Eircom plunge hits market

THE ISEQ index dropped slightly weighed down by Eircom, whose shares plummeted.

The Dublin Exchange dropped 7.41 points to 6888.95. Shares in Ireland’s largest telecom fell dramatically by 36c to €1.94 after the Swiss government said it would block any major acquisitions abroad by Swisscom.

AIB jumped 26c to €18.08. Bank of Ireland was also 13c stronger at €13.18 after Thursday’s results. Meanwhile, Anglo and Irish Life & Permanent strengthened by 7c and 20c. In construction, CRH crossed the line up 6c to €22.60. Kingspan gave up 5c to €10.20; McInerney firmed 8c to €8.88 while Grafton dipped by 2c to €7.80.