Irish shares fall as Brexit deal uncertainty ratchets up

Irish shares fell sharply as investors took fright as British prime minister Boris Johnson said he would seek an election if MPs fail to back his new Brexit deal in the coming days. The political manoeuvres in Westminster have ratcheted up uncertainty for investors buying British and Irish assets. Sterling was little changed against the euro at 86p and $1.295.

But ignoring the cue from sterling, shares in AIB and Bank of Ireland slid 5% and 4%, respectively. The banks have nonetheless retained much of their hefty gains since Mr Johnson struck his deal with the EU this month.