HUGE demand for the leading shares drove the Irish stock market to another all time high yesterday, with the ISEQ Index gaining almost 1 per cent to close just above 2,290. Dealers said the weight of money that drove the market ahead yesterday still exists and a level above 2300 for the ISEQ is likely to be reached today.

Most of the demand from both domestic and overseas institutions was focused on the leading stocks, with AIB, Bank of Ireland, Smurfit, CRH, Irish Life and Irish Permanent all closing well up. The gilt market had a bumper day after exceptional Exchequer borrowing figures, allowing the NTMA sell £100 million of its 10 year gilt.