Elan and banks lead market gains

THE ISEQ Index closed in positive territory for the first day in four with Elan and the banks the main catalysts for the rise.

The Dublin Exchange climbed 77.55 points to 7596.29. AIB jumped 17c to €18.37, while Bank of Ireland gained 21c to €14.13.

Anglo-Irish added 8c to €12.93 with Irish Life & Permanent 10c higher at €17.25.

Elan surged ahead 30c to €12.20 after it sold its rights to Prialt in Europe. Greencore added 5c to €3.45.

Eircom shares climbed 3c on continued speculation of a takeover by Babcock and Brown.