Anglo Irish Bank chairman Mr Gerry Murphy, who retires later this year, has sold almost three quarters of a million pounds worth of Anglo Irish shares. Mr Murphy has informed the Irish Stock Exchange that he sold 370,588 shares at 147p and another 129,412 shares at 145p last Tuesday, realising a total of £732,411. Mr Murphy retains 237,364 shares, worth almost £350,000 at the current market price.

An Anglo Irish executive director has also been in the market selling shares. Mr Peter Killen has told the stock exchange that he sold 259,412 shares at 147p and 90,588 shares at 145p, realising more than £512,000 in the process. Mr Killen retains just over 526,000 shares.