The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Actor, writer, and director Andrew McCarthy is the latest inductee into The Last Word's Culture Club, with Bob Dylan, John Williams and The Brady Bunch among some of his biggest influences.Andrew is currently starring in The Crucible, which runs in the Gaiety Theatre until March 21st.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear his picks.

Irish Households are paying twice as much for their electricity as data centres, according to a report by Eurostat.Charlie Weston, personal finance editor with the Irish Independent, joins The Last Word to discuss this and also claims that Irish banks are ripping off young savers. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The High Court will rule next week whether the mother and sister of Enoch Burke were in contempt of court when they interrupted a case involving Enoch last week.Enoch Burke has now served 601 days in prison for contempt of court.Judge Brian Cregan heard submissions from Martina and Ammi Burke today about why they should not be imprisoned. Shane Phelan, Legal Affairs Editor at Mediahuis Ireland, joins Matt to discuss the ongoing case.

Gabriel Sherman, author of Bonfire Of The Murdochs, talks to Matt about the succession story behind the Murdoch media empire, the driving forces behind Rupert Murdoch's ambitions and what drove the family apart.To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Government has allocated an additional €19 million for special needs assistants (SNAs) to ensure there are no cuts in the 2026/27 academic year following outcry over plans to reduce the service provision in almost 200 schools.But SNAs, unions and parents say that this measure is just 'kicking the can down the road' and the Government must now engage with stakeholders to address issues relating to special education.Tabitha Monahan, political reporter with the Irish Independent, and Jesslyn Henry, SNA and Social Democrats councillor, join The Last Word to discuss.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The US Justice Department buried some Epstein files which included allegations that President Donald Trump sexually abused a minor, according to an investigation by NPR.This comes despite Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche telling Congress that no Epstein records were withheld or redacted “on the basis of embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity, including to any government official, public figure, or foreign dignitary.”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!

Tuesday, February 24th 2026 makes it 4 years since Ukraine was invaded by Russian forces. In those four years, it's estimated that over 15,000 civilians have been killed, with 2025 recording the highest death toll since 2022.Lara Marlowe, journalist and contributor to the Irish Times, speaks to Matt about the reality that Ukrainians have faced since the invasion and whether their faith in Europe to help end the war is fading.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Arsenal travelled to Tottenham on Sunday and got their Premier League title challenge back on track with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over their North London rivals.The result leaves Spurs sitting in 16th in the table and 4 points above the relegation zone. Given their current form, is the prospect of relegation now very real?Elsewhere on Sunday, violence erupted in Guadalajara after the leader of the Mexican cartel known as "El Mencho" was killed. Should they qualify, Ireland's first group game for the 2026 World Cup will be in Guadalajara. Are more questions being raised about the suitability of the location of this year's tournament, and are we likely to see fewer fans at games due to unrest?Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer with The Independent, speaks to Mat on The Last Word.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Passengers travelling between Ireland and Wales this week will be scanned with facial recognition technology as part of a pilot scheme that's being rolled out across the UK.The move has received criticism, with Dr. Elizabeth Farries from University College Dublin saying that there are “established problems” with the technology.She, alongside travel commentator Eoghan Corry, speak to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the conversation.

The BBC has removed its coverage of Sunday night's BAFTA awards from iPlayer after a racial slur was broadcast on BBC One and remained uncorrected for a number of hours.It was said by John Davidson, a campaigner for Tourette syndrome, as Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan took to the stage to present an award.The broadcaster has since apologised for the controversy and said that the footage will be re-edited.Joe O'Shea and Elaine Burke speak to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the conversation.

