Meanwhile, Davy Stockbrokers suggests that investors should consider buying United Drug.

The company is one of the leading pharmaceutical stocks quoted on the Irish market and is considered to be relatively good value for investors at the moment. Davy forecasts the stock will rise in line with the market over the next 18 months, adding 40 per cent to its share price by the end of next year.

The stock, which is trading at around 560p, is forecast to rise up to 780p by the end of 1999.