ISEQ suffers 67-point slump

The ISEQ index of Irish shares had a bad day today as it slumped 67.14 points to 7572.71 by close of business.

The decline was lead by pharmaceutical company Elan who suffered a 55c fall to €12.49, while Ulster Television tumbled 36c to €6.30.

The financials also flopped with the Irish Life and Permanent down 31c at €17.27 and Bank of Ireland down by 23c to €14.02. AIB fell nine cents to €18.39 while Anglo Irish Bank tumbled 10c to €12.85.

Construction didn't get away from the gloom either as both Kingspan and McInerney declined 19c to €11.76 and €11.51 respectivelt while Grafton followed suit with a 17c fall to €9.52.

Oil companies also fell, Dragon Oil down 21c to €3.19 and Tullow oil down 13c to €4.46.

Elsewhere, drinks company C&C fell 17c to €5.38 while betting firm Paddy Power was down 15c €12.70.

Food group Kerry bucked the trend with a 40c rise to €18.08.