The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Russell Alford, co-restaurant critic with The Sunday Times and one half of the Gastro Gays, returns to The Last Word to discuss more of his favourite foodie travel destinations. This time he talks about the best food and restaurants in Seoul, South Korea and Chicago in the US. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

US presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump spent the weekend making last ditch efforts to drum up support before polling day. With just one day to go, Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at the University of Galway and political columnist with The Journal, joins The Last Word to asses each of the candidates' chances and what could happen once polls close. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Seven-time All-Ireland winner with Kilkenny Richie Hogan has released his new autobiography, “What It Takes”. He joined Matt to talk about his career that lasted almost two decades, infamous run-ins with teammates at training and what it’s like to be in the pundit’s chair after so much time spent as a player. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael appear to have joined forces to block a strategy from the Green Party, which includes new anti-pollution taxes for motorists, just before the general election is called. Tabitha Monahan, political reporter with the Irish Independent, and Brian Leddin, Green Party TD for Limerick City, join The Last Word to discuss. Listen to the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

In the final days of the US presidential election, the race is on a knife edge as Donald Trump and Kamala Harris focus on getting as many people out to vote as possible. Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and Marion McKeone, US correspondent with the Business Post, join The Last Word to discuss why the race is so close, Trump's promise to 'protect women' and more. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Dave Hanratty, host of the No Encore podcast and Voices Editor and Podcast Producer with TheJournal.ie, Laura Byrne, joined Matt on Friday for The Week Trending. Up for discussion was the fake Halloween parade on O’Connell Street, Michael Healy Rae’s use of a Taylor Swift deepfake ahead of the general election and Saoirse Ronan’s viral moment on last Friday’s Graham Norton Show. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

There’s huge Irish interest in the big screen this week as the hotly anticipated ‘Small Things Like These’ starring Cillian Murphy and Eileen Walsh hits cinemas. Also due for release this weekend is Steve McQueen’s latest film ‘Blitz’, set during World War II and starring Saoirse Ronan. Roe McDermott, Movies Editor with Hotpress, joined Matt to give her reviews. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their chat.

We’re just 5 days away from the US election, and both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have headed to the western states in their final attempts to sway voters in their favour. Lawrence Donegan, Author of the ‘GoodbyeDonald?’ Substack blog and US-based journalist Dave Hannigan joined Matt to continue The Last Word’s countdown to November 5th. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their chat.

The death toll in Spain has surpassed 150 people after parts of Valencia saw a year’s worth of rainfall in eight hours. Environmental commentator John Gibbons joined Matt to explain how climate change has an impact on extreme weather events. Press the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to discuss a range of devices that allow viewers to get the best out of their streaming services. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Broadcasting legend Marty Whelan was this week’s inductee into The Last Word’s Culture Club. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear his choices.

Britain had its first budget under the new Labour government today and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves set out a plan to raise £40 billion in taxes as she promised to "fix the foundations" of the economy. Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to asses the UK budget and discuss more of the day's business news. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Matt spoke to journalist, producer and author Trevor Birney about his book Shooting Crows. The book details his arrest and investigation over his documentary from 2017 on the collusion between the RUC and Loyalists in the Loughlinisland Massacre. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Munster have confirmed the departure of head coach Graham Rowntree following a poor start in the season for the club. Liam Toland, former Munster and Leinster player, joins The Last Word to discuss Rowntree's shock exit and what's next for Munster. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

A comedian at a Donald Trump rally in New York's Madison Square Garden called Puerto Rico "a floating island of garbage" sparking outrage amongst both Democrats and Republicans. Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and Marion McKeone, US correspondent with the Business Post, join The Last Word just one week out from polling day in the US. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Nicola Tallant, Investigations Editor at the Sunday World, has released her new book “Web Of Betrayal: Murder In Ireland’s Brutal Gangland”, which looks at the murder of Robbie Lawlor and gives an insight into the infamous gangland feud in Drogheda, Co. Louth. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear her chat with Matt.

A new survey has found that Dublin is the second most expensive city in Europe. The clocks are going back this weekend, but should they? And King Charles was heckled while visiting Australia. Roe McDermott, advice columnist with the Irish Times, and Kieran Cunningham, chief sports writer with the Irish Daily Star, join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Traders in Dublin city centre are taking a High Court challenge over traffic measures introduced by the city council in August. Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss this and more of the day's business news, including the Irish business man who wants to be the next chief executive of fashion brand Boohoo. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

With 11 days to go until America goes to the polls, Bruce Springsteen is the latest celebrity to endorse Kamala Harris for the presidency. He appeared at her rally in Georgia on Thursday night, which drew approximately 20,000 people. Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at the University of Galway and political columnist with TheJournal.ie Marion McKeone, US Correspondent with the Business Post joined Matt for Friday’s update from the States. Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the conversation.

Writers Kevin Barry, Edel Coffey, Christine Bohan, Conor Niland and Bert Wright from the An Post Irish Book Awards joined Matt as he unveiled the nominees for this year's Last Word Listeners' Choice category. They also discussed the importance of the awards and why Ireland is a literary powerhouse. To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.