The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Most Workers Want A Four Day Week, Will It Ever Happen?

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

According to a new survey by Hays Ireland, 95% of Irish professionals say they think a four day working week is a good idea. But will it ever happen? ...

Gary Lineker To Return To Match Of The Day As BBC Issue Apology

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It has been announced that Gary Lineker will be returning to his post as presenter of Match Of The Day, with a full review being launched into how pre...

Gary Lineker To Step Down From Match Of The Day

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It has been announced that Gary Lineker will be stepping away from his role as presenter of Match of the Day, following his controversial tweet critic...

Man United Hoping To Bounce Back From Liverpool Hammering

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After a shocking loss to Liverpool at Anfield last weekend, Manchester United are hoping to redeem themselves when they host Southampton this Sunday. ...

LA Turning Green This Oscar Weekend

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's a big weekend for Irish film with the Oscars taking place in Los Angeles and a record number of Irish hopefuls in attendance. Aoife Barry, Assi...

Oscars Preview

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The most anticipated night in Hollywood is only around the corner! The Oscars takes place on March 12th, or in the early hours of March 13th Irish tim...

Should Public Transport Be Free?

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A survey has been commissioned by the National Transport Authority that looks into the reality of introducing free public transport in Ireland. John...

Interview: Darragh O'Brien

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Taoiseach has confirmed that there is no change in the plans to end the eviction ban by the end of the month. So what will the Government do to en...

Spotify Getting TikTok Makeover

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The world's most popular music streaming service is changing it's interface to look more like video based social media apps like TikTok. This was anno...

Gary Lineker Compares UK Asylum Policy To 1930s Germany

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Following the announcement of the British Government's new asylum policy, sports broadcaster Gary Lineker has controversially compared the move to 193...

Ireland Has Record Number Of Uninsured Cars On Roads

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland have revealed that 1 in 12 cars on Irish roads are uninsured. Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor of the...

Is International Women’s Day Legit Or Just Tokenism?

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today is International Women's Day, with events taking place in Ireland and around the world. But are these events just tokenism and do they mask a le...

All Burkes Removed From Court And One Arrested As Enoch Loses Appeal

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Enoch Burke's appeal was dismissed by the COA today, leading to chaos amongst the Burke family. All family members were forcibly removed from court an...

Jan 6th Footage ‘Mostly Peaceful Chaos’ Says Tucker Carlson

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tucker Carlson of Fox News has claimed the events of January 6th in Washington D.C. were 'mostly peaceful chaos' in a segment which depicts a 'peacefu...

Government Braced For Backlash Over Eviction Ban Plan

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Despite expectations of an extension on the government's eviction ban, it has been decided by cabinet that it will finish as planned at the end of Mar...

How To Banish Sleep Disturbances And Get Some Decent Sleep

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sleep is extremely important when it comes to our quality of life. However, many of us simply do not get enough of it. So how can we improve our quali...

Liverpool Thrash Man United 7-0

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Manchester United were in for a huge shock at Anflied in the weekend's biggest Premier League fixture, losing 7-0 to home side Liverpool. Mark Lawren...

Irish Woman Credits Her Fitbit With Preventing Her Stroke

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

According to Blackrock Health, a quarter of people who experience signs of potential heart issues don't follow up for treatment. We were joined on T...

TV & Streaming: Dancing With The Stars Value To RTÉ Revealed

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Despite recent cancellation rumours, a report from the Irish Sun has revealed that Dancing With The Stars is in fact an extremely profitable and impor...

Are Congestion Charges And 400% Parking Fee Hikes On The Cards For Drivers?

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Minister Eamon Ryan is set to bring a memo to government tomorrow outlining plans to reduce car emissions which could involve congestion charges and a...

Predictions For This Weekend's Premier League Action

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Miguel Delaney and Mark Lawrenson joined us on The Last Word to give their opinions and predictions for this weekend's Premier League fixtures, includ...

