This seven-day digital newspaper for tablet, phone and desktop users in Ireland will provide daily Irish news and analysis alongside award-winning journalism from the UK edition of The Times.
The move into the Irish market comes during a year in which The Times was named Newspaper of the Year at the Press Awards and announced strong membership figures of 400,000, say the publishers.
John Witherow, Editor of The Times, said: “The Times has a long history of innovation, from our first edition in 1785 to this new digital edition for Ireland. We hope that new Times readers will come to know and love our authoritative mix of Irish news, world affairs and a peerless line-up of columnists.”
Richard Oakley, editor of the Irish edition of The Times, said: “The launch of a new online edition of The Times for Ireland is a positive milestone for Irish journalism and represents one of the most significant investments in the sector in recent years. We have hired some of Ireland's most renowned journalists and secured a range of innovative partnerships to deliver the first product of its kind in Ireland. Combined with exclusive membership benefits, we feel we have a really compelling offer and are enthused by the positive reaction we have received to date.”
Irish editor Richard Oakley, a former news editor of the Irish edition of The Sunday Times and editor of its Sunday section, will lead a team of 30 people. Leading journalists such as John Walsh, deputy and business editor, and Niamh Lyons, political editor, are key members of the team. The columnists will include the author Ann Marie Hourihane, the popular satirical columnist Colm Tóbín, the political blogger Jason O’Mahony, and commentator Justine McCarthy.
This Irish edition of The Times will have the backing of around 350 journalists in London and 36 foreign correspondents across six continents, says News UK.
New members will be able to sign up for a 30-day trial for just €1, after which the cost will be €5 per week. Three months free membership will be offered to the 50,000 Irish customers in the Sunday Club, The Sunday Times loyalty programme, which has been rebranded Times Membership. Full details of the various membership packages are available at www.thetimes.ie/join
The launch of an Irish edition of The Times will be supported by a TV, print, radio and digital advertising campaign.
