Eircom slide fails to halt advance

THE ISEQ index climbed for the fifth day in a row despite a fall in Eircom shares after yesterday's confirmation of preliminary talks with a potential bidder.

The Dublin market closed up 44.48 points at 6730.98.

The financial sector gained ground with AIB adding 9c to €17.43 and Bank of Ireland jumping 5c to €12.85. In the second line Irish Life & Permanent rose 35c to €15.20 while Anglo Irish closed up 12c to €11.45.