Given that Current Account has been highly critical of company directors who make bundles of money when they exercise share options and then flog the shares for a quick profit, it's only affair that we applaud Eamon Rothwell for putting €3 million of his money on the line. Would that other plc directors followed his example. Mr Rothwell bought more than 584,000 Irish Continental Group (ICG) shares last week to double his stake to 4 per cent.

That cost him €3 million and shows that the chief executive, at least, believes that ICG shares have fallen too far.

The market is not yet convinced that ICG shares are set for a recovery, after its difficulties this year. But if the company does turn things around then Mr Rothwell's faith in ICG and his willingness to dig deep into his pocket will pay off. If not. . .