Anglo Irish leads charge as ISEQ sees 38.59-point rise

The ISEQ index of Irish shares is up 38.59 points to 6466.02 this morning.

Anglo Irish Bank led a surge in some shares' value, up 30 cent to €19.10. CRH shares saw the second-biggest rise, up 27 cent to €20.45.

Elan also saw a significant hike, up 18 cent to €21.78.

Back in the financials, AIB rose 11 cent to €15.56 while Bank of Ireland rose eight cent to €12.21.

Meanwhile, Waterford Wedgwood shares were level after news that the company had taken full control of British china maker Royal Doulton.

Waterford Wedgwood has received acceptances for its €58m offer from shareholders representing 69% of Royal Doulton's share capital. Waterford already held 21% of the company, so now controls 90.5% of the shares.