Over half of Irish workers feel that their pay does not fairly reflect the skills and effort that they bring to their role, according to a new survey published by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).Owen Reidy, general secretary of ICTU, and Neil McDonnell, chief executive of ISME, join The Last Word to discuss the level of job quality in the Irish employment environment.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

On the Week Trending, TV producer Paddy Duffy and journalist and podcast host Elaine Burke discuss the conviction of an Austrian climber for leaving his girlfriend to freeze to death.They also discuss the impending release of classified files in the US relating to alien life, and the celebration in stamp form of the Aran jumper.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Britain's royal family has been plunged into crisis following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor on suspicion of misconduct while in office.Nick Ferrari, presenter of Nick Ferrari at Breakfast on LBC Radio, joins The Last Word to discuss whether this latest development has damaged the monarchy irreparably.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

A new initiative is looking for members of the public to sign up to become 'hedgehog helpers' in a bid to protect the much-loved animal.John Gibbons joins The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest climate and environment news. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Paul Cullen, former Irish Times Health Correspondent, talks to Matt about Outsider, his memoir that charts his recovery from injuries sustained in a fall off a mountain in Germany and his search for his biological parents.While he had always known he was adopted, that fall was the propulsion for Paul's search to find out what had happened to him in his early years, and where and how he had spent the first few years of his life. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

On Thursday morning, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.The arrest comes after Thames Valley Police said they were assessing a complaint over the alleged sharing of confidential material by Mountbatten Windsor with Jeffrey Epstein.The former prince, who turns 66 today, has previously denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.Mark Paul, London Correspondent with the Irish Times, updates Matt on The Last Word.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Playwright, author and director, Una McKevitt is the latest inductee into the Last Word Culture Club.Una's play, Fair Deal, is running at the Peacock Stage at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. It's a satirical take on one last night in a Dublin family's home.Una outlines the idea behind her play and also talks to Matt about her favourite music, film, TV, books and more.To catch the full conversation, press the play button on this page.

U2 have surprised fans by dropping a six-track EP, 'Days of Ash', which is their most political work in years with songs about the killing of Renée Good in the United States, the wars in Gaza and Ukraine and the persecution of women Iran.John Caddell joins Matt on The Last Word to listen to the EP and discuss the stories behind each of the tracks. Hear the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, has been met with mixed reviews since its release last Friday. However, critics have lauded Charli xcx for her accompanying album and her ability to pivot away from her 2024 record 'Brat'. John Caddell and Dee Reddy speak to Matt on The Last Word to have their say.Elsewhere, Matt picks his all-time favourite songs by Irish artists as part of Today FM's search for the Top 100 greatest Irish songs.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the chat.

US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson has died aged 84. His death marks the last of the iconic civil rights leaders who were led by Martin Luther King Jr.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!

A report from Sherry Fitzgerald found a 39,000 deficit in the number of student beds available to rent Matt is joined by USI/AMLE VP for the Dublin Region Daniel Walsh and Labour Spokesperson on Higher Education Senator Laura Harmon to discuss Hit Play on this page to listen now

Author Edel Coffey has published her third novel ‘In Glass Houses'.She joins Matt on The Last Word to talk about why writing crime fiction appeals to her, why female readers are drawn to the genre and how her time as a journalist has stood to her when coping with the pressure of meeting deadlines.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the chat.

Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to chat about some great deals and incredible trips for adults looking to get away.Sarah has picked a wide range of holidays suitable for couples, friends and solo travellers. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

This week on The Week Trending, Matt is joined by Eoghan Tomas McDermott Managing Director at the Communications Clinic and News Reporter with the Irish Times Orla RyanThey discuss ongoing controversies at the Winter Olympics, the new €100 Culture Card Peter Chap Cleere wants to give to young people, the most popular items sold in the Dáil Bar and more Hit Play on this page to listen now

This week on The Last Word on the Environment John Gibbons joins Matt to celebrate 5 years.They discuss the past five years and what's next Hit Play on this page to listen now

The FAI has said that it will fulfil its Nations League fixtures against Israel later this year despite previously calling on Uefa to ban the team last year.The association faced pressure on Friday to boycott the ties by some politicians and fans.However, Fine Gael Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn said the onus should be on global governing bodies to implement sanctions where they see fit.She, alongside sports journalist Kieran Cunningham, speak to Matt on The Last Word about the issue.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the discussion.

