The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Today marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of 'The Liberator' Daniel O'Connell, perhaps Ireland's greatest ever politician.Mick Clifford, special correspondent with the Irish Examiner, certainly thinks so. He joins The Last Word to discuss the legacy of Daniel O'Connell.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Revenue has contacted 68,000 pensioners over their tax obligations in relation to their occupational pension.Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Independent, explained why some pensioners are being asked to file a tax return.He also explained why many renters believe the Government should support intergenerational living arrangements. This is where younger people live with older adults for lower rent in exchange for companionship and support.To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Professor Brian Caulfield from the Department of Civil Engineering in Trinity College Dublin and tech journalist Elaine Burke join The Last Word to discuss the future of driverless vehicles. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

US President Donald Trump has fired the head of the main agency for producing American jobs figures claiming she "rigged" weaker-than-expected employment data for political reasons.Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest news from the United States. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may authorise a complete occupation of Gaza, according to reports. Chief International Correspondent at The Independent Bel Trew and Professor of Law, Queens University Aoife O’Donoghue join Matt to discuss the latest news and the aid situation in Gaza.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

More changes could be on the way for Gaelic football following an entertaining inter-county season marked by a number of new rules.Michael Foley, sportswriter with the Sunday Times, and Ray Silke, former Galway captain, join The Last Word to discuss the effect the changes had on this year's championship and what more can be done to improve the game.Catch the full chat by pressing 'Play' button on this page!

Out-going Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has said he plans to publish The Crowe Report into roads policing. The report was commissioned following the receipt of anonymous correspondence from a Garda member working in the area.The report found that a number of gardaí assigned to roads policing were ‘openly hostile’ to doing their jobs. It further found senior garda members were afraid to ‘intervene’.Pat Leahy, Former Assistant Garda Commissioner and Leo Lieghio, Vice President Irish Road Victims Association joined Matt to discuss the revelations.To catch the full conversation, press the ‘play’ button on this page.

This Tech Thursday, Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to discuss how you can upgrade and optimise your home WiFi. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

There have been calls for several streets in Dublin city to be pedestrianised over the last number of years, but does that lead to certain parts of the city being quieter – and therefore more dangerous – come nightfall?Architect and urban designer, Fedirico Minieri, and Janet Horner, Green Party Dublin City Councillor for Dublin North Inner City, spoke to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

On Thursday, Conor McGregor lost his appeal against a High Court jury’s finding that he raped Nikita Hand in Dublin in 2018.In November 2024, the jury in a civil trial found he raped Ms. Hand in a hotel room. She was awarded just under €250,000 in damages.Frank Greaney, Today FM’s Courts Correspondent, spoke to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.