Government may float AIB towards the end of the year

Ireland's new Fine Gael-led Government will need to act quickly if it wants to float AIB during this year.

The Irish Times reports that a flotation in mid-November is being considered, but to pass through the planning process this would require a decision soon.

The Irish State will not sell off any more than 25% of AIB before 2019, according to the draft programme for government which was published online last week.

Finance minister Michael Noonan previously said that Fine Gael would be ready to call for the sale during 2016 should voters return the party to power.