The Last Word with Matt Cooper

A major conference this week heard that Ireland has seen a significant rise in behavioural addictions including excessive gambling, screen use and online shopping.Professor Colin O’Gara, head of addiction services at St John Of God Hospital and clinical professor of psychiatry at UCD, joins The Last Word to discuss the rise in people presenting with addictions linked to their phone or devices.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Revenue has estimated that over 300,000 people are due an income tax refund which could be claimed back just before Christmas.People who filed a tax return last year got an average of €900 back into their pockets.Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, joined Matt on Wednesday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

The US Senate has approved a Bill that would end the longest government shutdown in US history which has disrupted food benefits and left hundreds of thousands of workers unpaid. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined 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!

Single adults need to earn significantly more than couples if they want to enjoy a comparable lifestyle, according to new research.Kelly Warburton, a single first-time buyer, and Michael Dowling, Managing Director of Michael Dowling Mortgage and Financial Services, joined The Last Word to discuss the financial challenges faced by single people.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Catherine Connolly has been formally declared the 10th president of Ireland following her inauguration at Dublin Castle on Tuesday.In her speech, she said she would “embrace the role with dignity, determination and courage”. She also vowed to be a “unifying presence” and a “catalyst for change”.What will Connolly’s presidency look like?Lise Hand & Flor McCarthy, co-hosts of the Think You Know The Presidents podcast, spoke to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

John Sweetman, a retired Garda forensic examiner with 25 years of experience, shares gripping insights into Irish crime investigations. He discusses the Balbriggan case, detailing the shocking 999 call and the initial concerns about the victim's injuries. Sweetman also illuminates the critical role forensic examiners play at crime scenes, uncovering clues that may change the course of investigations. With his extensive background, he offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how evidence shapes the search for truth in compelling true crime stories.

David Gillick, a former Irish 400m Olympian and athletics commentator, opens up about his memoir, The Race. He shares his journey from elite runner to life after athletics, discussing the intense pressures of doping and the identity crisis following his funding loss. Gillick candidly reflects on his mental health struggles and the lack of support athletes faced at retirement. He highlights becoming a father as a pivotal moment, and how running has helped him regain his purpose and empathy in his new role as a commentator.

Join journalist Joe O’Shea and media commentator Elaine Burke as they dissect the BBC’s recent editing controversy involving Donald Trump. They explore the fallout leading to senior resignations and discuss Trump’s billion-dollar lawsuit threats. The duo also dives into public reactions and broader implications for the BBC’s reputation in light of political campaigns targeting its editorial integrity. With a nod to the BBC's surprising viewing successes amid crises, their insights offer a captivating look at media dynamics today.

Sarah Slattery, a travel expert from thetravelexpert.ie, dives into the fascinating trend of set-jetting, where travelers flock to destinations featured in movies and TV shows. She highlights the impact of screen tourism on locations like Skellig Michael and luxury spots in Thailand. Sarah also discusses how shows like The White Lotus influence local economies with price spikes in tourism. Offering practical tips, she navigates accessibility to popular destinations, making it easier for fans to follow in their favorite characters' footsteps.

This week for The Week Trending Matt is joined by Journalist Lise Hand and Managing Director of the Communications Clinic Eoghan Tomás McDermott. They discuss the 'lion' spotted in County Clare, people cloning their pets, Zohran Mamdani's historic election win and much more.Hit Play on this page to listen now