Irish shares gained nearly 1 per cent in value, helping the ISEQ index to a record close as interest in traditional financial and industrial stocks lent support to the Dublin market.

Financial shares again performed particularly well, notching up gains of 1.7 per cent, while the general share index closed 0.7 per cent higher.

Dealers reported some switching out of AIB into Bank of Ireland, which has lagged behind in recent days. As a result, AIB ended 22 cents lower at €9.78 while Bank of Ireland added 45 cents to €6.81. Irish Life & Permanent was also well bid, closing 25 cents higher at €9.35.

There was also good buying interest in industrial stalwarts such as CRH and Waterford Wedgwood, traders said. The building materials stock rose by 15 cents to €19.15 while the crystal and china manufacturer gained a more modest two cents to €0.96.

Elan was another strong performer, gaining 60 cents to €45.45 although Eircom had a quieter day, adding just five cents to €4.77.

Irish technology stocks, which have taken a pounding of late, showed some signs of recovery. Internet security provider Baltimore, which has fallen heavily in recent days, managed to recoup some ground and the shares closed nearly 11 per cent higher at £90.00 in London.

On the Nasdaq, Baltimore was up some 10 per cent at $145 by the close of trade in Dublin while Trintech shares were 5.75 per cent higher.