The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Chef Mark Moriarty joined Matt on the Culture Club to discuss his favourite music, books, film and TV. He also spoke about his new book Season: Master the Elements of Amazing Taste. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

It's that season where work Christmas parties are in full swing and they can often make or break office relations. Julie Galbraith, partner and head of employment law at Eversheds Sutherland, to discuss what employers and employees should keep in mind to prevent a HR hangover after the festivities. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The 2024 general election saw voter turnout fall to record low levels, but many are sceptical about the reliability of the turnout figures due to flaws with the electoral register. Art O'Leary, chief executive of the Electoral Commission, joins The Last Word to explain why the register might be overstated and to answer more of your questions about last Friday's vote. Catch the full chat by pressin...

With government formation talks commencing this week Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with The Irish Independent, had some recommendations that the new government could use in order to ease the cost of living. He also discussed how an IT issue led to some PTSB customers facing a delay in receiving their wages on Friday. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear his chat with Matt.

Clodagh Finn and John Morgan join The Last Word to discuss the untold stories of the Irish WWII heroes who fought in the Resistance as told in their compelling book 'The Irish in the Resistance'. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

US President Joe Biden has pardoned Hunter Biden despite saying previously that he would not use his executive authority to pardon his son or commute his sentence. Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and Marion McKeone, US correspondent with the Business Post, join The Last Word to discuss this and more news from the United States. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on t...

Russell Alford, Food Critic for The Sunday Times and one half of the GastroGays, joined Matt for Tuesday’s travel slot. Bologna, a city famous for its authentic Italian food, was Russell’s choice this week. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear his recommendations.

Gregg Wallace has stepped away from presenting MasterChef after allegations of inappropriate behaviour were made by 13 people over a 17-year period against him. The BBC had previously announced a Celebrity MasterChef Cook-Off and a Strictly Festive Extravaganza. However, they have since been pulled from their Christmas schedule. Elaine Burke, host of the For Tech’s Sake podcast and The Last Word’s...

As the 2024 general election comes to a close and the final few seats are filled around the country, Sarah Carey, Irish Independent columnist, and Gary Murphy, professor of politics at the School of Law and Government in DCU, join The Last Word to discuss who is likely to be in the next government. They are also joined by Harry McGee, political correspondent with the Irish Times, Lorcan Nyhan, hea...

Will O'Callaghan from Off The Ball and The Independent's Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney join Matt to discuss the weekend's Premier League action. Liverpool dominate Man City to go nine points clear at the top of the league, as Arsenal and Chelsea try to keep pace. Hit 'Play' to get all the latest.

Ian Guider, columnist with The Business Post, joins Matt to discuss the big business news of the day. According to the Central Statistics Office, the average weekly earnings for employees in the Irish economy rose by 5.3% year on year in the third quarter to stand at €955.49. Hit 'Play' to get the latest.

Two-time Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Davy Russell has released his autobiography. He spoke to Matt on The Last Word about his experience of riding Tiger Roll to win the Aintree Grand National in 2018, the sacrifices he made to ensure he succeeded in his career and his long road to recovery after fracturing two vertebrae and dislocating another in 2020. Hit the ‘Play’ button on t...

After a short three-week campaign, the 2024 general election is coming to a close. Daniel McConnell, editor of the Business Post, Tabitha Monahan, political reporter with the Irish Independent, and Gary Murphy, professor of politics at the School of Law and Government in DCU, join The Last Word to look back on the campaign and how it compared to the debates and personalities of elections past. Cat...

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has launched legal proceedings against a number of retailers nationwide for breaking sales pricing laws during Black Friday and January sales. Brian McHugh, chair of the CCPC, joins The Last Word to discuss the legal requirements retailers must stick to when displaying discounts. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this pag...

Episode 14: It's Election Day and as votes are cast up and down the country, we look at what happens after. Sean Defoe joins Ben to discuss the election process after the ballots are closed, how transfer votes work and when we might see government formations begin.

Andy O’Donoghue had all the best Black Friday offers for this week’s Tech Thursday. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Episode 13: In the run up to the big day, join Today FM's Ben Finnegan as he covers what's being said across the political spectrum to help give you the best chance of being informed at the ballot box. On day 21 of the campaign, Jessica Woodlock joins us to discuss the Simon Harris interview on The Last Word, how parties expect their transfer votes to go and calls for young people to use their vot...

Can you take a selfie in the polling booth? What happens if you make a mistake on your ballot? Can you vote without a polling card? Art O’Leary, chief executive of An Coimisiún Toghcháin, joins The Last Word to discuss the dos and don'ts of casting your vote in the general election. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris joined Matt on The Last Word ahead of Friday’s general election. Up for discussion was his time as health minister during the Covid-19 pandemic, Michael O’Leary’s comments about teachers and crime and policing issues. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

On The Last Word, writer Dermot Bolger discussed his favourite books, TV, music and other cultural influences. He also spoke his latest novel, Hide Away. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Cian O'Callaghan, deputy leader of the Social Democrats, is the latest leader interview on The Last Word ahead of the general election on November 29. He joins Matt to discuss his party's housing plans, healthcare and red lines for forming a government. Listen back to the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Episode 12: In the run up to the big day, join Today FM's Ben Finnegan as he covers what's being said across the political spectrum to help give you the best chance of being informed at the ballot box. On day 20 of the campaign, Andrew Lowth joins us to discuss the Leaders Debate on RTE last night, a junior minister makes a claim about the Occupied Territory Bill and Sinn Féin says they are ready...

Charlie Weston from the Irish Independent joined Matt on Wednesday for The Last Word’s weekly personal finance slot. They discussed how, ahead of Black Friday, online shoppers are being warned not to pay “hidden” costs and how Black Friday and the Christmas period can be a key target for fraudsters. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Sarah Slattery from TheTravelExpert.ie was back for The Last Word on Travel where she gave the best Black Friday deals on offer for your next trip. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear her choices.

Episode 11: In the run up to the big day, join Today FM's Ben Finnegan as he covers what's being said across the political spectrum to help give you the best chance of being informed at the ballot box. On day 19 of the campaign, Eamonn Torsney talks us through all the do's and don'ts of voting, Fine Gael spoke to RTE about a certain viral video, Aontú says the government has failed drivers and Peo...