ISEQ down almost 3%

The ISEQ index of Irish shares joined global markets on a downward trend today, closing off 80.58 points to 2,878.67, a drop of 2.72%.

Shares in Aer Lingus fell 7c or 7.22% to €0.90. Cabin crew at the airline this evening voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action in protest at changes to work practices.

Rival Ryanair was meanwhile also in the red, shedding 17c or 4.31% to €3.73.

Also notable on the fallers' board were CRH, down 69c to €15.51; Elan Corp, falling 15c to €3.90; Glanbia, closing 12c off at €3.28; Paddy Power, falling 80c to €26.90; Smurfit Kappa, down 19c to €7.65 and C&C, 7c off at €3.07.

Among financial stocks, AIB shed 1c to €0.86, Bank of Ireland was unchanged at €0.84 and Irish Life & Permanent closed down 4c to €1.80.