Finkelstein, a long-time columnist at the paper, is a former adviser to John Major and William Hague. He will edit the , selecting the newspaper's best writing, and give a guide to opinion on the web.
"Blogging is an incredibly exciting form of journalism, especially in the field of comment. Just as the role of a newspaper is to filter and edit the best for the reader, the role of Comment Central will be to bring the online reader the most fascinating comment and analysis on the web," Finkelstein said.
Comment Central will also offer Finkelstein's opinion, as well as interviews with Times and Sunday Times columnists about the issues they've selected and what shapes their views. It will include other writers such as David Abramovich.
The launch of The Times' online comment blog follows that of The Guardian, which launched earlier this year. The Guardian appointed Georgina Henry, the paper's deputy editor, to edit it.
Anne Spackman, recently appointed editorial director for Times Online, said: "Daniel is a world-class commentator, he is insightful, intelligent and extremely funny, he is passionate about the opportunities that the web has created for debate and discussion.
"Comment Central will be a vital part of the daily media diet for anyone who wants to know what is being said and why. The growing audience for Times Online is extremely sophisticated and knowledgeable and we are delighted to be able to bring Comment Central to these readers."
Spackman, in her previous role of The Times managing editor, is credited with playing a large part in The Times' conversion to tabloid format in November 2004, after joining the title four years ago as property editor.
Times Online is also launching a daily business briefing called The Note. Created by The Times business team, it will provide the news, analysis and comment on the day's biggest business stories and will be edited by Philip Robinson.
James Harding, business editor of The Times, said: "We have more business readers than any other quality newspaper and more than 8m people round the world now turn to the Times Online. We want to provide news and views wherever you are -- at work, at home and commuting in between."
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