Despite bumper profits, the AIB board has been getting a rough ride at its annual general meetings in recent years as shareholders indulge in their democratic right to ask questions, comment and generally remind the board of their physical presence.

So the bank's decision to move next Wednesday's a.g.m. from Bankcentre in Dublin's Ballsbridge to the Rochestown Park Hotel in Douglas, Cork - the first time it has been held outside the capital - has been the subject of dark mutterings by those more familiar with conducting their affairs within the boundaries of the Pale. Is the bank trying to minimise exposure to disgruntled shareholders? Is it a nefarious plot to stifle the opposition? Are those attending the meeting in Cork likely to be a more mellow lot?

Not so, according to a spokeswoman. AIB, in fact, has "a very sizeable proportion" of its shareholder base in Munster and sees no reason why the a.g.m. should always be held in Dublin. The Margin has been assured that additional transport arrangements are in place for people who arrive in Cork by rail.