Scrip Dividend Election

W.H. Ireland Group PLC
28 April 2005


                W.H. Ireland Group plc ('WHI' or the 'Company')
                            Scrip dividend election
                                        
The board of the Company announces the following information in relation to the
ordinary share capital of the company:

Scrip Dividend

Elections to accept the scrip dividend alternative in respect of the final and
special dividends (as announced on 21st February 2005 and as set out in the
circular to shareholders dated 20th March 2003) have been received from the
holders of 775,353 ordinary shares of 5p each ('Shares') in aggregate, 
representing approximately 4.9 % of the existing issued ordinary share capital.

Accordingly 17,334 new Shares have been issued in satisfaction of such elections,
bringing the enlarged issued ordinary share capital to 15,740,546 Shares. The
cost to the Company of the dividends made in cash amounts to approximately 
£523,175.00 in total. Application has been made to the London Stock Exchange for
admission to trading on AIM of the 17,334 new Shares. Dealings are expected to
commence and CREST member accounts are expected to be credited on 
29th April 2005 at 8.00am.

Enquiries:

Derek Ashford, Finance Director
0161 832 2174




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