The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Ireland’s food security has been impacted by climate change, with retail giants confirming shortages of fruit and vegetables imported from Spain, Italy and Morocco. Yields of peppers, broccoli, lettuce and aubergines have been affected. John Gibbons explained why a continued cold spell in Europe is affecting supplies to supermarkets. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

On the 24th of February 2022, Vladimir Putin gave a televised address saying his aim was to ‘de-Nazify’ Ukraine. The Russian artillery that had been amassed on the border crossed into Ukraine and missiles began to fall on Kyiv and elsewhere. In the intervening weeks and months, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians fled, including journalist Maria Romanenko. One year on, Ukraine has liberated much of the territory captured by Russia, but the war still rages on. Maria joined the Last Word and outlined her journey out of Ukraine where she left her family behind, what her life has been like since she settled in Manchester, and what she and her relatives back home are hoping for the future. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

New research has shown gambling amongst inter-county GAA players is on the rise. What are the reasons for a spike in gambling amongst this particular group? Michael Foley, Sunday Times Sports Journalist and Professor Colin O’Gara, Head of Addiction Services at St. John Of God Hospital and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCD joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Our tech expert Andy O’Donoghue joined us today to chat about the best gadgets available to help you get the most out of the spring time! Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Last year, in a response to rising petrol and diesel prices, due to the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Government decided to reduce excise duty. It has now been announced that this will be gradually phased out. Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor at the Irish Independent joined Matt to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

HBO's 'The White Lotus' has captivated audiences around the globe, and it's iconic theme tune has taken on a life of it's own. It has been re-worked by a number of artists, with Tiesto even turning it into one of his signature dance anthems. John Caddell and Dee Reddy joined Matt to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

How is the world reacting to Joe Biden's visit to Kyiv in Ukraine? Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined the Last Word to discuss this, as well as the other big news stories from the US this week. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said there will be no more cost-of-living packages this side of October’s budget. So how far will the government's €1.3 billion package go towards dealing with the current crisis? Daniel McConnell, Political Editor at the Irish Examiner, Colette Bennett, Economic and Social Analyst at Social Justice Ireland, and Richard Bruton, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay North joined Matt to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

A young child can be sick with a self-limiting viral illness on average about 8-12 times a year. How can you spot childhood illnesses and when should you take action? Dr. Brian Higgins joined the Last Word to discuss.

After being overtaken at the top of the table by Man City last week, Arsenal were hoping to bounce back with a win against Aston Villa on Saturday and did so in very dramatic fashion. Meanwhile, Leeds United dropped into the relegation zone after defeat to Everton at Goodison Park and will face a crunch against Southampton next Saturday. Mark Lawrenson and Tony Cascarino joined Matt to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.