Weather helps Aviva profit to dive

The weather has not just left tourists feeling glum — it has been a key factor in a massive fall in profits at one of the country’s biggest insurers.

Aviva Ireland’s general insurance business saw its operating profits fall dramatically, from over €30m in the first half of 2011 to under €4m for the first six months of this year.

Aviva said in a statement: “In Ireland operating profit fell from £24m (€30.5m) to £3m (€3.8m), reflecting adverse weather claims, increased costs, and difficult economic conditions.”