The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Fresh from winning the Popular Book of the year at this year's An Post Irish Book Awards for her latest book Paper Heart, Cecelia Ahern joins Matt in the culture club to run through the music, movies, TV, books and plays that have been the soundtrack and influences in her life.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

The European Union is proposing a crackdown on Airbnbs and other short term rentals as part of a major plan to tackle the shortage of affordable homes in the EU.Máire Ní Mhurchu, chief executive of Irish Self Catering Federation, and Kathleen Funchion, Sinn Fein MEP, join The Last Word to discuss the EU's plan. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

This week on The Last Word on Personal Finance Charlie Weston gives give advice on how to minimise the cost of your family food shop this Christmas.We also hear about the difference between men and women's Christmas shopping habits Hit Play on this page to listen now

From Rosalia to the return of Pulp, John Caddell, Dee Reddy and Dave Hanratty join The Last Word to run through their picks for the best albums of 2025.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Cal Thomas, a conservative columnist known for his sharp political insights, and Larry Donnelly, a lawyer and commentator with a focus on governance, delve into the outrage surrounding Trump's inflammatory comments about Rob Reiner's death. They discuss the potential political fallout and questions about Trump's mental fitness. The duo also reflects on the broader context of political compassion, celebrity criticism of Trump's priorities, and the persistent issues of gun culture in America, highlighting the urgent need for empathy in public discourse.

Daniel McConnell, Editor at the Business Post, and Louise Byrne, Political Correspondent at the Irish Examiner, dive into the swirling controversy engulfing Micheál Martin's leadership following the Jim Gavin debacle. They discuss Martin’s precarious position and reveal inconsistencies in his responses to media scrutiny. The duo analyzes the potential for a leadership challenge and the implications for Fianna Fáil’s future, coupled with the financial fallout from Gavin's campaign. The conversation is sharp, insightful, and filled with political intrigue.

Edel Coffey, an Irish novelist and columnist, teams up with Kevin Power, an author and assistant professor at Trinity College Dublin, to discuss the standout fiction of 2025. They dive into Andrea Mara's captivating thriller and Dan Brown's science-infused adventure. Kevin highlights Gráinne O'Hare's refreshing portrayal of women in Belfast, while Edel reviews Leila Lalami's thought-provoking near-future tale. They also explore the emotional depths of novels by Claire-Louise Bennett and John Banville's comedic Venice thriller, ensuring a rich literary journey.

Matt is joined by Joe O'Shea and Elaine Burke to discuss the best tv and streaming of 2025.Joe and Elaine give a rundown of the finest tv of this year that you may have missed to give you inspiration for some Christmas viewing Hit Play on this page to listen now

In the wake of the horrific attacks at a Hannukah event at Bondi beach, questions are being raised about the growth of antisemitism in Ireland and around the world.Matt is joined by founder of Holocaust Remembrance Ireland Oliver Sears to discussHit Play on this page to listen now

The Irish Farmers Association, including President Francie Gorman and his 11 year old son, are travelling to Brussels to protest the EU- Mercosur trade deal which would see Europe's trading partnerships with South America grow.Francie Gorman joins Matt to explain the farmers' concerns Hit Play on this page to listen now