The Last Word with Matt Cooper
Episodes
Pope Blasts Climate Change Deniers
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Pope Francis has said we are 'nearing breaking point' when it comes to global warming.John Gibbons joined The Last Word to discuss.Catch the full chat...
1 In 30 People In Ireland Impacted By Gambling Says ESRI
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A new report has found a surge in the number of people with gambling addictions. Why is this?Pete Lunn, Head of the ESRI’s Behavioural Research Unit...
Cancer Patients Paying Up To €300 Per Month For Parking
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Irish Cancer Society are aiming to have parking charges for cancer patients in hospitals scrapped, as requested in their pre-Budget submission to ...
Paddy Power To Close 21 Stores Nationwide
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bookmaker Paddy Power is to close 21 shops around the country. Why is this?Ian Guider, Columnist for The Business Post joined The Last Word to discuss...
Half Of Taxpayers Want Relief Restored For Spending On GPs And Medicines
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
According to a new survey, up to half of taxpayers want to see tax relief on health spending restored to 40%. Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor ...
Age Limit Will Be Placed On Those Who Can Use E-Scooters, RSA Says
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
New rules are to be introduced for e-scooters which will see an age and speed limit for those riding them. Liz O’Donnell, Chairperson for the Road S...
Trump Civil Trial Underway
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Former US President Donald Trump is returning to court as he faces a civil fraud trial in New York.Cal Thomas, Nationally Syndicated Columnist, and Ma...
Meta To Charge EU Users For Ad Free Facebook And Instagram
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Would you pay to use Instagram and Facebook?Elaine Burke, Journalist and Host of the Fortechsake Podcast joined The Last Word to discuss.Catch the ful...
Contraceptive Pill To Be Available In Pharmacies Without Prescription
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
New laws will soon allow pharmacists to dispense certain forms of contraception medicines without prescription.Gabija Gataveckaite, Political Reporter...
Anxiety in Young Women
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Shona Project will host 2,000 TY students in at the Shine Festival in the SETU Arena in Waterford.To talk about the Shona Project, Senior Ambassad...
To Die For: Cosmetic Surgery in Turkey
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Joe O'Shea and Elaine Burke joined Matt Cooper for the weekly TV and Streaming slot.Zara King, Virgin Media News Correspondent also joined to discuss ...
Long Haul Trips of a Lifetime
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Long-haul holidays don't come cheap, but deals are surfacing for Summer 2024.Sarah Slattery from travelexpert.ie joined The Last Word to discuss.Catch...
Trial of Man Accused of Murdering Ashling Murphy to Start in Two Weeks
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It was expected that the trial of a man who is accused of murdering schoolteacher Ashling Murphy in 2022 was due to begin today, but it didn't.Frank G...
Teenager Arrested After Allegedly Stabbing Family Member
30 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A 16 year old has been arrested after allegedly killing a family member in Co. Offaly. Conor Gallagher, Security & Crime Correspondent with The Ir...
DJ Carey Faces Fraud Trial Over Alleged Cancer Treatment Scam
30 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One of the greatest hurlers of all time, DJ Carey, is now facing 21 criminal charges over an alleged cancer treatment scam.Court Reporter, Tom Tuite j...
The Week Trending
30 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kate Demolder, Arts & Culture Journalist, and Eoghan Tomas McDermott, MD at The Communications Clinic joined The Last Word to discuss the week's b...
Harry Potter Star Michael Gambon Dies Aged 82
29 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Irish born actor Michael Gambon died yesterday aged 82. Roe McDermott, Movie Editor with Hot Press joined The Last Word to look back on his career.Cat...
Barristers To Hold One Day Strike Next Tuesday
29 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Next Tuesday, hundreds of Criminal Barristers will strike for one day due to fee cuts imposed during the recession.Sara Phelan, Chair of the Bar Counc...
Are Drivers The Most Entitled Group In Irish Society?
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are drivers the most entitled of Irish road users?John Gibbons joined The Last Word to discuss.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on th...
