The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Lise Hand, a seasoned journalist, and Dion Fanning, co-host of the 'Free State' podcast, dive into this week's hot topics. They discuss the European Union's push for 72-hour emergency kits amidst rising global tensions, reflecting on the implications of fear and national identity for Ireland. The pair also celebrate the inclusion of culturally significant terms like 'spice bag' in the Oxford English Dictionary, exploring the evolving nature of language and identity. Their conversation is both informative and infused with wit, making for an engaging listen.

Conor Gallagher, Security and Crime Correspondent, Irish Times and Prof Colin O’Gara, Head of Addiction Services, St John of God Hospital discuss the findings of an EU-wide study that found Ireland was second only to the Netherlands in terms of ecstasy use among young people.Press play on this page to catch the full conversation.

In 1972, American boxing champion Muhammad Ali, the most famous athlete in the world, came to Ireland to fight in Croke Park.Dave Hannigan, author of 'The Big Fight : When Ali Conquered Ireland', joins The Last Word to discuss how he pieced together the details of one of the most unique events in Irish sporting history.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Fianna Fáil Senator Teresa Costello has said that radical reform is needed for women under the age of 50 who present with breast cancer symptoms, having previously been diagnosed with the disease at the age of 36.Ahead of Daffodil Day 2025, she is calling on the Minister for Health to discuss the matter in the Seanad.Hit the ‘Play’ button to hear her chat with Matt.

Environmentalist and Researcher in Climate Policy, Sadhbh O’Neill, recently made the decision to sell her car and buy an e-bike.She spoke to Matt on Thursday’s The Last Word to explain why and to highlight the financial, physical and environmental benefits she has seen from doing so over the last 6 months.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to run through some of the best new driving tech including easy to read smart navigation and top of the range dash cams,Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page

Writer Patricia Scanlan is the latest inductee into The Last Word Culture Club, where she talks about the music, books, TV and movies that have influenced her life and work.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Energy supplier Energia has been given the go-ahead to build a data centre in Dublin to be operated by tech giant, Microsoft.Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss this and more of the day's business news. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The CSO has released a survey showing the long term impact the experience of living through the Covid-19 pandemic has made.Five years on, one in four people who were surveyed said they still try to avoid shaking hands, while a third of respondents between the ages of 22 and 29 said that their alcohol consumption increased since Covid restrictions were introduced. Tim Bergin, People Consulting Partner at EY Ireland and Helen Vaughan, psychotherapist at Maynooth Counselling spoke to Matt on Wednesday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

There's outrage in the United States after a journalist was included in a group chat in which US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance and other top officials discussed upcoming strikes against Yemen's Houthi group.Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and journalist Marion McKeone joins The Last Word to discuss this massive security leak and more of the latest news from the US. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!