The Last Word with Matt Cooper
Today FM
On Ireland's most cutting edge current affairs show, Matt and his guests provide a running stream of intelligent opinions and heated debates on the issues that matter most to Irish listeners. You might not always agree, but you'll never want to miss a Word.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 20, 2026 • 23min
Week Trending: X Files, Austrian Climber Convicted & The Rise Of Humanoid Robots
On the Week Trending, TV producer Paddy Duffy and journalist and podcast host Elaine Burke discuss the conviction of an Austrian climber for leaving his girlfriend to freeze to death.They also discuss the impending release of classified files in the US relating to alien life, and the celebration in stamp form of the Aran jumper.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Feb 20, 2026 • 11min
The Royal Family In Crisis - What's Next?
Britain's royal family has been plunged into crisis following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor on suspicion of misconduct while in office.Nick Ferrari, presenter of Nick Ferrari at Breakfast on LBC Radio, joins The Last Word to discuss whether this latest development has damaged the monarchy irreparably.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Feb 20, 2026 • 13min
The Last Word On The Environment: New Initiative Seeks To Save Irish Hedgehogs
A new initiative is looking for members of the public to sign up to become 'hedgehog helpers' in a bid to protect the much-loved animal.John Gibbons joins The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest climate and environment news. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Feb 19, 2026 • 18min
Paul Cullen On His Memoir About Searching For His Missing Early Years
Paul Cullen, former Irish Times Health Correspondent, talks to Matt about Outsider, his memoir that charts his recovery from injuries sustained in a fall off a mountain in Germany and his search for his biological parents.While he had always known he was adopted, that fall was the propulsion for Paul's search to find out what had happened to him in his early years, and where and how he had spent the first few years of his life. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Feb 19, 2026 • 12min
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor Arrested On Suspicion Of Misconduct In Public Office
On Thursday morning, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.The arrest comes after Thames Valley Police said they were assessing a complaint over the alleged sharing of confidential material by Mountbatten Windsor with Jeffrey Epstein.The former prince, who turns 66 today, has previously denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.Mark Paul, London Correspondent with the Irish Times, updates Matt on The Last Word.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.
Feb 18, 2026 • 31min
Culture Club: Una McKevitt
Playwright, author and director, Una McKevitt is the latest inductee into the Last Word Culture Club.Una's play, Fair Deal, is running at the Peacock Stage at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. It's a satirical take on one last night in a Dublin family's home.Una outlines the idea behind her play and also talks to Matt about her favourite music, film, TV, books and more.To catch the full conversation, press the play button on this page.
Feb 18, 2026 • 20min
U2 Speak Out On Gaza, Ukraine & The Killing Of Renée Good In New EP
U2 have surprised fans by dropping a six-track EP, 'Days of Ash', which is their most political work in years with songs about the killing of Renée Good in the United States, the wars in Gaza and Ukraine and the persecution of women Iran.John Caddell joins Matt on The Last Word to listen to the EP and discuss the stories behind each of the tracks. Hear the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Feb 17, 2026 • 22min
The Last Word On Music: Is Charli xcx's Wuthering Heights Album The Best Thing About The Film?
Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, has been met with mixed reviews since its release last Friday. However, critics have lauded Charli xcx for her accompanying album and her ability to pivot away from her 2024 record 'Brat'. John Caddell and Dee Reddy speak to Matt on The Last Word to have their say.Elsewhere, Matt picks his all-time favourite songs by Irish artists as part of Today FM's search for the Top 100 greatest Irish songs.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the chat.
Feb 17, 2026 • 21min
The Last Word On The US: Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson Dies Aged 84
US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson has died aged 84. His death marks the last of the iconic civil rights leaders who were led by Martin Luther King Jr.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!
Feb 17, 2026 • 9min
39,000 Shortfall in Student Beds Adding To Housing Crisis
A report from Sherry Fitzgerald found a 39,000 deficit in the number of student beds available to rent Matt is joined by USI/AMLE VP for the Dublin Region Daniel Walsh and Labour Spokesperson on Higher Education Senator Laura Harmon to discuss Hit Play on this page to listen now
