Financials again prove driving force

THE Irish market rose for a third consecutive day yesterday. The ISEQ gained 13.50 points to 6540.80.

The financial sector saw Anglo Irish Bank add 20c to €10.25. Bank of Ireland rose 17c to €13.42, while Irish Life & Permanent slipped to €14.47. AIB gave up 10c to €17.70.

In construction, CRH strengthened 32c to €21.95. Grafton Group and McInerney were also higher, at €9.58 and €8.62 respectively. In contrast Kingspan fell 9c to close at e9.76.