Strong financials fail to halt slide

SHARES in Dublin were mixed following the holiday weekend. Although there was strength in the financials, the ISEQ index fell 17.88 points overall to 5303.97.

Allied Irish Bank led the charge in the sector, adding 8c to €12.11. Rivals Bank of Ireland gained 6c to €10.17 with Irish Life & Permanent up 13c to €13.05. Anglo-Irish bucked the positive trend down 13c to €13.52.

Elsewhere, Paddy Power saw its share price rise to a new record high during the day before finishing at €9.74. Recent stellar performer Elan declined for the third day in four, falling €1.00 to €18.20. Oil and gas producer Tullow Oil, which released its year end results yesterday, returned to the market in positive form, finishing at €1.44.