Iseq gains on Lenihan comments

Investors have reacted positively to Brian Lenihan's announcement that he will continue to serve as Minister for Finance during…

Investors have reacted positively to Brian Lenihan's announcement that he will continue to serve as Minister for Finance during his treatment for cancer.

The Dublin market was up 86.54 points to 3061.47 at 2pm this afternoon following the issuing of a statement by the minister.

In the statement, Mr Lenihan said he will continue on in the finance portfolio and "to fulfil the essential functions of my office".

Banks led the Iseq higher with AIB up 10 per cent to €1.32 and Bank of Ireland up 11 per cent to €1.47. Irish Life & Permanent rose 3 per cent to €3.43.

Other movers on the Dublin market today included Elan which was up 8 per cent to €4.53, and Kerry Group , up 5 per cent to €21.70.

Aminex was up 19 per cent after it issued a drilling programme update this morning while Ryanair which was today criticised by the Office for Fair Trading, was up 5 per cent to €3.47.

Heavyweight CRH was up 1 per cent to €19.22 while Grafton rose 5 per cent to €3.10.

Charlie Taylor

Charlie Taylor

Charlie Taylor is a former Irish Times business journalist