"The group chief executive of the Bank of Ireland, Mike Soden, tendered his resignation to the court of directors in the circumstances described in his personal statement issued today.

The court, with regret, accepted his resignation.

Mike has made an enormous contribution to the group since he took up the position as group chief executive in March 2002. He is leaving us having placed the group in a position of solid strength for future growth.

It is the court's intention to immediately put in place arrangements for the appointment of his successor and a further announcement on this is expected to be made next week." ...

May 29th, 2004