Road Safety Tech Part 2- Smart Traffic Manafement & Electric Roads
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Andy O’Donoghue joined The Last Word to continue our discussion about the use of technology to tackle Ireland's road safety issues.Catch the full ch...
"Murdoch Is Responsible For Tucker Carlson's Popularity"
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Wolff, Author of The Fall: The End of Fox News and the Murdoch Dynasty, joined The Last Word to discuss Rupert Murdoch's exit from Fox News, ...
Why Are College Dropout Rates On The Rise?
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Figures for the 2020-2021 academic year show that 12% of first-year students at third level didn't go on to the second year of their chosen course. Wh...
One In Eight Homes Now In Arrears With Their Energy Bills
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A huge number of Irish households are struggling to pay energy bills, with €600 owed in arrears on average.Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor w...
Tony Holohan: "We Need To Talk"
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Tony Holohan has a new book called "We Need To Talk". It explores his life at a time where his family were going through something unimaginable.He...
Kylie Minogue Releases 16th Studio Album
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
'Tension' is the name of the new Kylie Minogue album and it's just one of the picks on the weekly music slot.Dee Reddy and John Caddell joined The Las...
Ireland's CRH Paying off on New York Stock Exhange
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Irish company CRH (Cement Roadstone Holdings) recently abandoned the Irish Stock Exhange to list on the New York one.Sarah McGuinness from The Busines...
Joe Biden's Ratings Fall Further
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Biden's ratings have taken another fall. It comes as a Republican party debate for the presidential nomination is to take place over the next few ...
The Real Elon Musk
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Elon Musk's story is full of complexities, mental health issues and difficult relationships.The author of "Elon Musk" joined The Last Word to talk abo...
Why Are Three Bed Semis Costing €300k?
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's a while now since the madness of the Celtic Tiger but yet, some houses are asking for massive prices.To discuss, Barry McDonald, Real Estate Agen...
What Should Be Done To Minimise The Pain Of Electricity Bills This Winter?
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's safe to say many households struggled last winter to manage their costs going towards energy, this winter could be the same. What should we do to...
Mid-Term Break: The Best Travel Deals
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A lot of parents like to book holidays for the October mid-term break. Is it too late?Sarah Slattery, from Travelexpert.ie joined The Last Word t...
Documents Missing from RTÉ
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Week Trending is back - on the agenda is Dáil Protests, missing RTÉ documents and more.Claire Ronan from Ocean FM and Lorcan Nyhan, Head of Trai...
Claims That Some Temple Street Colleagues Knew About Non-Surgical Grade Implants
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The scandal at CHI Temple Street rumbles on. It's claimed some colleagues in the hospital knew about the use of non-surgical grade implants.Health Edi...
Almost Everyone In Europe Is Breathing Toxic Air
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Europe is facing a public health crisis, with almost everyone across the continent breathing toxic air. John Gibbons joined The Last Word to discuss.C...
The Perils Of Office Romance
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What is appropriate in the workplace when it comes to relationships? Julie Galbraith, Partner in Employment Law at Eversheds Sutherland, and Sinead Br...
The Latest In Road Safety Tech
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Could road safety technology be the answer to decreasing fatalities on our roads?Andy O’Donoghue, Tech Journalist, and Barry Lunn, CEO of Provizio j...
Government To Ban Disposable Vapes
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Government has a plan to ban disposable vapes due to potential health risks and environmental concerns. John Mallon, Spokesperson for Forest Irela...
New Garda Rosters Not Fit For Purpose, Internal Report Says
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A confidential internal report from 2019 has found the new Garda roster, which is to be reintroduced by Commissioner Harris, as "not fit for purpose"....
Do We Need To Change How We Eat To Achieve Climate Goals?
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In a speech made at the National Ploughing Championships, President Michael D. Higgins outlined a number of 'big changes' to be made in the Irish diet...
Culture Club: Lara Marlowe
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist and frequent contributor to The Last Word, Lara Marlowe joined us this week for The Culture Club!She spoke to Matt about her favourite musi...
