Irish customers covered by Northern Rock guarantee

Finance Minister Brian Cowen has reassured Irish customers of Northern Rock Bank that their savings are being guaranteed by the British government.

Yesterday, Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer said the country would guarantee the savings of Northern Rock customers amid the financial difficulties facing the bank.

There was some confusion about whether this would also cover the bank's 25,000 Irish customers.

However, Mr Cowen confirmed today that Irish deposits were included in the British guarantee.