael TD for Dublin South-West and Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín joined Matt to discuss their positions on the subject.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

On day six of the campaign trial, Gary Murphy Professor of Politics at the School of Law and Government in DCU, joined Matt to assess the election campaign so far, and to consider whether a Trump-style Department of Government Efficiency could work in Ireland. To listen to the full conservation, press the 'play' button on this page.