Independent News & Media director Mr John Featherstone has sold his entire holding in the company, realising more than £1.5 million. Mr Featherstone sold 672,640 shares at €2.86 each on Thursday. He retains 630,654 Independent share options.

In another pre-Christmas share sale, Dunloe Ewart director Mr Noel Murray and his wife Clare have sold their entire shareholding in the property company and realised just over £200,000. Mr and Mrs Murray sold 555,556 shares at €0.44 each on Wednesday. They retain 1.17 million Dunloe Ewart share options.