The Last Word with Matt Cooper
Today FM
On Ireland's most cutting edge current affairs show, Matt and his guests provide a running stream of intelligent opinions and heated debates on the issues that matter most to Irish listeners. You might not always agree, but you'll never want to miss a Word.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 22, 2024 • 16min
What Is The Controversy Surrounding 'It Ends With Us'?
'It End With Us', a new film starring Blake Lively based on the hit novel by Colleen Hoover, has been plunged into controversy following its release earlier this month.Roe McDermott, movies editor from Hot Press, joins The Last Word to explain the controversy surrounding the movie and discuss the week's other movie news.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Aug 22, 2024 • 8min
The Last Word On The US: Oprah Winfrey Makes Surprise Appearance On Night 3 Of Democratic National Convention
US vice presidential candidate Tim Walz delivered his acceptance speech on night three of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi and Oprah Winfrey were also among the guests on Wednesday.Lorcan Nyhan, Head of Training at the Communications Clinic, joined Matt to assess their performances.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.
Aug 22, 2024 • 11min
The Last Word On The Environment: Heat Related Deaths Likely To Increase Over Coming Decades
John Gibbons was back for this week’s environment slot and he spoke to Matt about how a study from the Lancet Public Health journal suggested that the number of deaths caused by extreme heat and cold could rise in the future.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.
Aug 22, 2024 • 14min
Should Phones Be Banned In Secondary Schools?
Mobile phones could be banned in secondary schools under plans being considered by the Minister for Education Norma Foley.Rachel Harper, principal of St Patrick's National School in Greystones, and Jennifer Horgan, secondary school teacher and columnist for the Irish Examiner, join The Last Word to discuss the proposal.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page?
Aug 21, 2024 • 32min
Culture Club: Peter Devlin
Ahead of the release of the latest album from The Devlins, Peter Devlin joined Matt to talk about his favourite music, movies, books, TV shows and more.To catch the full conversation, press the play button on this page.
Aug 21, 2024 • 6min
Why Are Health Insurers Increasing Their Prices For The Second Time This Year?
VHI has announced it will increase the price of its health insurance plans for the second time this year. It follows a similar price increase announcement from Laya Healthcare.Dermot Goode, head of the Healthcare Division at Lockton Insurance Brokers, joins The Last Word to explain what's going on in the private health insurance market.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Aug 21, 2024 • 10min
Tribute To Journalist Nell McCafferty Who Has Died Aged 80
Ailbhe Smyth, feminist and LGBTQ+ activist, joins The Last Word to discuss the legacy of Nell McCafferty who has died aged 80.There are also excerpts from a 2018 interview with the journalist and feminist campaigner who spoke to The Last Word ahead of the abortion referendum.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Aug 21, 2024 • 16min
Government Planning Mobile Phone Ban For Secondary Schools
Minister for Education Norma Foley spoke to Matt about free school books, teacher shortages and her plans to ban smart phones in secondary schools.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Aug 21, 2024 • 21min
Matt Meets Nell McCafferty
Journalist, author and activist Nell McCafferty has died aged 80, her family has announced.Born in Derry in 1944, McCafferty was a founding member of the Irish Women’s Liberation Movement and spent her life campaigning for women’s rights and against social injustices.She spoke to Matt in 2018 about why she was voting ‘Yes’ in the abortion referendum.Revisit the interview here by hitting the ‘Play’ button on this page.
Aug 20, 2024 • 12min
Comedian Shane Daniel Byrne Heading For Dublin Fringe Festival
Comedian Shane Daniel Byrne spoke to Matt from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where he is debuting his show Trouble Denim, before it comes to the Peacock stage in September.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
