Market declines as shares offloaded

SHARES in Ireland finished the day in negative territory with selling of banking stocks the main focus. The ISEQ slipped 28.78 points to 7904.87 at the closing bell.

The financial sector weakened 92.71 points overall with AIB and Bank of Ireland falling, down 22c and 5c. Anglo Irish also fell 3c while Irish Life and Permanent lost 15c to close at €19.35.

In construction, CRH softened 8c to €27.82 while Kingspan eased 10c to €12.60. Grafton Group also took a hit, 18c lighter at €10.62.

Elsewhere, food stocks Glanbia and IAWS both gained ground, 5c and 3c higher, while C&C shed 1c to €5.54. Other movers included Ryanair, 5c stronger at €7.70 while pharmaceutical company Elan rose 12c to €11.82.