Anglo Irish Bank is awaiting regulatory approval before appointing a new head of human resources. The former holder of this position, one Seán Fitzpatrick – no relation to the bank’s former chairman – will head up the staffing of the proposed internal bad bank, or asset run-down company, which awaits European Commission approval.

The ink was barely dry on the contract to take over CC’s spirits division in Clonmel but William Grant’s chief executive Stella David is already on message.

When I asked her yesterday about her favourite tipple, David said: “Hendrick’s gin and tonic is a favourite of mine, always with a slice of cucumber. I’m also a big fan of Glenfiddich but I’m looking forward to adding Tullamore Dew to that. I’ve a varied palate.”

All three are “core” William Grant brands. David joined the business in 2009 after 15 years with Bacardi and is clearly now a whiskey woman.