1.   Despite industrial unrest in Italy the lira remained relatively steady.

2.   But the lira remained just one of many silver coins circulating in the city states that were later unified to form modern Italy.

3.   The stock market slipped further Wednesday but the lira remained unchanged in light trading before a holiday.

4.   In London, sterling was steady and the lira remained firm.

5.   In Italy, the lira remained weak as Premier-designate Antonio Maccanico has yet to form a government.

6.   But the lira remained fragile.

7.   The lira remained weak after massive weekend demonstrations in Italy against budget-cutting measures planned by the Berlusconi government.

8.   The lira remained firm but did not react specifically to the formation of a new government.

9.   The lira remained under pressure as the government is expected to resign this week and nobody knows who will succeed Premier Lamberto Dini.

10.   The lira remained at the Thursday evening levels.