The Irish market followed international markets higher after the overnight recovery in the Far East, with the financials once again leading the upward surge.

Despite the uncertainty over the sustainability of the recovery in the Far East, the Irish market seems well-supported at these levels.

Bank of Ireland was the most active stock, and traded as high as 900p before settling at the sterling equivalent of 898p at the close, a rise of 5p. AIB went as high as 592p before closing up 3p on the day on 590p, while Anglo Irish Bank - in strong demand ahead of expected good results on Tuesday - rose 4p to a new high of 118p.

Elsewhere, Greencore continued to improve ahead of results in early December and added 5p to 313p while IWP bounced and closed up 20p on 310p.

James Crean was unchanged on 135p as Irish institutions continued their exodus from the beleaguered company's share register. AIB Investment Managers - who held 18 per cent of Crean no more than six months ago - has now slipped below the 3 per cent disclosure threshold.

Ryanair was unchanged but well-bid on 345p as the market continues to pay little attention to the threatened competition from British Airways' low-cost airline.

Smurfit was unchanged on 190p while CRH moved ahead 5p in thin trading to 775p.

In the wake of the Irish Permanent settlement with its former head, Dr Edmund Farrell, its shares slipped 3 1/2p to 661p.