The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Over 40,000 lives have been lost so far. On the anniversary of the Oct 7th attacks by Hamas, Alex Thomson joins Matt from Israel as further Hezbollah attacks continue. Hannah McCarthy and Declan Power join Matt to discuss the situation as it continues to progress.

Billy Hann, CEO of Dublin Bus, joined Matt to discuss the 20-week pilot scheme for Dublin Bus aimed at curbing the rise of anti-social behaviour on public transport. He also discussed the estimated costs of a contactless ticketing system for public transport. To catch the full conversation, press the ‘play’ button on this page.

For many when they go on holidays the food experience is just as important as the sites and activities. That's certainly the case for Russell Alford, co-restaurant critic at The Sunday Times and one half of the Gastro Gays. He joins The Last Word to discuss some of his top foodie destinations. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Does Kamala Harris need to step up before the election? Who are the polls favouring? Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join Matt to discuss this weeks US election updates and where both candidates stand in the lead up to election day.

John Gibbons joins Matt to discuss the outlines of the environmental protection agency report and the deficits that have been highlighted in policy programs laid out.

Two years ago, Bernard Phelan was arrested in Iran and detained in a notorious prison for seven months after being falsely accused of spying. Phelan recounts this terrifying experience in a new book 'You Will Die In Prison' and he joins The Last Word to discuss. Hear the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Education Minister Norma Foley spoke to Matt following Tuesday's Budget 2025 and proposals to spend €9m on a scheme for mobile phone pouches for secondary schools. Andy O'Donoghue reacted to the proposal and outlined how the scheme has worked in other countries. To catch the full conversation, press the play button below.

This week on The Last Word On The US, Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join Matt to discuss the Vice President debate between JD Vance and Tim Waltz.

Illustrator and musician David Rooney joined Matt for the Culture Club this week, where he discussed the inspiration for his book, The Story Of The Great Irish Famine. To listen to the conversation, press the play button on this page.

Ireland's fiscal watchdog has slammed Budget 2025, calling on the Government to get "serious" and avoid repeating "the boom-to-bust pattern of its past." Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council's reaction to the budget and other business news. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Lots of money was given out in Budget 2025 but has it done enough to tackle high costs? Charlie Weston, personal finance editor with the Irish Independent, joins The Last Word to discuss whether you are really any better off after the giveaway budget. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

It's The Budget 2025! Matt is joined by representatives from 4 sectors; Restaurants Association, Construction Confederation, Retail Excellence Ireland and National Women's Council to discuss the impact of the Budget on their businesses and representatives.

It's the Budget 2025 special! Matt is joined by Dan O’Brien, Chief economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs, Holly Cairns, Social Democrats leader and Ged Nash, Labour finance spokesperson, to discuss who the Budget will actually benefit, and are we are set for another crash due to the dependence on the multinational sector?

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth and Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman joins The Last Word to discuss Budget 2025 including housing, childcare and whether the Green Party would be happy to go back into the same coalition after the election. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Minister for Finance Jack Chambers joins The Last Word to discuss Budget 2025 including the USC cut, the €2.2 billion cost of living package and the supports for businesses. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe joins The Last Word to discuss Budget 2025, including a record health budget, investment in infrastructure and what will be done with the Apple tax. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Louise O’Reilly, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment gave her reaction to today’s Budget 2025 announcement. She told Matt that if Sinn Féin were to get into government, their budget would be targeted at people on ordinary wages. Press the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Minister for Finance Jack Chambers and Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, today unveiled its multi-billion euro Budget for 2025. Ian Guider Columnist with the Business Post, Nancy Fallon, Tax Partner at KPMG and Daniel McConnell, Editor of the Business Post joined Matt to break down where the government’s finances will be spent over the coming year. Hit the ‘Play’ button...

Ian Guider, Columnist with the Business Post, joined Matt for Monday’s business news. Up for discussion was how inflation in Ireland has dropped to a three-year low, Ryanair cutting 14 winter routes from Dublin Airport and Bank of Ireland appointing Akshaya Bhargava as its new chairman. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation

Getting out of the country around the Halloween holidays can be super expensive. So Sarah Slattery has the best Halloween breaks closer to home.

On Tuesday, a €2bn Budget 2025 package is set to be unveiled by Finance Minister Jack Chambers. What should we expect from it, and how will it benefit your day-to-day spending? Gary Murphy, Professor of Politics at the School of Law and Government in DCU and Daniel McConnell, Editor of the Business Post, looked ahead at what’s to come. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Ian Guider spoke to Matt on Friday’s business news about how Meta has been fined €91m by the Data Protection Commission following an investigation into the storage of passwords. Meanwhile, a review by DNG has found that house prices in Dublin have risen by 8.4% over the past 12 months. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Former guard and author of Traces of Truth, Ciaran Prior joins Matt to discuss his life as a crime scene investigator within the force.

Plans to cut university parking spaces, the phenomenon of Sally Rooney and the death of Oscar-winning actress Maggie Smith. Lorcan Nyhan, head of training at the Communications Clinic, and Roe McDermott, advice columnist with the Irish Times, join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Minister Heather Humphreys has briefed the cabinet on new regulations to ban the importation, breeding and sale of XL Bully Dogs. Dog Behaviourist Suzi Walsh and Veterinary Officer James Madden join Mario to discuss whether this is the correct solution.