Minister McGrath Tells Public Bodies To Accept Cash
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Following recent talk of progression towards a cashless society, Minister for Finance Michael McGrath has insisted that cash remain an option for paym...
ESB's Half Year Profits Up 30%
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
State owned company ESB has been extraordinarily profitable in the first half of the year, with an operating profit of €676 million.Ian Guider, Busi...
Senate Dress Code Relaxed To Allow Hoodies
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
US Senators no longer have to follow the traditional 'business attire' dress code while on the Senate floor.Cal Thomas, Nationally Syndicated Columnis...
How Medicine Shortages Are Impacting Patients And Doctors
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Medicine shortages are becoming more and more common in the world of healthcare. Which medicines are the most affected today, and how serious is this ...
How Russell Brand's Gaslighting Is Becoming Mainstream
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Following Russell Brand's recent allegations, Irish Times Columnist Fintan O’Toole joined The Last Word to discuss his piece on the matter, featured...
Attention Turns to Ireland Vs South Africa on Saturday
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After Ireland's 59-16 win over Tonga, attention now turns to the next Pool B clash with South Africa on Saturday.Alan Quinlan, Paul Wallace and Fergus...
Cruise On The River Shannon
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The weekly travel slot continues, this time some recommendations on a scenic and relaxing cruise along the River Shannon.Sarah Slattery from TheTravel...
Investigations Launched Into Russell Brand Allegations
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The BBC and Channel 4 have both launched investigations following a documentary which aired over the weekend detailing serious allegations against co...
Patrick Kielty's First Late Late Show
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Patrick Kielty hosted his first Late Late Show on Friday, Channel 4 aired a joint investigation between them, The Times and The Sunday Times newspaper...
Andy Farrell Names Strong Team for Tonga
15 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In our continuing slot on the Rugby World Cup, we're joined by former Ireland internationals Billy Holland and Paul Wallace to discuss Ireland's upcom...
A Portrait as A Piss Artist of a Young Man
15 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tadhg Hickey has released a new book "A Portrait as A Piss Artist of a Young Man".The fellow Cork man joined The Last Word to talk about it.Catch the ...
Oireachtas Committee Hears EU Won't Budge on Nitrate Limit
15 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Minister for Agriculture has appeared before the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee today to discuss the new nitrate directive incoming from the Eur...
Patrick Kielty to Take Helm of Late Late
15 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Week Trending continues this week with a look ahead to Patrick Kielty's first Late Late Show, the hole at Portmarnock Beach causing a stir and tro...
Draft Plan On Banning Cars From Inner City Dublin Published
14 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Could we soon see a car-free Dublin City Centre?Brian Caulfield, Professor of Transport at the School of Engineering in Trinity College Dublin, and Co...
Mitigation Vs. Adaptation
14 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather and Environmental Commentator John Gibbons joined The Last Word to discuss the responsibility we have as a nation ...
Cutting-Edge Medical Tech From Robot Surgeries To Smart Bandages
14 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Andy O’Donoghue joined The Last Word to discuss the incredible developments in medical tech in recent years.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Pla...
Rise In Rural Road Deaths Deciding Factor For Speed Limit Reduction
14 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Government has published its speed limit review. What will the implications of this review be, and how drastic a change can we expect?Jack Chamber...
BP Chief Executive Bernard Looney Resigns
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Irish businessman Bernard Looney has resigned from his role as Chief Executive of BP following allegations relating to past relationships with colleag...
Is Ireland Adequately Prepared For Flooding?
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do people in Ireland know how to react in the event of a flood, and are we prepared for flooding to become a more common issue?Alan O’Reilly from Ca...
Are We Heading For A Cashless Society?
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What is the likelihood of Ireland becoming a totally cashless society in the near future?Celine Clarke, Head of Advocacy & Public Affairs with Age...
RSA Campaign Aims For Zero Road Deaths By 2050
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The RSA has launched a renewed campaign to achieve 0 road deaths by 2050? Is it realistic? Sam Waide, Chief Executive of Road Safety Authority and Do...
