The Irish Times receives a great many letters each day and it is possible to find space for only a small selection. Therefore, in fairness to both letter-writers and readers, short letters are preferred to long ones.
When writing, please also bear in mind that letters ranging over several topics are unlikely to appear. It is generally best to make one point as concisely as possible, without preamble.
When referring to an article, report or previous letter in The Irish Times, it is helpful to give the date of publication, if possible.
All letters intended for publication should be clearly marked "Letters to the Editor". They may be sent
by post to: The Irish Times, 10-16 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2;
by fax to: 01-671 9407;
by e-mail to: lettersed@irish-times.ie (please do not attach files).
All letters, including emails, should include the writer's full name, postal address, and telephone numbers (day and evening).
Letter-writers may receive a subsequent telephone call from The Irish Times. This is part of our authentication procedure and does not amount to a commitment to publish.
We regret that we cannot give prior notice of a letter's publication date, acknowledge unpublished letters, or discuss the merits of individual letters.
It is our policy to represent as wide a range of views as possible within the constraints of libel and taste. However, we do require writers to put their names to their opinions. Therefore, we do not publish anonymous letters; nor do we allow the use of pseudonyms or other formulae to conceal the writer's identity, such as "name and address with editor".
Please note also that we do not print copies of letters addressed to someone else, nor do we publish verse.
Letters may be edited for length and clarity.