IN&M and Fyffes are popular choices

It was another good day in the Irish market yesterday, with momentum both domestically and aborad driving stocks higher.

Dealers reported decent interest across the board, though several stocks stood out. One of those was Independent News & Media (IN&M), which jumped 5.5 per cent, or 17 cent, to end the day at €3.25. More than nine million units changed hands, though dealers were unable to pinpoint anything specific behind the interest.

Late last month the company renewed its bid to buy out the remaining 60 per cent it does not already own of Australian media group APN by enlisting the support of Carlyle as its new private equity partner. A spokesman for the company said yesterday that things were progressing.

Fruit group Fyffes was also in focus, with 10 million shares changing hands. The stock ended the day up 3 cent, or 2.7 per cent, at €1.14. The company has attracted considerable interest of late amidst rumours someone may be seeking to build up a stake in the group.

Elsewhere, Aer Lingus had a good day, rising seven cent, or 2.5 per cent, to €2.92. The airline announced it was forming an online partnership with budget US carrier Jet Blue, which will allow Irish and US travellers to use the Aer Lingus website to book seats to 51 North American destinations in one go.

Ryanair meanwhile had a busy day, both in terms of volume - more than 5.5 million shares traded - and movement as it traded as high as €12.19 and as low as €11.86, before closing unchanged at €11.98.

Dealers said the stock was subject to some profit-taking, though it remained in demand.

Yesterday Ryanair announced the introduction of 16 new routes and a new base in Weeze, serving Dusseldorf.