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.
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.
The Last Word On The US: Voting Underway In Midterm Elections
Episodes
Voting is underway in the United States midterm elections and the Democrats are hoping to win control of Congress and the Senate as American’s deliver their verdict on President Donald Trump’s second term. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!
New figures show that parents have paid out more than €116 million in voluntary contributions to schools in five years. Meanwhile, schools say they are forced to rely on money from parents to keep the lights on due to funding shortfalls. Labour TD and education spokesperson Eoghan Kenny and Seamus Mulconry, general secretary of the Catholic Primary School Management Association, join The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!
Trade unions and Government representatives today met separately with an independent body in a bid to overcome the impasse over public sector pay. It comes after unions reportedly rejected an offer of pay increases worth 7.75% over two and a half years. Kieran Mulvey, former Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission, joins The Last Word to give his analysis of the negotiations so far and whether a second 24-hour strike, scheduled for Thursday 12 November, will go ahead. Listen to the full conversation by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!
The world of Irish athletics is mourning the loss of Ciara Mageean, a European 1500m champion who passed away at just 34 after a battle with bowel cancer. Cathal Dennehy joined Matt to discuss her all-too-brief life.
Broadcasting legend Timmy McCarthy speaks to The Last Word to celebrate the release of his book 'Boomshakalaka: Winning Against The Odds'. Timmy talks about his wide-ranging career in media, becoming the voice of basketball coverage in Ireland, and how his cancer diagnosis impacted him. Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.
On Sunday, Arsenal beat Liverpool at Anfield for the first time since 2012 to go 3 points clear at the top of the Premier League. After beating Man City on Saturday, how high is Brighton’s ceiling this season? Meanwhile, is Michael Carrick’s position as Man United manager untenable after yet another dismal defeat, this time at the hands of Chelsea? Dion Fanning and Will O’Callaghan speak to Matt on The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
It was confirmed on Sunday that Channel 4’s new gameshow, Million Pound Shot, was staged to highlight the tactics used by the gambling industry. The programme was presented as a quiz where contestants had a chance to win one million pounds by risking their own money. Did the experiment work? Joe O’Shea and Elaine Burke speak to Matt on The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
For the second time in the past few weeks, hackers have attacked supermarket fridges in Europe, spoiling foods and costing hundreds of thousands of Euro. Irish chain Supervalu was one of the businesses affected. Kevin Curran, professor of cyber security at the University of Ulster and Chris Elliot, professor of Food Security at Queens University Belfast and founder of the Institute for Global Food Security, discuss the vulnerabilities in the food supply chain. To catch the full conversation, press the ‘play’ button on this page
The cost of tolls on most of the country's roads are set to rise again in the new year. A group of restaurants in Sardinia are banning families from using smartphones and other devices at the table in a quest to encourage conversation. And 'Maxxing' is Dictionary.com's word of the year. Elaine Burke and Eoghan Tomás McDermott join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
On Tuesday, Rolling Stone released a list of what it deemed to be the greatest rock songs from the 21st century. Dave Hanratty and Zara Hedderman speak to The Last Word about the debate surrounding the list and whether the aim of such publications is to spark a worldwide discussion. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.
Experts have warned that climate change should be classified as a global health emergency after health harms have grown quicker in the last decade than it did before the Paris Agreement was signed in 2015. Commentator John Gibbons speaks to The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
Andy O’Donoghue joins The Last Word to discuss some of the best ways to protect kids online. Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ on this page!
Writer Veronica Roth is the latest guest on The Culture Club! Author of the bestselling young adult series Divergent, which she has recently revived, Roth joins The Last Word to discuss her favourite music, movies and of course books. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Documentary-maker Sinéad O'Shea talks to Will O'Callaghan about her feature length film, All About The Money. It centers on former US heir to the Cox family fortunes, who sold his shares and set up a commune, and how he ended up in Ireland. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
A new survey by Royal London has shown that most people predict they’ll need over €3,500 per month to live comfortably in retirement, but just 40% of those asked are confident that their current savings make that possible. Charlie Weston joins Will O’Callaghan for The Last Word’s personal finance slot. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.
