The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Belfast/Derry trio Kneecap have been criticised for pro-Palestinian chants during their Coachella sets, with TV personality Sharon Osbourne urging US authorities to revoke their visas. Given how outspoken they’ve been about political issues in the past, should we be surprised by the move? Furthermore, should we be more encouraging to artists and celebrities to express their views on world events? Dave Hanratty, host of the No Encore podcast, joined Matt to discuss this. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Tributes have been paid to Pope Francis, whose death was announced on Monday morning. UN climate official Simon Stiell said that the Pope was “a towering figure of human dignity, and an unflinching global champion of climate action as a vital means to deliver it”. Environmental commentator John Gibbons spoke to Matt about this. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Andy Donoghue has his top garden gadget picks from watering systems, to lawnmowers, plant sensors, outdoor lighting and outdoor sockets. To catch the full conversation, press the play button on this page.

Will Sliney, comic book artist and creator of Draw With Will, talks to Matt about his favourite music, film, TV, books and other cultural touchstones that have influenced his life and work. To catch the full conversation, press the play button on this page.

Intel will announce plans to cut more than 20 per cent of its staff this week as part of a bid to streamline operations, according to Bloomberg news. The global tech giant employs over 5,000 people across Ireland. Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss the future of Intel and to run through more of the latest business news. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Insurers are cutting benefits on health plans as they hike the price of premiums, meaning that customers are now getting less value for their money. Meanwhile, the government’s take from taxes on home energy and motor fuels has topped €4bn for the first time, with Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD accusing the government of “cashing in” on the cost-of-living crisis. Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor at the Irish Independent spoke to Matt on Wednesday’s The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he and his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, will attend Pope Francis’s funeral at The Vatican on Saturday. Pope Francis had previously been critical of President Trump’s views on immigration, describing the program of mass deportations as a “major crisis”. Nationally syndicated columnist, Cal Thomas, and Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at University of Galway & Columnist with TheJournal.ie spoke to Matt about this on Tuesday. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Following the death of Pope Francis, Redemptorist priest Tony Flannery, theologian Gina Menzies and catholic commentator Breda O'Brien join The Last Word to discuss the legacy he has left behind. Catch the full discussion by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Andy O'Donoghue reviews the best and more affordable smartphones on the market from Google, Samsung and Oneplus.

Dublin's four local authorities are developing plans for a new tourist tax in the capital which they say could help fund the upkeep of the city. A working group is due to be set up later this year to consider the proposal. Sinn Féin councillor on Dublin City Council Séamus McGrattan and Paul Gallagher, chief executive of the Irish Hotels Federation, join The Last Word to discuss the potential for an additional charge for tourists staying in Dublin. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

A new report from the Mental Health Commission has said that there is an urgent need to improve mental health services at emergency departments and that steps should be taken to make access to care easier. Professor Jim Lucey, Inspector of Mental Health Services at the Mental Health Commission, spoke to Matt on The Last Word about this. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Saxophonist, member of Moving Hearts, and author of Music and Mayhem, Keith Donald talks to Matt about the culture that made him, from his early music influences and his time playing with Van Morrison and Christy Moore. To catch the full chat, press the ‘play’ button on this page.

Pharmaceutical companies are calling for 'radical policy change' from the European Union in order to limit a potential 'exodus' of future investment in Ireland and other EU member states. Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss the warning issued by pharma executives to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and more of the latest business news. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Easter eggs appear to be the latest products to be impacted by inflation, with a 200g egg now costing approximately €7.50. That’s more than double the price of five years ago. Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent spoke to Matt about this, and also about how the introduction of the auto-enrolment scheme is facing further delays. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

US President Donald Trump has once again claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky started the war with Russia, saying "you don't start a war with someone 20 times your size and then hope people give you some missiles." Cal Thomas, nationally US syndicated columnist, and journalist Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss Trump's comments on Ukraine and more of the latest news from the US. Catch the full discussion by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The Union of Students in Ireland has urged students travelling to the US on a J1 visa this summer to be "cautious and informed" about the potential risks of "activism", as US authorities continue to clamp down on university protests. Jenny Maguire, president of Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union, and Fiona McEntee, US immigration attorney, join The Last Word to discuss the possible threats faced by Irish students in the US if they are outspoken on certain issues. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Kaitlin Murphy, Travel Writer with TravelExpert.ie joined Matt for the travel slot on The Last Word, where this week’s destination was Japan. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear all her recommendations.

Rory McIlroy won his first major tournament in 11 years when he was crowned Masters Champion at Augusta on Sunday night. After so much heartbreak over the last decade, McIlroy finally completed the career Grand Slam, which has only been done by five other players in history. Lawrence Donegan, Founder & Editor of McKellar Magazine, The42.ie’s Gavin Cooney and Will O’Callaghan from Off The Ball spoke to Matt about an incredible weekend of drama. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their chat.

Mick Mulvaney, former chief of staff to Donald Trump, joins The Last Word to discuss the US President's attitude to Russia, the motive behind his tariff plan and what Trump and his administration really think of Ireland. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Amanda Knox, podcaster, writer and exoneree, talks about rebuilding her life following her acquittal for murder in Italy, and reintegrating into life following infamy and trauma. To catch the full conversation, press the ‘play’ button on this page.