Heart Health For Women
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
1 in 5 women in Ireland die from heart disease. What signs should you lookout for and are there any precautions you can takeDr. Brian Higgins, GP from...
Ireland Hammer Romania, Fiji Face Heartbreak, France Lay Down A Marker
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our Rugby World-Cup continues following Ireland's explosive opening game of the tournament!Matt Williams, and Cian Tracey joined The Last Word to disc...
USC Cut On Cards For Budget 2024
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tánaiste Micheál Martin has confirmed cuts to the Universal Social Charge are being considered as part of Budget 2024.Danny McConnell, Editor for Th...
215,000 Eligible For Free GP Care From Today
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Half a million people will become eligible for free GP care before the end of the year, with 215,000 to avail of it from today.Minister for Health, S...
Tips For Visiting Paris In The Autumn
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Considering a trip to Paris this Autumn? Sarah Slattery joined The Last Word with her top tips for seeing the sights without the hassle!Catch the full...
Ireland Take on Romania in the Opening of the Rugby World Cup
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tomorrow sees Ireland take on Romania in the opening game of the Rugby World Cup in France.To discuss, Alan Quinlan, Duncan Casey and Matt Williams jo...
Tubridy in the UK, Henderson in Saudi Arabia and Wolfe Tones at EP
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The week trending this week features topics like that Virgin Radio interview with Ryan Tubridy, the infamous Wofe Tones' record-breaking gig at Electr...
Farmers Face Cut to Herd Over Nitrate Limits
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The European Commission is concerned about nitrates' impact on the environment, thus they're introducing limits. This will affect the national herd in...
Community Safety Wardens to Come to Dublin
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Minister for Justice has announced a plan for Dublin City in a bid to make it a safer place. But will Community Safety Wardens Work?Social Democra...
Simon Zebo On Ireland’s World Cup Chances
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With the World Cup about to kick off, we're continuing on with our coverage!Simon Zebo - Munster & former Ireland international joins Matt to disc...
More Energy Savings On The Way For Customers
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A cut of 10% in the standard unit rate of electricity is on the way. Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post joined Matt to discuss.For the full ...
Vicki O’Toole, MD Of JJ O’Toole Limited, On Taking Over The Business When Her Husband Became Ill
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Caught up with a mother of 5 who took over her late husbands family business after he sadly passed away. This is an extract from Magnified podcas...
Tech: The Best Robots To Make Your Home Life Easier
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Would you welcome a human like robot into your home? Andy O' Donoghue, tech journalist joins matt to discuss.for the full chat click the 'Play' button...
National Dairy Council Disputes Claim Its Impersonating A Government Agency
06 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Zoe Kavanagh, CEO of the National Dairy Council joined The Last Word to discuss suggestions that the organisation is impersonating a government run ag...
Brian O'Driscoll On Ireland's Chances At This Year's World Cup
06 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As the Irish rugby team gear up for their 2023 World Cup campaign, legend of the game Brian O'Driscoll joined The Last Word to discuss the boys in gre...
Speed Limits On Secondary, Rural And Urban Roads To Be Reduced By 20km/hr
06 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Will a reduction in Irish speed limits help to lower the rising number of deaths on our roads?Seamus Boland, Chief Executive at Irish Rural Link, and ...
We're Kicking Off Our Rugby World Cup Coverage
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Rugby World Cup kicks off this Friday with hosts France taking on 3 time winners New Zealand. Brent Pope, Rugby Television Analyst joined The Last...
Could Joe Biden Be Impeached?
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is there any validity behind Republican calls for the impeachment of US President Joe Biden?Cal Thomas, Nationally Syndicated Columnist, and Marion Mc...
Concussion In Children And Young Adults
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What causes a concussion and what should you be on the look out for when it comes to children and young adults?Dr. Brian Higgins, GP from Galway Prima...