Former Ireland footballer James McClean has released his autobiography ‘The Walls’. He speaks to The Last Word about growing up in Derry, the criticism he received when he refused to wear a remembrance poppy while playing football in the UK, and the backlash to his recent comments surrounding men’s mental health. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
Journalist and broadcaster Vincent Browne joins The Last Word to discuss his biography of one of the most controversial and influential figures in modern Irish politics, Charles Haughey. Catch the full discussion by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
With the US midterm elections just one week away, the latest polls indicate that the Democrats could win both the Senate and the House of Representatives but what will they do once they achieve this? Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest news from the United States. Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!
Stripping the beds and taking out the bins, new Airbnb rules will limit chores imposed on guests. Fontaines DC have said they were blindsided by the use of AI in their 'Marianne' music video. And Dublin has ranked 6th overall in the 2026 Global Cities Index produced by Oxford Economics out of 1,000 cities worldwide. Dave Hanratty and Emma Nolan join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Paul Kearns, journalist based in Tel Aviv, talks to Will O'Callaghan about the biggest challenge to Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership for years, as voting is due to take place in the country's first general election since the October 7th attacks. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Websites across the world were taken down for a period this week after it was discovered that the programming they use is vulnerable to being hacked. Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to explain this issue and also to run through how you can better protect your own tech. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Bestselling author Emma Heatherington joins The Last Word to delve into her latest winter love story, Together For Christmas. To listen to the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!
Brian Lloyd has the latest movies releases including Wildwood and Klara And The Sun. To catch the full conversation press the 'play' on this page.
Over 2,400 arrests were made in France during last weekend's protests. As students and trade unions prepare for another day of demonstrations this Saturday, how have neighbouring countries reacted? Shona Murray, European Correspondent with Euronews, and Mary Fitzgerald, Irish journalist based in Marseilles, join The Last Word to to question if European authorities are prepared for what might unfold. To listen to the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!
Singer songwriter Paul Savage, also known as Whozyerman, joins The Last Word to discuss his favourite movie, tv shows, and album. To listen to the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!
'Fear' is a new anthology of chilling short stories from 32 of Ireland's leading female writers who came together to explore some of life's greatest fears. Authors Sam Blake and Edel Coffey both contributed to the book and they join The Last Word to discuss how it came about and what it was like to write about their own fears. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
The Triple Lock is the mechanism by which the Government decides to send more than 12 serving defense personal overseas on peace missions. The three conditions are UN approval, a decision by Government and a Dáil vote. Richard Boyd Barrett, TD, People Before Profit and Catherine Callaghan, Fine Gael TD and spokesperson on Defense, join Frank Greaney ahead of a contentious debate on the Triple Lock and the Government's plans to dismantle it. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
US President Donald Trump once again criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, this time for failing to reach a peace agreement with Russia. Marion McKeone and Cal Thomas join The Last Word to give their two cents on the pairs every changing relationship. To listen to the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!
The Road Safety Authority has announced a €1.5M project to install breathalysers in pubs and hotels around the country. Aidan Farrelly of the Social Democrats joined The Last Word to discuss the announcement, having earlier called it a "disgrace." To listen to the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!
Journalist Paul Cullen has followed the construction of the new National Children's hospital since the very beginning. Years later, there is still no certainty as to when the hospital will open. Paul joins The Last Word to discuss why this much needed facility has faced so many delays and spiralling costs, as detailed in his new book 'Billion Dollar Baby'. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Mark Moriarty joins Frank Greaney on The Last Word to celebrate the release of his new book ‘Everyday Delicious’. Mark tells Frank about the most important utensils to keep in your kitchen and why simplicity is the key ingredient to enjoying delicious home cooked meals. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.
Sarah Slattery of TravelExpert.ie joins The Last Word to explore alternative holiday destinations this Winter. To listen to the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!
As a result of the weekends protests, over 2,500 arrests have been made while 1,500 shops were looted and destroyed. Paris based Irish Times contributor, Lara Marlowe, joined The Last Word to give us the latest on the escalating situation. To hear the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!
