BANKING sources still insist Halifax Bank of Scotland will end up buying the Northern and National Irish Bank.

THE union representing staff at National Irish Bank (NIB) and Northern Bank will hold crunch talks with management today to find out more about plans to sell both banks.

NATIONAL Australia Bank (NAB) could complete the sale of the Northern Bank and National Irish Bank (NIB) for up to €1.7 billion by November 10 next, it emerged yesterday.

Staff at National Irish and Northern Banks must be protected if the institutions are sold, a leading finance union warned today.

National Irish Bank was rounded on last night after the findings of the two High Court Inspectors were published yesterday.

NATIONAL Irish bank has been hit with a total bill of €64 million after a devastating report revealed widespread tax evasion and overcharging at the bank.

Branch managers who allowed the overcharging of customers will not be dismissed from National Irish Bank, its chief executive said today.

Pre-tax profits at National Irish Bank were up almost 160% on the 2002 figure to €36.5m, the bank announced today.