Michael Noonan keeping his options open on AIB sale

Minister for Finance Michael Noonan yesterday said he is keeping his options open on the sale of part of the Government’s stake in AIB, as markets remain volatile and investors continue to shun bank stocks.

The Government, which controls more than 99% of the lender, has been preparing to sell a portion of its holding for more than a year.

Mr Noonan had planned to sell a 25% stake in the bank to investors before the end of this year, but pushed that plan back to the first half of 2017 citing market volatility.