The Week Trending: Paul Mescal’s Mortifying Hand Hold Moment At The SAG Awards

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Paul Mescal has been doing very well for himself, and it's safe to say he is very much in the public eye these days. An awkward moment between himself...

Thousands Of Energy Customers Limited In How They Can Use Government Energy Credit

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Electric Ireland will begin to apply the state's third and final energy credit to customer accounts in the next couple of weeks, however it can only b...

Why Companies Are Jumping On The ChatGPT Bandwagon

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tech journalist Andy O’Donoghue returned to The Last Word this week to discuss why ChatGPT is becoming more popular among technology companies aroun...

What Would A Left-Wing Government Look Like?

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

People Before Profit have written to Sinn Fein, the Social Democrats and other opposition parties about the prospect of forming a government after the...

More Dangerous Summer Temperatures Predicted

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A new report from the International Energy Agency found that global emissions hit record highs of 36.8 billion tonnes in 2022. John Gibbons returne...

Is There Enough Transparency From Influencers On Advertising?

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland has announced plans to use AI to clamp down on social media posts that mislead consumers. Ian Guider ...

TD’s Wages Are Now Higher Than Celtic Tiger Levels

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

From today TDs and Senators are receiving a pay rise which will see the wages of our elected representatives reach their highest figure since the Celt...

Personal Finance: Warnings For Thousands Of Irish Mortgage Holders Over New Rate Hikes

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Interest rates look likely to continue rising this year for mortgage holders due to inflation. Our personal finance expert Charlie Weston predicts thi...

Is The Novelty Of Remote Working Wearing Off?

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After 3 years of many people working from home, are we starting to see a 'remote work rebound'? Ian Talbot, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive and Robe...

There’s A Changing Face Of Homelessness In Ireland According To Focus Ireland

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We spoke to Pat Dennigan, CEO at Focus Ireland and Louise Bayliss, Advocacy Coordinator at Focus Ireland about the reasons people find themselves home...

Rupert Murdoch Admits Some Fox Hosts Endorsed Trump ‘Stolen Election’ Claims

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Rupert Murdoch has admitted to Fox News' pushing of Trump's 'Stolen Election' claims for the purpose of profit. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined...

The Vital Role Support Plays In Helping Those Who Are Homeless

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Focus Ireland Ambassador Paul Geoghegan joined us on the Last Word to talk about his experience with homelessness and the work done by Focus Ireland t...

How New Parents Can Make Sure They Eat, Rest And Care For Themselves Properly

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Being a new parent is very demanding and often leads to self-neglect which can result in burnout. How can new parents make sure they are taking care...

Man United Bag First Trophy Since 2017 With Carabao Cup Win

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After a disappointing game for Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final yesterday, Manchester United have won their first trophy since 2017. What's next for...

Irish Covid Lockdown Decisions Were Based On Fear According To NPHET Member

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Member of NPHET, Professor Martin Cormican has questioned the effectiveness of Ireland's lockdown decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Professor ...

Time For A Holiday? Here Are The Best Travel Deals For Every Type Of Getaway

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you thinking of searching out a holiday deal? Our travel expert Sarah Slattery joined Matt to discuss the best February travel bargains available!...

Alleged Russian Spy From Kazakhstan Worked In Leinster House

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

An Irish citizen who previously worked in Leinster House is being deported from Australia on suspicion of being a threat to national security because ...

Stories From Ukraine - One Year On

25 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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Carabao Cup Final Predictions: Man Utd v Newcastle Utd

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Carabao Cup final takes place at Wembley on Sunday, and with Manchester United taking on Newcastle United, it looks to be a very exciting game. M...

Why You Could See Bare Shelves In Your Supermarket’s Fruit And Veg Aisle

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Will fruit and veg shortages caused by changes in weather patterns see us relying on locally grown seasonal produce? Laura Byrne, Assistant News Edit...

