The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Épisodes

• Should Nightclubs Stay Open For Longer? 02.06.2026 11min

  Three out of every four people who socialise in Dublin would like to see later nightclub opening times, according to new research undertaken on behalf of the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA).Donall O’Keeffe, chief executive of the LVA, and Hazel Chu, Green Party deputy leader and Dublin City councillor, join The Last Word to discuss whether nightclubs in the capital should stay open later and what this would mean for Dublin's night-time economy.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
• The Week Trending: Pope's AI Warning, 'Bin Interference', & Luke Kelly Loses His Hair 29.05.2026 31min

  This week, Pope Leo XIV used the first major teaching document of his papacy to warn about the threat of artificial intelligence.Dublin City Council said 'bin interference' by people looking for bottles and cans has cost it €500,000 and is leading to more rubbish on city streets. And, a popular statue of Dublin folk legend Luke Kelly is undergoing extensive repair after visitors repeatedly broke off strands of its distinctive copper hair to take as souvenirs.Dave Hanratty and Lise Hand join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
• Should Ireland Have More Bank Holidays? 29.05.2026 12min

  Ireland currently has 10 bank holidays in the calendar year which is two fewer than the EU average.It’s a topic that has been up for debate in recent years, with Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman previously calling for more to be added.Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD and Damien McCarthy, Managing Director at HR Buddy speak to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
• Has Gambling Hijacked Sport? 28.05.2026 12min

  Author and academic Darragh McGee has published his new book “Imitation Games: How Gambling Hijacked Sport”.He examines how betting has become more prominent in the experience of watching live sport and how young people – particularly young men – are being targeted through relentless marketing campaigns and ads.He speaks to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
• Environment: Planning Regulations For One-Off Housing To Be Eased 28.05.2026 14min

  Rules surrounding plans for rural housing which aims to increase supply in Ireland are set to be eased at Cabinet next month.Would this be a positive move for rural areas, and what would the environmental impact of such a move be?Commentator John Gibbons speaks to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the discussion.
• Tech Thursday: Get World Cup Ready 28.05.2026 11min

  Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to chat about how you can get your home setup ready for the World Cup.He has recommendations for high quality soundbars, projectors and other gadgets to improve at home viewing.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
• Culture Club: Doireann Ní Gríofa 27.05.2026 31min

  Writer Doireann Ní Gríofa joins The Last Word for the Culture Club.Doireann chats to Matt about her favourite music, movies, TV and more as well as her new book 'Said The Dead'.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
• Calls For Restrictions On Advertising For Alcohol-Free Drinks 27.05.2026 11min

  The government is set to oppose a Bill that calls for restrictions on ads for alcohol-free drinks.Padraig Rice TD of the Social Democrats is set to bring the Public Health (Alcohol) (Amendment) Bill 2025 forward on Thursday.Deputy Rice and Fine Gael TD John Clendennan speak to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.
• Opposition Vow To Strengthen Occupied Territories Bill 27.05.2026 13min

  After years of delays, Cabinet agreed this week to bring forward the Occupied Territories Bill, which will prohibit the import of goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.However, opposition TDs have criticised the Government as the proposed legislation excludes a ban on services. The Taoiseach defended the move saying they had to consider the implications for Irish jobs.Labour Party Senator Laura Harmon and Shay Brennan, Fianna Fail TD, join The Last Word to discuss.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
• State Spent Almost €500m On Emergency Accommodation Last Year 26.05.2026 14min

  Eoin O Broin, Sinn Féin TD and housing spokesperson and Seamus McGrath, Fianna Fáil TD and housing spokesperson discuss the costs of emergency accommodation. They also debate what lies behind the increasing costs and whether current Government plans will end long terms homelessness by 2030.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
• The Last Word On US: Iran War, Slush Fund & White House Ballroom Fuel Division In Republican Party 26.05.2026 14min

  Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss the latest news from the United States including stalled negotiations to end the Iran war, continued backlash against a slush fund for Trump allies, and the ballooning cost of the US President's ballroom.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
• What Now For Reality TV Following MAFS Allegations? 25.05.2026 11min

  Former boss of Channel 4 Michael Grade has said the television industry faces a “watershed moment” after three participants of Married at First Sight UK made allegations of rape by their husbands.Joe O’Shea and Elaine Burke speak to Matt on The Last Word’s TV & Streaming slot.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
• The Last Word On Travel: Walking Holidays In Europe 25.05.2026 10min

  Barry Taylor joins The Last Word to discuss some great walking holidays that aren't the Camino. He has details on shorter routes in Ireland that could be done over a long weekend as well as longer routes abroad. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
• The Week Trending: Catholicism, CMAT, & The Irish Language 22.05.2026 30min

  While on a visit to Italy this week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, the first meeting between a pontiff and a Taoiseach since 2018.Meanwhile, CMAT made headlines as she won the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for Best Album for her album 'Euro-Country'. The Irish popstar used the opportunity to urge artists to stop "sitting on the fence".And a new survey has indicated a growing interest in the Irish language on both sides of the border.Cathal O’Sullivan and Elaine Burke join The Last Word to discuss all of these and more of the week's trending stories.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
• Champions Cup Final Preview 21.05.2026 21min

  On Saturday, Leinster take on Bordeaux Begles in this year’s Champions Cup final.After so much heartbreak in the competition in recent seasons, can Leo Cullen’s side finally get over the line?Liam Toland and Matt Williams join Matt on The Last Word to preview the game.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.
• The Last Word On Movies: Michael Bay To Direct Film About US Military Rescue In Iran 21.05.2026 13min

  Brian Lloyd joins The Last Word to review the week's biggest movie releases, 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' and 'Finding Emily'.He also discusses the latest movie news including reports that Michael Bay, the director behind 'Pearl Harbor', 'Armegeddon' and the Transformers movies, is set to direct a military drama based on the recent rescue of two US pilots in Iran.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
• Latest In Travel & Adventure Tech 21.05.2026 11min

  Andy O'Donoghue talks to Matt about the latest gadgets for all kinds of holidays, whether a weekend getaway or a long haul, backpacking adventure. From cordless hair straighteners to satellite phones, Andy has you covered for all eventualities.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
• Culture Club: Rosemary Hennigan 20.05.2026 31min

  Author Rosemary Hennigan is the latest guest to join The Last Word for the Culture Club!She chats to Matt about her favourite music, movies, TV shows and more as well as her new novel 'The Hotel Guest'.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
• Will Changes To Work From Home Rules Convince Employees To Change Jobs? 20.05.2026 6min

  A new survey conducted by Morgan McKinley has found that employers reversing rules regarding work from home arrangements has increased their considerations for leaving their jobs.The study also found that women are disproportionately impacted by having to return to the office more frequently.Tracy Keevans, Global Foreign Direct Investment Director at Morgan McKinley, speaks to The Last Word about the findings.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
• Personal Finance: 25 Per Cent Rise In Everyday Costs Over Last 5 Years 20.05.2026 10min

  This week on The Last Word, Charlie Weston, personal finance editor with the Irish Independent, looks at how much people's day-to-day costs have increased over the last five years. He also discusses Sky's latest crackdown on so-called 'dodgy boxes' and runs through the details of a new savings account from PTSB.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!