Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, already facing criticism over the country’s financial crisis and engulfed in a sex scandal, may have to face another trial in Milan.

A shareholder in Irish Life and Permanent has "abandoned" his legal challenge against the Government’s plans to recapitalise the bank.

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has sparked fresh speculation over his future by hinting he is unlikely to remain at the San Siro indefinitely.

THE letter from Unite, the union that represents 2,500 Irish Life & Permanent workers hits the nail on the head.

The ISEQ-index of Irish shares fell deep into the red this morning slipping 68.32 point to stand at 4502.40 points by midday.

The ISEQ-index of Irish shares dipped this morning under pressure from tensions within market-newcomer Aer Lingus.

Record oil prices stopped the ISEQ-index in its tracks this morning causing the market to shed 26.17 points at 7905.10.

The ISEQ index of Irish shares was down 10.60 points to 9,574.12 at the close of business this afternoon.

The ISEQ-index made some modest gains this afternoon as shares rose 20.22 points to close the day at 9562.87.

The ISEQ index is up 30.28c at 9941.79.

AFTER a 9% rise in 2005 operating profits, IL&P is poised for another strong year. Banking arm, Permanent TSB, is winning the account war with 67,000 new customers last year.