I'm shocked they published at all.  I have had occasion to write to them several times in the past year on serious issues including Irish Times misrepresentations of organisations I do voluntary work for and none were published.  I also think I pissed off the Letters page editor when I complained he didn't publish my response to a letter criticizing me by name.  The old fashioned "right of reply" no longer seems to apply.

Unfortunately they can now feel all self-congratulatory for publishing a critical letter - whilst leaving the more serious stuff on the editing floor.

"It's a mystery to me - the game commences, For the usual fee - plus expenses, Confidential information - it's in my diary..."