Shane Phelan, Legal Affairs Editor with the Irish Independent, explains why there has been further action by solicitors engaged in a dispute over criminal legal aid payment reforms. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Liam Toland and Paul Wallace speak to Matt on The Last Word to preview the start of the new Investec Champions Cup season. Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the chat.
New research indicates that the average Irish adult loses €150 a year due to social awkwardness. Sally Rooney’s books will no longer be published in the UK due to her support for Palestine Action. And rental accommodation for fans attending The Ryder Cup in Adare next year is being advertised for up to €99,000. Aoife Barry and Cathal O’Sullivan join The Last Word to discuss the week’s trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!
Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless joins The Last Word to discuss university funding, artificial intelligence and public sector strikes. Hear the full conversation by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!
Some of Europe’s biggest salmon farms have started feeding chicken byproducts to their fish, with a reduction in carbon emissions and costs used as the reason for doing so. Commentator John Gibbons speaks to Matt on The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for historical sex offences against two women when they were children. Today FM report Emily Keegan joins The Last Word to outline the sentence and what was heard in court. Later, Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, talks to Matt about the significance of this sentence for other survivors of sexual abuse. Press 'Play' to hear the full discussion.
Andy O'Donoghue explains what happened when supermarket fridges were targeted in a cyber attack in France. Andy also runs through how to protect yourself from cyber crime. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Photographer Conor Horgan is the latest guest on The Culture Club. He joins The Last Word to discuss his favourite music, movies, theatre and more. Press the 'Play' button to hear his cultural picks!
Jamie O’Hara, Today FM Reporter, gauges the mood of public sector workers striking at Cork University Hospital and at a school in Mallow. Louise Burne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Examiner, outlines the latest moves by Government and the reaction of the unions. Adrian Kane, Deputy General Secretary of SIPTU outlines what the unions are looking for in terms of negotiations with Government. Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State for Charities, Gaeltacht and the Islands & Rural Transport, says the Government is open to negotiations. To catch the full conversation, press the play button on this page.
Seamus O’Mahony, author of 'The Longevity Delusion', joins The Last Word to discuss the vast pseudo-medical longevity industry which promises to 'cure' old age and cheat death. After investigating the science behind this billion dollar industry, O'Mahony, a retired gastroenterologist, concludes that it doesn't live up to the hype. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Homeowners are being warned that underinsuring their homes could leave them facing significant financial losses if they’re forced to make a claim. OUTsurance has advised people to review their cover ahead of the winter months when the weather can be more extreme and unpredictable. Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, joins Matt on The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
Elizabeth Braw, author of The Undersea War, talks to Matt about her exploration of the network of oil, gas and data pipelines under the sea, and the potential security risks they pose. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' on this page.
Fontaines D.C. are set to release their fifth studio album 'Dopamine Chamber' this Friday, October 16th. Dee Reddy and John Caddell speak to Matt on The Last Word about what to expect from the record and about the band's growth over the last decade. Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the chat.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dubbed US President Donald Trump's decision to purchase Russian diesel "a gift" to Putin. Trump has faced widespread criticism for the move which undercuts years of effort to sanction Russia for its war in Ukraine. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest news from the United States. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Public sector workers will strike on Wednesday despite a final plea from Government for unions to enter into talks to work out a new pay deal. Pat Leahy, political editor with the Irish Times, Joe Neville, Fine Gael TD for Kildare North, and Linda Kelly, general secretary of the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI), join The Last Word to discuss how the impasse can be resolved. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
When Patrick Horgan retired from intercounty hurling in 2025, he did so as the highest scorer in championship history. Horgan has now released his new autobiography “Hoggie: My Story”. He joins Matt on The Last Word to talk about retirement, the narrative surrounding not winning an All-Ireland medal and the rumours that circulated about the Cork team after the 2025 final against Tipperary. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.
After a three week international break, the Premier League returned this weekend and the pick of the fixtures was Sunday’s tie between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield. It was City’s first game since being found guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations, and much of the build-up was centred around the reception Liverpool fans would give City, and how Enzo Maresca’s side would handle the criticism. Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer with The Independent, speaks to The Last Word about the significance of City’s 3-0 win. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
