THE Government may have to pump a further €1 billion-plus into stricken Irish Life & Permanent after failing to sell off its profitable Irish Life assurance arm of the business.

Gillian Bowler has today announced her intention to retire as chairman and a director of Irish Life & Permanent Group Holdings plc, following the appointed of a successor in the New Year.

HOMEOWNERS in Dublin and Cork will experience half the mortgage default rate than those in some midland and border counties.

The Central Bank has completed a review of the capital requirements of all Irish banks as part of its response to recent events in the Irish market.