The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Independent, outlined the findings of a new report from think tank Tax Foundation, that ranked Ireland 37th out of 38 countries for personal taxes. He explained how the wealth gap between the super rich and the rest of us is widening.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Dee Reddy, a music journalist known for her insightful commentary, and Dave Hanratty, a music commentator and host of the No Encore podcast, tackle some pressing topics. They dissect British Airways' decision to halt sponsorship of Louis Theroux's podcast following controversial comments from Bob Vylan's frontman. The duo also explores the balance between artists' political responsibilities and audience expectations, while highlighting interesting new music, like the AI-generated project I Appreciate You and the buzz around Fred Again's multimedia event in Dublin.

Stephen Doyle, a sports journalist and commentator for Off the Ball, dives into the fallout from Brendan Rodgers' resignation as Celtic manager. He examines the long-standing struggles of Celtic in European competitions, attributing these issues to a lack of ambition from the board. Doyle discusses Dermot Desmond’s harsh criticism of Rodgers and the implications of a majority shareholder’s public rebuke. The conversation also touches on recruitment failures, the need for strong managerial leadership, and strategies for closing the gap on rival teams.

Cal Thomas is a Conservative commentator known for his insights on international diplomacy, and Marion McKeone is a political analyst with a critical perspective. They discuss President Trump's Asia tour, highlighting peace deals and crucial trade talks, particularly with Xi Jinping. Marion critiques the Thailand-Cambodia deal's humanitarian impact, while both guests evaluate the US-Japan relations and echo strong cooperation against China. They also tackle the ongoing government shutdown and dive into Trump's hints about a potential third term.

Brendan Fanning, a respected Irish rugby journalist and author, shares insights from his new book Touching Distance, exploring the intricate dynamics of Irish rugby. He discusses the potential 'Lions hangover' and the realities of the ageing squad before the November internationals. Fanning emphasizes the importance of current performance over future potential in team selection and critiques the influence of private-school pathways versus GAA toughness. He calls for rugby to tap into the talent pool from Gaelic games to enhance the sport's competitive edge.

Conor Lally, crime and security editor at The Irish Times, and Emily Duffy, communications lead with the Hope and Courage Collective, explore the role of far-right agitators in recent Citywest violence. They discuss how this group exploited a tragic incident, inciting unrest. With over 1.1 million views of their livestreamed propaganda, the duo highlights the international reach and dramatic visuals that boost extremist narratives. They also delve into how social media platforms amplify harmful content, prioritizing engagement over accountability.

In this conversation, Terry Prone, a communications consultant and author renowned for her media training with Ireland's political elite, shares captivating stories from her career. She discusses why scripted tactics often backfire for politicians and emphasizes the importance of authentic connections with voters. Terry dives into her experiences with Charles Haughey, revealing how he mastered manipulation and built a web of secrets. Her insights into the political world shed light on the dynamics of power and public perception.

Fintan O'Toole, a columnist for the Irish Times and editor at the New York Review of Books, and Sam McBride, Northern Ireland editor for the Belfast Telegraph, dive into the complexities of a potential united Ireland. They discuss the evolving identities shaped by demographics and migration, while analyzing both pro- and anti-unity arguments. The duo addresses the emotional versus rational nature of the debate and highlights the risks of uncertainty that could arise from removing the border, all while preparing for unpredictable political shifts.

Andy O'Donoghue, a tech commentator, joins to discuss essential cycling gear for winter safety. He highlights the Garmin Varia radar and rear light for enhanced visibility and warns of traffic. The Lumos Ultra smart helmet features integrated lights and turn signals for commuters. For those who want to listen to music safely, Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones are recommended. Andy also reviews e-bikes like the Carrera Subway and cargo bikes like the Tern GSD S10, emphasizing comfort and practicality for winter commuting.

Michael D. Higgins concludes his presidency, leaving behind a legacy of inclusion and warmth, especially with his beloved Bernese Mountain dogs. The discussion covers his journey from a challenging childhood in Limerick to significant political activism and cultural contributions as Minister for Arts. Highlights include his impactful responses during crises like Savita Halappanavar and the pandemic, his unique style that merged intellect with empathy, and insights into international relations, including his measured messages during Brexit and with Trump.