The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Charlie Weston, personal finance editor with the Irish Independent had some tips on how to manage costs when hiring a car abroad.Charlie also explained why an almost 50% increase in cattle prices could be passed on to the consumer in terms of food inflation.To catch the full conversation, press the play button on this page.

A study from the Anti-Bullying Centre at DUC has found that banning smartphones in schools has little or no impact on education, the wellbeing of students or online bullying.Dr Megan Reynolds, Postdoctoral Researcher at Dublin City University and Lead Author outlined the findings of the report.To catch the full conversation, press the play button on this page.

Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who was charged with a terror offence in May by the Metropolitan Police, has been released on unconditional bail and will reappear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 20th.The 27-year-old, whose stage name is Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in November 2024.Emily Keegan, Today FM’s Multimedia Reporter, joined Will O’Callaghan to explain what happened in London on Wednesday.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

US President Donald Trump left a meeting of G7 leaders in Canada early after warning that "everyone should evacuate Tehran" as attacks between Israel and Iran continue to escalate. Marion McKeone and Larry Donnelly join The Last Word to discuss all of the latest news from the United States. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

New legislation introducing an opt-out system of consent for organ donation in Ireland has come into effect. Priscilla Lynch, clinical editor with the Medical Independent, and Joe O’Brien, executive director at the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, join The Last Word to discuss how this new system will work. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The Club World Cup kicked off over the weekend and on Sunday, Bayern Munich hammered Auckland City 10-0.After gruelling domestic seasons and ever-increasing fixture schedules, is the appetite there – from both players and fans alike – for another major football tournament?Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer with The Independent, spoke to Will O’Callaghan on Monday.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

As the National Economic Dialogue took place in Dublin Castle, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe warned of ‘dark clouds’ on Ireland’s economic horizon.Daniel McConnell, editor, Business Post and Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions discussed concerns raised over Ireland’s reliance on corporation tax and the threats ahead to economic security.To catch the full conversation, press the ‘play’ button on this page.

Sinéad Kennedy, travel expert and host of Wellness Activity Breaks, joins The Last Word to talk all about her recent visit to Tunisia and why she thinks it the ideal trip for holidaymakers looking to explore beyond typical sun destinations.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Greta Thunberg and other activists on a Gaza-bound boat are deported by Israel, a Democratic US Senator is arrested and handcuffed at an immigration briefing in LA, and the Confirmation pledge gets a 21st century update.Author and journalist Aoife Barry and Eoghan Thomas McDermott, managing director at the Communications Clinic, join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

In the Last Word on Business, Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, explained why EriGrid's chairman in a statement said nuclear power generation should be considered.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.