Drinks company Diageo which owns Guinness, Smirnoff and Baileys has said sales in the first half of its financial year in Ireland were flat but that its overall performance globally produced better-than-expected results.

Drinks giant Diageo has reported that net sales in Ireland were flat during its last financial year, but has increased medium-term group profit targets and announced a £1.5bn (€1.7bn) share buyback programme, writes Geoff Percival,

Drinks giant Diageo has reported that net sales in Ireland were flat during its last financial year, but has increased medium-term group profit targets and announced a £1.5bn (€1.7bn) share buyback programme.