Homeless Figures Reach Record Highs: Calls For Eviction Ban To Be Extended

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There was a record number of people marked as 'officially homeless' in January, according to the latest figures from the Department of Housing. The to...

The Football World Mourns The Death Of John Motson

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The death was announced this morning of veteran football commentator John Motson, aged 77. Motson worked for the BBC for over 50 years, covering ten W...

Pay Rises Reach 10-Year High But Professionals Still €1.3K Poorer

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

According to recruitment consultancy Robert Walters, the rate of pay rises in Ireland has hit a 10 year high for professional service firms. Average p...

The Last Word On The Environment: Climate Change Now Affecting Supplies Of Fruit And Vegetables

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ireland’s food security has been impacted by climate change, with retail giants confirming shortages of fruit and vegetables imported from Spain, It...

The War On Ukraine: One Year On

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On the 24th of February 2022, Vladimir Putin gave a televised address saying his aim was to ‘de-Nazify’ Ukraine. The Russian artillery that had ...

Problems Ahead For The GAA As Gambling Grows Amongst Elite Players

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

New research has shown gambling amongst inter-county GAA players is on the rise. What are the reasons for a spike in gambling amongst this particular ...

The Best Tech Gadgets To Help Put A Spring In Your Step

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our tech expert Andy O’Donoghue joined us today to chat about the best gadgets available to help you get the most out of the spring time! Catch the...

Personal Finance: More Despair For Motorists After Excise Duty Cuts On Diesel And Petrol Scrapped

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Last year, in a response to rising petrol and diesel prices, due to the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Government decided to reduce ex...

White Lotus Theme Tune Gets The Tiesto Treatment

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

HBO's 'The White Lotus' has captivated audiences around the globe, and it's iconic theme tune has taken on a life of it's own. It has been re-worked b...

Joe Biden Makes Surprise Visit To Ukraine

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How is the world reacting to Joe Biden's visit to Kyiv in Ukraine? Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined the Last Word to discuss this, as well as th...

There Will Be No More Cost-Of-Living Packages This Side Of October’s Budget

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said there will be no more cost-of-living packages this side of October’s budget. So how far will the government's €1.3...

How To Spot Everyday Childhood Illnesses And When To Take Action

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A young child can be sick with a self-limiting viral illness on average about 8-12 times a year. How can you spot childhood illnesses and when should ...

Premier League: A Good Weekend For Arsenal With Dramatic Win Over Aston Villa

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After being overtaken at the top of the table by Man City last week, Arsenal were hoping to bounce back with a win against Aston Villa on Saturday and...

TV & Streaming: 2023 BAFTAs In Review

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The BAFTA Awards is one of the most prestigious film award nights in the industry, but is it worth tuning into from home? Joe O’Shea and Elaine Bur...

Travel: St Patrick's Day/Mother's Day Breaks In Ireland

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The St. Patrick’s Day bank holiday is just around the corner so if you’re hoping to plan a trip around Ireland to coincide with Mother’s Day, Sa...

What To Expect From Tomorrow's Cost Of Living Plans

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

New one-off cost-of-living measures are due to be announced by the government tomorrow. However, after Pinergy announced that it would be reducing pri...

Everton Host Leeds In A Vital Game At The Bottom Of The Table

17 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sean Dyche’s Everton welcome manager-less Leeds this weekend in what could be a crucial game in the battle to avoid relegation. Meanwhile, after a...

The Week Trending

17 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael Clifford, Special Correspondent with the Irish Examiner and Sinead O’Carroll, Editor of TheJournal.ie spoke to Matt for The Week Trending. ...

Is Weekend Drug Use Fuelling Gangland Violence?

17 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Minister for Justice Simon Harris said that there is a direct link between casual drug use and violence, crime and murder. Matt spoke to ...

Movies: Ant-Man And The Wasp- Quantumania

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania is the third Ant-Man film with Paul Rudd returning as the mini Marvel hero. Brian Lloyd joined Matt on The Last W...

