Decent gain for ISEQ

The ISEQ index of Irish shares rose more than 1% to today, up 29.53 points to 2,881.73.

The financials had mixed fortunes. Irish Life & Permanent (down 6c to €3.34) and Bank of Ireland (down 5c to €1.77) both lost ground. Allied Irish Bank inched up 2c to €1.90.

There was similarly contrasting news in the energy sector. Dragon Oil shot up 43c to €4.30. Tullow Oil slipped 14c to €11.28, however.

Icon boasted the biggest day of the day, improving 85c to €14.05. Elan (up 48c to €5.58), FBD (up 37c to €7.90) and Paddy Power (up 34c to €17.34) all posted impressive gains.

Irish Continental Group (down 64c to €9.75), Kerry Group (down 40c to €16.35) and Merrion Pharmacies (down 30c to €4.50) have had better days.