Anyone weighing up investments in the Irish market might want to take a look at United Drug. Both Davy and NCB Stockbrokers have recently issued reports on the company recommending it as a good investment. The company is forecast to make good progress in 1999 with the share price expected to perform strongly.

Another share enjoying positive comments from the brokers is IWP. Despite difficult market conditions and weakening consumer demand, Goodbody Stockbrokers says the group is on track to make good profits over the next couple of years. The company has made two large acquisitions over the past 18 months and it is implementing a major programme significantly to improve efficiencies and to reduce costs throughout the rest of the group. It has also strengthened its management team.

The shares have, however, experienced a setback in recent months in line with other smaller stocks, and in Goodbody's view this could provide a good opportunity to pick up IWP stock fairly cheaply.