One Man’s Mission To Transform Irish Sex Education
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Richie Sadlier, Ex-Footballer and Psychotherapist joined The Last Word to discuss his 2 part series on RTE: ‘Let’s Talk About Sex’.Catch the ful...
September Travel Deals
04 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you're on the hunt for a travel deal this month, look no further as Sarah Slattery joined us today with her top September picks!Catch the full chat...
Tension Mounts Between Jadon Sancho & Erik Ten Hag After United's Defeat To Arsenal
04 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Miguel Delaney joined The Last Word to break down the ongoing issues at Manchester United FC, further exasperated by their loss to Arsenal this past w...
Government Scores C+ On Climate Report Card
04 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are the Government on top of reaching our climate targets? Friends of the Earth have released a report which suggests they could do better.Dr. Cara Au...
What Does The Future Of Work Look Like?
04 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today on The Last Word we were joined by a panel of experts to discuss what the world of work will look like in the future, in a two part special.Maev...
Arsenal Host Manchester United
02 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Lawrenson joined The Last Word ahead of Arsenal's Premier League match up against Manchester United this Sunday.Catch the full chat by pressing t...
What Are The Safety Issues On Our Roads?
02 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
12 people have died on Irish roads since last Friday, with 125 fatalities in total this year.Michael Healy Rae, Independent TD for Kerry, and Blake Bo...
Burger King Sued Over Size Of Whopper
02 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Global fast food chain Burger King are facing legal action over the size of their flagship burger The Whopper.Ian Power, CEO of Spunout, and Aoife Bar...
Keith Duffy Prepares For An Extreme Kenyan Challenge
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Keith Duffy is facing a new challenge for charity, in Africa!Keith Duffy, and Paul Byrne from BodyByrne Fitness joined The Last Word to discuss.Catch ...
Crackdown On Dodgy Boxes Continues With Focus Now On Seven Counties
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is it the end of the road for 'dodgey box' users? Elaine Burke, Journalist and Host of the For Tech Sake Podcast joined The Last Word to discuss.Catch...
Banks Asked To Outline Supports For Mortgage Holders On High Interest Rates
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Finance Minister Michael McGrath has asked banks to outline possible support networks for mortgage holders facing high interest rates. Ian Guider, Col...
The True Story Of The Irish Priest Who Funded The IRA With Money From Colonel Gaddafi
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist and author Jennifer O'Leary joined The Last Word to discuss her new book, The Padre: The True Story of the Irish Priest who armed the IRA w...
What's Next for the Irish Women's Football Team?
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Vera Pauw is no longer in charge of the Women's International Team, but has the FAI explained their reasons for sacking the manager?Gavin Cooney from ...
VHI Announce Price Hikes
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Health insurance in Ireland is about to get more expensive as one provider announced price hikes starting in October.Charlie Weston, Personal Finance ...
Is Airbnb A Faulty System?
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Airbnb has published its 2022 Irish economic impact report. The report says Airbnb boosted the Irish economy by €500 million last year.But, it has b...
Electric Picnic 2023 Preview
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
John Caddell and Dee Reddy joined The Last Word to take a look at the weekend that lies ahead for Ireland's biggest music festival, Electric Picnic.Ca...
RTÉ's Plan In Register Of Interests Could Apply To Staff And Contractors
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How would RTÉ's register of interests work for staff and contractors in the future?Ian Guider, Business Columnist with The Business Post joined The L...
Trump To Appear In Court Next March On The Day Before Super Tuesday
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Will Trump's latest assigned court date help him with the upcoming election?Cal Thomas, Nationally Syndicated Columnist, and Marion McKeone, US Corres...
Psychosomatic Illnesses & Anxiety
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How can we spot and deal with psychosomatic illness and anxiety in our day to day lives?Dr. Brian Higgins joined The Last Word to discuss.Catch the fu...
Magnificent Liverpool Comeback Sees Off Newcastle
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Liverpool enjoyed an incredible win over Newcastle over the weekend, with only 10 men on the pitch.Mark Lawrenson, Tony Cascarino, and Miguel Delaney ...