Should There Be Another €200 Household Energy Credit This Summer?

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Green Party will reportedly look to block a new €200 electricity credit for Irish households this summer. Crucial Government talks on cost-of...

Dublin Is The Third Slowest City In The World For Drivers

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

International research has found that Dublin is the third slowest city in the world to drive in. It takes almost 30 minutes to drive 10 km in the c...

Tech Thursday: The Rise Of ‘De-Influencers’

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

De-influencing is the latest social media trend gaining traction. But what is it and does it pay? Andy O’Donoghue joined Matt to discuss this as ...

Fossil Fuel Boilers To Be Fully Phased Out In New Builds By The End Of 2024

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s expected that fossil fuel boilers will be phased out entirely in new buildings by the end of 2024 with heat pumps being installed in 86% of new...

Personal Finance: First Time Buyers' Mortgage Rates To Be €3K Higher Than Last Year

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Rising interest rates have added almost €3,000 to the annual mortgage repayments for the typical first-time buyer. With more interest rate rises e...

Two Thirds Of Retail Workers Earn Less Than €451 Per Week

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nearly two-thirds of retail workers are earning less than €451 per week, according to new research from the Mandate trade union. Matt was joined b...

The Last Word On Music: U2 Confirm Vegas Residency Without Larry

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

U2’s long-rumoured Las Vegas residency has been announced but the Irish band will be missing one member. Drummer Larry Mullen Jr won’t join U2 i...

US With Cal And Marion: Pentagon Sets Up UFO Task Force To Investigate Suspected Spy Balloons

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined Matt to discuss the stories making headlines in the US this week. This includes a UFO taskforce to look at sus...

The Last Word On Health: Osteoperosis

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Over half of women and around 20% of men will experience a form of osteoporosis in their life. The common health condition weakens people’s bones...

The Incredible Story Of Road Rage Killer Kenneth Noye

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Killer Kenneth Noye, who stabbed 21-year-old Stephen Cameron to death in 1996, has spoken about the murder for the first time since his release from p...

TV & Streaming: Rory O’Neill Tops DWTS Leaderboard After Paso Doble Dedicated To Doctor

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Rory O’Neill has been commended for his performance on RTE’s Dancing with the Stars, in which he dedicated his latest routine to Professor Fiona M...

Ireland Record Statement Win Over France In The Six Nations

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ireland and France served up a Six Nations fixture for the ages on Saturday as Andy Farrell’s side came out on top of a 32-19 scoreline at the Aviva...

Calls For Chinese Made Cameras In Govt Buildings To Be Taken Down

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Concerns have been voiced about CCTV cameras that are currently in operation within Leinster House. Green Party TD Patrick Costello has called for H...

Travel: Warner Bros Studios In London

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Warner Bros’ Studio Tour is one of London’s most popular tourist spots with fans of all ages wanting to get a glimpse of the Harry Potter worl...

Can Everton Inflict More Pain On Liverpool In The Merseyside Derby?

10 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liverpool hope to reignite their season on Monday night when Everton visit Anfield. Tony Cascarino and Mark Lawrenson joined Matt to discuss the Mer...

The Week Trending

10 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Brianna Parkins and Lorcan Nyhan joined Matt to discuss the other stories making headlines this week. They talked about the possibility of a gender...

Could We See A Return Of The Beast From The East?

10 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The weather phenomenon that was behind the Beast from the East in 2018 may return and bring heavy snow later this month. Alan O’Reilly joined Matt...

Movies: Titanic At 25

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This year marks 25 years since the release of Titanic. To celebrate the event, the film has been re-released in cinemas around the country. Brian Ll...

The Last Word On The Environment: The Premier League Goes Green

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Teams in the Premier League wore green armbands last weekend to emphasise their support for environmental awareness. Did it have the desired effect on...

