Banking bailout bill set to top €80bn

THE final bill for bailing out the banks could top €80 billion when the results of the stress tests are revealed this afternoon.

The Irish Stock Exchange has suspended trading in shares of Bank of Ireland and AIB from 6.30am today until details of the stress tests are announced and the Government makes clear its plans for rescuing the banks.

The stock exchange said trading was being suspended “to avoid the possibility of a disorderly market due to the circulation of information or rumours during the day”.