Newspaper columnists

Behind the scenes of a columnist’s work

Sir, – Frank McNally’s analysis of the composition of newspaper columns (An Irishman’s Diary, February 29th) shattered an illusion.

I had always assumed, based on personal experience, that newspaper columnists had the tidiest dwellings as when I sit to write or study, I can see so many chores that have suddenly become urgent. – Yours, etc,

ENDA CULLEN,

Armagh.

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Sir, – Frank McNally himself doesn’t ever dash off a column, “... while sitting out a few hands”. His meticulous attention to detail is evident in all his writing. His occasional “The 100 best/worst/longest/short-est” columns must take months to compile and it shows in their perfection. – Yours, etc,

MATTIE LENNON,

Co Wicklow.

Sir, – Frank McNally’s entertainingly self-referential column on the competing schools of newspaper column writing – fast and slow – does not reveal if Frank, himself, is in the speedy or dilatory camp. – Yours, etc,

DR JOHN DOHERTY,

Co Dhún na nGall.