The Last Word with Matt Cooper

John Gibbons, an environmental commentator and scientist, brings a refreshing outlook on combating climate change. He explores Ireland's strides in renewable energy, highlighting wind and solar advancements. Gibbons discusses the boom in electric vehicle sales, emphasizing their practicality over hybrids, which he argues slow the transition. He tackles battery production concerns while contrasting them with fossil fuel impacts. With optimism, he underscores the need for continued advocacy and the untapped potential of both onshore and offshore wind energy.

Matt is joined by Ian Guider for the annual business review for 2025They look back on some of the biggest business news of the year Hit Play on this page to listen now

This week, tech journalist Andy O'Donoghue shares his top last-minute Christmas gift ideas. He highlights open-ear headphones perfect for outdoor safety and Bluetooth trackers like AirTag to keep belongings secure. Portable power banks like the Anker PowerCore are a must for charging on the go, while easy-to-install smart home gadgets and battery video doorbells make great gifts. For cinephiles and horror fans, curated streaming services like Mubi and Shudder are fantastic options. Plus, kids can enjoy educational tech toys and engaging books on AI.

Fresh from winning the Popular Book of the year at this year's An Post Irish Book Awards for her latest book Paper Heart, Cecelia Ahern joins Matt in the culture club to run through the music, movies, TV, books and plays that have been the soundtrack and influences in her life.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

The European Union is proposing a crackdown on Airbnbs and other short term rentals as part of a major plan to tackle the shortage of affordable homes in the EU.Máire Ní Mhurchu, chief executive of Irish Self Catering Federation, and Kathleen Funchion, Sinn Fein MEP, join The Last Word to discuss the EU's plan. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

This week on The Last Word on Personal Finance Charlie Weston gives give advice on how to minimise the cost of your family food shop this Christmas.We also hear about the difference between men and women's Christmas shopping habits Hit Play on this page to listen now

From Rosalia to the return of Pulp, John Caddell, Dee Reddy and Dave Hanratty join The Last Word to run through their picks for the best albums of 2025.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Cal Thomas, a conservative columnist known for his sharp political insights, and Larry Donnelly, a lawyer and commentator with a focus on governance, delve into the outrage surrounding Trump's inflammatory comments about Rob Reiner's death. They discuss the potential political fallout and questions about Trump's mental fitness. The duo also reflects on the broader context of political compassion, celebrity criticism of Trump's priorities, and the persistent issues of gun culture in America, highlighting the urgent need for empathy in public discourse.

Daniel McConnell, Editor at the Business Post, and Louise Byrne, Political Correspondent at the Irish Examiner, dive into the swirling controversy engulfing Micheál Martin's leadership following the Jim Gavin debacle. They discuss Martin’s precarious position and reveal inconsistencies in his responses to media scrutiny. The duo analyzes the potential for a leadership challenge and the implications for Fianna Fáil’s future, coupled with the financial fallout from Gavin's campaign. The conversation is sharp, insightful, and filled with political intrigue.

Edel Coffey, an Irish novelist and columnist, teams up with Kevin Power, an author and assistant professor at Trinity College Dublin, to discuss the standout fiction of 2025. They dive into Andrea Mara's captivating thriller and Dan Brown's science-infused adventure. Kevin highlights Gráinne O'Hare's refreshing portrayal of women in Belfast, while Edel reviews Leila Lalami's thought-provoking near-future tale. They also explore the emotional depths of novels by Claire-Louise Bennett and John Banville's comedic Venice thriller, ensuring a rich literary journey.