Over the last day Manchester United Co-Owner Jim Ratcliffe has been heavily criticised for comments he made including saying the UK has been 'colonised by immigrants'. Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Ratcliffe to apologised and the Man United Co-Owner said he was "sorry that my choice of language has offended some people".Matt is joined by Nick Ferrari from LBC radio to discussHit Play on this page to listen now

Are you working less hours per week since the pandemic? Average hours worked in Ireland fell by 6.5% between 2019 and 2024, according to a new labour market report from the Central Bank. This decline was due to fathers of young children taking more time off, however, mothers of older children increased their average working hours.Peter Cosgrove, managing director of Futurewise, and Jennifer Keane, founder of paygap.ie, join The Last Word to discuss how household labour patterns are shifting and whether people are actually working less.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Tech expert Andy O'Donoghue joins Matt on The Last Word to talk through all the latest keyboards and peripherals on the market to improve your home office.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear his suggestions.

Tom Dunne, broadcaster and singer/songwriter with Something Happens, joins The Last Word for the Culture Club. Tom chats all about his favourite cultural picks and also what songs, including his own, could make it on to Today FM's list of the top 100 Irish songs.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The Taoiseach said there are "five to six" cases of Irish people being held by Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the USThis includes Kilkenny man Seamus Culleton who has been held since September. US-based Immigration Lawyer John Foley & Journalist Marione McKeone joins Matt to discuss what's next for Irish immigrants in America.Hit Play on this page to listen now

This week on a special edition of The Last Word on Music, Dee Reddy and John Caddell join Danny McConnell to share their picks for the greatest Irish Songs of all Time.To vote for your favourite Irish song ever you can go to https://vote.todayfm.com/100-greatestHit Play on this page to hear the full chat

Democrats are taking a hard line in negotiations over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as they demand greater controls on immigration officers.Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss the stand-off which could lead to a DHS shutdown and more of the latest news from the United States.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

This week on The Last Word on Travel, Sarah Slattery joins Frank Greaney to give us the best recommendations for family getaways From luxury to budget and everything in between she has recommendations for every kind of family holidayHit Play on this page to listen now

A group of Palestinian children have arrived in Ireland for treatment for various illnesses.The Irish Red Cross are helping to oversee the treatment of the now 27 children that have arrived in Ireland, Frank Greaney is joined by Head of International & Migration at the Irish Red Cross Niall O'Keeffe to find out moreHit Play on this page to listen now

European regulators are seeking to ban TikTok's most addictive features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and its “highly personalised” recommender system.The European Commission has made a preliminary ruling that the social media platform must change it's 'addictive' design or face major fines.Adrian Weckler, technology editor with the Irish Independent, and Regina Doherty, Fine Gael MEP, join The Last Word to discuss this significant move by the EU and whether it will succeed in getting TikTok to drop these features.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The new League of Ireland season kicks off this weekend and after Shamrock Rovers' domination last year, can anyone stop Stephen Bradley's side this time around?David Sneyd, Sportswriter with The42.ie, speaks to Will O'Callaghan on The Last Word to look ahead at what's to come.

This week on The Week Trending Will O'Callaghan is joined by Cathal O'Sullivan and Emily Keegan to discuss the weeks biggest trending stories They discuss World Anti-Doping looking into ski jumpers using penis enlargement drugs, the kidnapping of a US anchors mother, a daring rescue in Australia and more.Hit Play on this page to listen now

While it's constantly said that we are rapidly moving towards a cashless society, in the world of organised crime, cash remains the undisputed king. Investigative journalist Oliver Bullough joins The Last Word to discuss his new book 'Everybody Loves Our Dollars' which pulls back the curtain on the world of money laundering.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Following advice from the Road Safety Authority, the government announced that it intends to make wearing high-visibilty clothing and helmets mandatory for those using e-bikes and e-scooters.Environmental commentator John Gibbons speaks to Ian Guider on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

The Last Word's tech guru Andy O'Donoghue is back with the latest gadgets and sound-systems to optimise your streaming and listening experiences.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Author Dave Rudden is the latest inductee into the Last Word Culture Club. His latest book, the fantasy adventure Sister Wake, is his first book for adults. He tells Will about writing for the BBC, and completing his first fantasy adventure, before he discusses his favourite music, books, TV and movies.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.