The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Is public enthusiasm for converting to electric vehicles dimming? Neil Briscoe, Motoring Journalist with The Irish Times and CompleteCar.ie, and Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor and Columnist with The Sunday Independent joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The Government has published a review of a new 7 pillar AI strategy, which will aim to "build public trust". Dara Calleary, Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The average interest rate on new mortgage agreements in Ireland went above 4% in June. This is the highest level in over two decades. Charlie Weston joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Our weekly music slot continues with John Caddell and Dee Reddy. Sinéad O'Connor being laid to rest, Lizzo defending her name in the wake of allegations, and music from Liam Gallagher was on the agenda today. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

Can you be racist to a white person? Has political correctness gone too far? What's wrong with dog whistles? Are we responsible for structural injustice? That's a sample from the book called Arguing for a Better World. Arianne Shahvisi, the book's author joined The Last Word. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump claims that wokeness cost the US Women's Soccer Team their place in the World Cup. Marion Mckeone, US Correspondent with the Business Post and Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated columnist joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

Dermot Whelan, one-half of Dermot and Dave on Today FM, is leaving the station after 9 years. Before that, himself and his radio partner spent 12 years on 98FM in Dublin. The pair have spent 21 years together and as it's due to come to an end, Dermot joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

Chris Sherlock was bullied in school to the point where he left before he completed his Junior Cert. Ever since then Chris has been trying to piece his life back together. He’s 31 now and joined Matt Cooper on The Last Word to discuss his journey. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page. Chris Sherlock, anti-bullying campaigner

With only 5 weeks to go till the start of the Rugby World Cup, Ireland's pre-season training is in full swing with Italy being the first guests this week. Matt Williams joins Matt to discuss. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

We're back with our week trending, this week we're looking at Lizzo, Whether or not Ireland is becoming a tourist hot spot and if warnings should be added to processed food packages. Breda Brown, Co-founder of Unique Media and Eoghan Thomas McDermot, MD Communications Clinic join Matt to discuss. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

Don't let the rain stop you and the fam from having that outdoor family BBQ. Pat Conway from Smokin' Soul joins Matt to cover his go-to rainy-day BBQ recipes. All full recipes can be found below. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page. Not the normal Chicken Wings This recipe is a complete break from the norm to more mainstream hot/spicy or bbq wings. Ingredients 250 g Parmesan 2 t...

The Government's National Risk Assessment report has identified a number of rising concerns for the country, including war and AI. Elaine Loughlin, Political Editor with The Irish Examiner, and Declan Power, Security & Defence Analyst joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Greenpeace have accused the UK Government of sabotaging their climate commitments following recent decisions made by Prime Minister Sunak with regards to North Sea oil extraction licenses. Sadbh O’Neill, Co-ordinator at Stop Climate Chaos Coalition joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

With the school year approaching, what tech can you invest in to make to process smoother? Andy O’Donoghue joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

How has Google's presence economically impacted Ireland over the last 20 years? Andy O’Donoghue and Elaine Burke joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Novelist Claire Kilroy joined us this week for the Culture Club! She spoke to Matt about music, films, books and more. Her latest book is called Soldier Sailor and is available now. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Over the long weekend, you may find yourself in a position where a food truck is an option for your lunch or dinner! Russell Alford from GastroGays and food critic with The Sunday Times joined The Last Word to give his recommendations and help you make the right choice. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Donald Trump faces new legal charges, revealed last night over attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Cal Thomas, Nationally Syndicated Columnist, and Larry Donnelly from the School of Law at the University of Galway joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Food inflation seems set to continue with percentage rises to potentially hit double digits over the next year. Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with The Irish Independent joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Over a 12 month period, Diageo's net sales in Ireland have increased by around 16%. Ian Guider, Business Columnist with The Business Post joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Joe Biden has publicly acknowledged his seventh grandchild, Navy Joan Roberts for the first time. Cal Thomas, Nationally Syndicated Columnist, and Marion McKeone, US Correspondent with The Business Post joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Fibromyalgia is a pain disorder which can affect 1 in every 50 people. What should you look out for, and how is it diagnosed? Dr. Brian Higgins, GP from Galway Primary Care joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

A bigger and brighter moon known as a 'super moon' may be visible in the sky tonight. A 'blue moon' will also take place later this month. What does this mean, and how can you best observe it? David Moore from Astronomy Ireland joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

After a hectic day in Croker yesterday, the Dubs have been crowned All-Ireland Champions following their win over Kerry. Dick Clerkin, former Monaghan footballer and Ray Silke, former Galway footballer joined The Last Word. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Our weekly travel slot continues and this week, Lake Garda in Italy is the topic of conversation. Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joined The Last Word. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.