Bank shares jump, euro at two-month low

Irish Bank shares have jumped following the agreement of the €85bn bailout between the Government, the EU and the IMF.

A short time ago, Irish Life and Permanent was up more than 61%, but has now slipped back slightly.

Bank of Ireland was up almost 20%, while AIB was up more than 6%.

However the euro fell to a two-month low against the dollar as the bailout failed to ease investor fears for the fate of other financially troubled eurozone members.

The Government is considering selling off state assets to raise cash, according to Minister Conor Lenihan.

Mr Lenihan said consideration has been given to selling off the remainder of Aer Lingus.

The future sell-off of the ESB is also being discussed.