The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Temporary reductions on fuel taxes came into effect at midnight on Wednesday, with the price of diesel and petrol dropping by 20c and 15c per litre respectively.But will customers have to wait even longer before they feel the benefits?Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, speaks to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

This week, Donald Trump claimed that the USA is in talks with Iran to end the war in the Middle East. But are these claims to be believed?Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone speak to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

Rory Carroll, Ireland Correspondent for the Guardian, speaks to Matt about his book A Rebel And A Traitor: A Fugitive, the Manhunt and the Birth of the IRA. His forensic look at Roger Casement's life, shines a new light on the two year chase of the former diplomat before his arrest in 1916.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Colm O'Regan, comedian and author of Gallivanting With Words: How The Irish Speak English, discusses the latest Irish additions to the Oxford English Dictionary.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

New rules for switching mortgages in Ireland were introduced on Tuesday which will see lenders having to clearly explain switching options and send reminders to holders about cheaper options on the market.Michael Dowling, Managing Director at Michael Dowling Mortgage and Financial Services, explains how this will work for customers on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

Mary Costello, novelist known for rich fiction and short stories, discusses her new novel A Beautiful Loan and the ideas that shaped it. She explores Jungian themes like individuation and the shadow. Conversations touch on Islam and Sufi influences, moral responsibility in art, and the emotional toll of witnessing atrocities.

Elaine Burke, TV and culture commentator who reviews streaming picks, and Joe O’Shea, seasoned journalist and media analyst, discuss major TV and streaming news. They reflect on Michael Lyster’s broadcasting legacy, unpack HBO Max’s Ireland launch and Sky bundling, critique social media toxicity versus old tabloids, and spotlight new shows like The Pit, The Comeback and For All Mankind.

Sarah Slattery, travel expert and founder of thetravelexpert.ie, offers a brisk guide to Prague’s medieval Old Town and UNESCO charms. She highlights Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and the Astronomical Clock. Practical tips cover cheap public transport, taxi cautions and pickpocket warnings. She also recommends exploring the city’s thriving beer culture with guided brewery tours.

There was outrage this week after a float referencing the Jeffery Epstein files featured in several St Patrick's Day parades. The NTA has asked the public for their opinions on allowing pets on public transport. And demolition has begun on a house in Co Meath following a 20-year legal row.Cathal O’Sullivan, producer on 98fm, and Roe McDermott, journalist and Irish Times columnist, join The Last Word to discuss these stories and more in The Week Trending.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Three victims of Provisional IRA bombings have dropped their civil action against former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams on the final day of the trial in London.Mark Hennessy, Ireland and Britain editor for The Irish Times, joins The Last Word to discuss the surprise development in this case. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!