The Return Of Bertie Ahern

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Yesterday, news broke that former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has returned to Fianna Fáil after leaving the party over a decade ago. Michael Clifford, S...

Personal Finance: Thousands Of Drivers Are Paying Too Much For Their Insurance

08 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on our personal finance spot Charlie Weston spoke to Matt about why motorists are facing a loyalty premium on insurance, the cost of fuel an...

Are You Less Likely To Find Love On Dating Apps?

08 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

New research from the University of Vienna has found that dating apps can make people overly self conscious and less likely to go on dates in person. ...

Bertie Ahern Rejoins Fianna Fáil After More Than 10 Years

08 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has rejoined Fianna Fáil after more than 10 years. He left the party in 2012 following the findings of the Mahon Tri...

The Last Word On Music: Ben Affleck Becomes A Meme Again

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The 2023 Grammys had many standout moments. Beyonce made history by becoming the most-awarded Grammy artist of all time, and Ben Affleck became a meme...

US With Cal And Marion: Joe Biden To Deliver State Of The Union Address Tonight

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

President Joe Biden will outline an optimistic vision for the future of the US during his State of the Union address tonight. Matt was joined by Cal...

Dr. Harry Barry On How To Feel Less Lonely

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Harry Barry has spent years looking at the causes and treatments for many mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, panic and phobias. ...

The 2023 National Hurling League Starts This Weekend

03 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Matt was joined by Jamesie O’Connor and Seamus Hickey to look ahead to the start of the 2023 National Hurling League. Catch the full chat by press...

Why Aren't Superstar Artists Coming To Ireland?

03 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Beyoncé has announced her Renaissance World Tour, but if Irish fans want to see her they are going to have to travel. Matt was joined by Dave Hanr...

The Week Trending

03 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ben Finnegan and Laura Byrne joined Matt to discuss the week’s biggest news as well as the other stories making headlines, including anti-migrant pr...

Former Rose Of Tralee On How Dyspraxia And Dyslexia Made Her Who She Is Today

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hannah Daly is the author of “Knowing No Boundaries”, where she tells the inspirational story of how, despite being profoundly dyslexic, dyspraxic...

Tánaiste Signs Off On New Ten-Seater Government Jet

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It was reported on Thursday that Tánaiste Micheál Martin has signed off on a plan to replace the government jet, with the current aircraft coming to...

No Katie Taylor Fight At Croke Park: Here's Why

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Katie Taylor has previously expressed her desire to have her homecoming fight against Amanda Serrano held at Croke Park. However, that dream may be ov...

The Last Word On The Environment: Shell Reports Record High Profits For 2022

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Oil and gas company Shell has reported record annual profits after energy prices soared last year. Profits hit $39.9bn in 2022, double last year's tot...

Nursing Home Charges Hit A Raw Nerve

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week has been dominated by the ongoing story of how the State sought to deny, delay and discount the compensation people were owed for their nurs...

Personal Finance: Your Energy Bills Won't Drop For A While Despite Wholesale Gas Prices Reducing

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Wholesale gas prices have dropped and are now below what they were before the war in Ukraine began. However, many people won’t see a drop in thei...

The Untold Stories Of Female Irish Emigrants

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ireland has a long history with emigration to the United States. Many women were among the wave of Irish emigrants in the 19th and 20th century and...

The Last Word On Health: Back Pain

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Most people will suffer from some form of back pain throughout their lives. But what causes it and how can it be dealt with? Dr Brian Higgins jo...

Rise Of Disinformation Fueling Online Protests

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There have been growing numbers of protests targeting refugees and asylum seekers in recent months. Online livestreams of just seven of the anti-mig...

The Last Word On Music: Line-ups For Longitude And Forbidden Fruit Announced

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

DJ Calvin Harris and rapper Travis Scott will headline this summer’s Longitude Festival in Marlay Park. To discuss this and the week’s other mu...