Script Dividend Election

W.H. Ireland Group PLC
28 October 2004

                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:

Elections to accept the scrip dividend alternative (as announced on 19 July 2004
and as set out in the circular to shareholders dated 20 March 2003) have been
received from the holders of 1,733,789 ordinary shares of 5p each ('Shares') in
aggregate, representing approximately 11.0% of the existing issued ordinary share
capital. Accordingly today 18,791 new Shares were issued in satisfaction of such
elections, bringing the enlarged issued ordinary share capital to 15,723,212.
The total cost to the Company of the dividend of 0.75p per share made in cash
amounts to approximately £104,780. Application has been made to the London Stock
Exchange for admission to trading on AIM of the 18,791 new Shares. Dealings are
expected to commence and CREST member accounts are expected to be credited on 29 
October 2004 at 8.00am.

Enquiries:

Derek Ashford, Finance Director                                    0161 832 2174



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