The Last Word with Matt Cooper

After a number of historic and unprecedented years which have affected the Irish economy massively, Paschal Donohoe joined the Last Word to discuss navigating Budget 2023 as Minister for Finance. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

Today was Ireland's long awaited Budget day, but what are the details? Ian Guider, Nancy Fallon and Daniel McConnell joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

Amongst all of the economic uncertainty, is there some good news emerging from the housing market? Karl Deeter joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

Why is a Chinese intelligence unit operating on Capel Street in Dublin, independent of the Chinese embassy? John Mooney joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

Only weeks after the death of Queen Elizabeth III, Netflix have announced the fifth season of their hugely popular show 'The Crown'. Joe O’Shea and Elaine Burke joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

Christmas is still a while away but if you're considering going on holiday in December, now is the time to book! Sarah Slattery joined us for The Last Word on Travel to discuss the best Christmas Markets to visit this festive season. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

Beloved British novelist Hilary Mantel has passed away at the age of 70. Kevin Power joined the Last Word to discuss her brilliant career. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

An important election taking place this weekend in Italy could have far reaching economic and political consequences. Dan O’Brien joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

One of the biggest stories of the week involved an Irish Rugby legend taking home the wrong dog from the groomers! There has been a worrying amount of backlash about the casting choice for Ariel in Disney's remake of 'The Little Mermaid'. Laura Byrne and Mick Clifford joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

After the unbelievable hype and drama that has surrounded Olivia Wilde's latest movie, is it any good? Roe McDermott joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

After new census findings, is it starting to look like there's a possibility for a future United Ireland? Amanda Ferguson, Mick Fealty and Neale Richmond joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

With King Charles III having established himself as environmentally conscious in the past, has John Gibbons decided to go royalist? Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

Since last week all women in Ireland from the age of 17 up to 25 can now avail of free contraception. Dr. Brian Higgins joined the Last Word to chat all things contraception. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this Page.

The events that took place in Cherry Orchard this week have highlighted a potential lack of force when it comes to anti-social behaviour in Ireland. Brendan O’Connor and Dr. Johnny Connolly joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

For those living in apartments, news of a new bill that will allow tenants to keep pets and to save energy by hanging clothes to dry on balconies is a welcome possibility. Senator Rebecca Moynihan joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

This week for the culture club we are joined by multi award winning director, Eimear Reynolds! Her work includes 2022 film 'Joyride' starring Olivia Colman. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

The pension age will stay at 66, but workers will have the option of working on until the age of 70 in return for a larger state pension. Are the financial benefits worth it? Charlie Weston joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

A criminal investigation has been launched into a publicity stunt that involved the luring of migrants up to wealthy holiday destination 'Martha's Vineyard' under false pretenses, by Ron DeSantis. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

A surprisingly well written chapter from Bono's new memoir has been released, setting expectations high for the book's release on November 1st. Dee Reddy and John Caddell joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

'The Shona Project' is a non-profit organisation which works to help today's Irish women to be strong, confident and curious. A survey conducted by the group has found that 80% of teenage girls feel they won't receive the same opportunities in life as boys of the same age. Tammy Darcy, chief executive of The Shona Project joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play bu...

A shocking incident took place last night involving two reckless drivers ramming into a Garda car in Cherry Orchard, with footage ending up on social media. Stephen Breen, Hazel De Nortuin and Trina O’Connor joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

Paschal Donohoe has stated hotel's price gouging in recent months will be taken into account in the 2023 budget. Paul Clancy, chief executive of the Vintners Federation of Ireland and Denyse Campbell, president of the Irish Hotels Federation joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

With energy costs increasing, how can companies justify increasing a basic standing charge? Charlie Weston and Don Moore joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

One of the biggest televised events of the decade took place today, the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Joe O’Shea and Elaine Burke joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

Where can you get the best value for your money on a getaway this winter? Sarah Slattery joined the Last Word for her best picks for 2022 winter travel breaks! Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.