The Last Word with Matt Cooper

In a breaking news story, cartel boss Daniel Kinahan has been arrested in Dubai on foot of an arrest warrant issued by the Irish courts in relation to alleged serious organised crime offences. Stephen Breen, crime editor with the Irish Sun, joins The Last Word to discuss this sensational development. After that, Kieran Cunningham and Orla Ryan join to discuss the week's trending stories including a short-lived attempt to oust Taoiseach Micheál Martin as Fianna Fáil leader and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth channeling his inner Quentin Tarantino. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The Living City Initiative, which aims to encourage the redevelopment of rundown properties in Ireland, will now be applicable in Athlone, Drogheda, Dundalk, Letterkenny and Sligo from Friday. The initiative offers tax relief for the conversion or refurbishment of buildings in areas that have high levels of dereliction and vacancy. Will the scheme convince people to revamp their properties? Jude Sherry, Founder & Director of Anois, and John McGahon, Chief Executive of the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce speak to Will O’Callaghan on The Last Word. Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the discussion.

As people continue to be impacted by the price of fuel, there have been calls for the carbon tax to be scrapped. However, if that were to happen, how would that impact Ireland’s climate targets? Commentator John Gibbons speaks to Will O’Callaghan on The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

Irish Rail will increase security on board its services after incidents of racial abuse, violence and drunken behaviour were reported by passengers last year. Jane Cregan, Deputy Corporate Communications Manager at Irish Rail, joins Will O’Callaghan on The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the discussion.

Innovative home security devices are not just about monitoring for potential intruders, but can also send alerts of leaks or fire in the home. From smart locks to subscription-free monitoring devices, Andy O'Donoghue runs through the very latest in home security. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Singer Megan Walsh joins The Last Word for the Culture Club. The former member of Celtic Woman has just brought out her first solo single 'Mo Chroí'. She chats to Will all about that as well as her favourite music, movies and more. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

On Wednesday’s The Last Word, Will O’Callaghan speaks to Munster and Ireland outhalf Jack Crowley. Crowley is playing off the back of an impressive Six Nations campaign and is now looking to finish the season strongly with crucial games in the URC on Munster’s horizon. He speaks to Will about continuing his form from the national team to Munster’s, his disappointment in the province’s exit from the Challenge Cup at the hands of Exeter and what it’s like to work alongside Johnny Sexton. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

New research by Core Research as part of the Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Survey has found that homeowners have resorted to carrying out home improvements rather than moving as a shortage of housing supply is making it too expensive to do so. Charlie Weston speaks to Will O’Callaghan on The Last Word for Wednesday’s weekly personal finance slot. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

On Tuesday, the death was announced of renowned singer, songwriter and harpist Moya Brennan. From Gaoth Dobhair in Co. Donegal, Brennan was a member of the multi-award-winning group Clannad alongside her siblings. She also had a hugely successful solo career, which saw her win an Emmy Award in 2011 for her work on the “Music of Ireland: Welcome Home” documentary. John Caddell and Dee Reddy join Daniel McConnell to pay tribute to her. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

Donald Trump has been accused of sacrilege after he posted an AI image depicting him as Jesus Christ on social media. The US president is facing the wrath of some of his most loyal Christian supporters over the image as well as his recent attacks on Pope Leo. 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!

Author and podcaster Caroline Foran has written “Everything I Wish I’d Known About Anxiety: A Roadmap Back to Yourself”, in which she provides a step by step guide to combatting feelings of anxiousness after experiencing it firsthand. She speaks to Daniel McConnell on The Last Word about how she practices those tips in her life. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

In a historic election over the weekend Viktor Orbán has lost power in Hungary. For the first time in 16 years Hungary will have a new leader. Joining Daniel McConnell to discuss the election and what's next is Europe correspondent at Euronews Shona Murray Hit Play on this page to listen now

Today on The Last Word on Sport Chief Football Writer at The Independent Miguel Delaney and Off The Ball's Will O'Callaghan join Daniel McConnell to discuss the biggest soccer stories from the weekend as Arsenal falter in their title race They also look forward to Leeds versus Manchester United this evening Hit Play on this page to listen now

With the ongoing unrest in the middle east, many holidaymakers considering a long haul trip are looking for alternative travel destinations. Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to chat about some of the best long haul holiday destinations that don't require a stopover in the middle east. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Hotpress Film Editor, Roe McDermott, talks to Matt about her lecture series at the IFI, where she explores the idea of morally troubling artists or filmmakers who've created beloved works of art, and how we may respond or react to that. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to chat about some of the best tech gadgets on the market to help manage home energy usage. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Actor Owen Roe is the latest inductee into The Last Word Culture Club. He talks to Matt about his latest role in RTÉ's series, The Hardacres. He also talks about his cultural touchstones in music, literature, TV and film. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

This weekend, Rory McIlroy will hope to become only the fourth man in history to successfully defend the green jacket. Gavin Cooney, journalist with the 42.ie, joins The Last Word to look ahead to the 2026 Masters tournament. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The US and Iran struck a deal late on Tuesday for a two-week ceasefire to allow negotiations to proceed and to see the Strait of Hormuz reopened. However, Israel has continued to bombard Lebanon, one of Iran's key allies, raising concerns about how long this peace can last. Fawaz Gerges, professor of international relations at the London School of Economics, journalist Marion McKeone, and Tom Wright, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, join The Last Word to discuss. Hear the full discussion by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Professor Ian Robertson, Neuropsychologist and author of How Confidence Works, explains why we are experiencing a rise in displays of toxic overconfidence and what parts of society are being affected. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.