Shooting victim 'an ordinary decent criminal'

Gardai not discounting possibility that gun used in latest Dublin shootinghad discharged accidentally, writes Conor Lally

Detectives last night provisionally identified a man whose body was found at Dunsink Lane in Dublin early yesterday. The man, believed to be aged about 30, had sustained a gunshot wound to the head. His body was found by the roadside just before 5.30 a.m.

A Garda source said the man, whom they did not officially name, was was not a major criminal figure and they did not believe it was a gangland hit.

"He was an ordinary decent criminal, if there are any of those left," one source said. A paramilitary link to the death had also been ruled out last night, but the possibility that the gun had discharged accidentally had not been discounted.

It was the second violent death in as many days in Dublin following the gangland killing in Tallaght early on Tuesday of Mr David McGuinness.

The 35-year- old father of one was gunned town at his home on the Balrothery Estate, Tallaght, at about 12.30 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

Gardaí have interviewed members of Mr McGuinness's family who were at the family home when he was killed by one of three men who were seen fleeing the scene.

Mr McGuinness worked as a nightclub doorman in the past and he is also believed to have links with dissident republicans. He was a self-employed construction worker.

No arrests had been made in this investigation last night. Detectives repeated their appeal for any witnesses who may have seen a blue Ford Focus car leaving the scene to come forward.

A second dark-coloured hatchback vehicle is also believed to have been used by those involved in the attack.

Officers investigating the Dunsink Lane killing believe a white Mitsubishi Lancer recovered at Berryfield Road, Finglas, at about 1 p.m. yesterday was linked to the death. It was locked and parked on a grass verge. It had been stolen from the north side of the city last Sunday.

Gardaí believe blood splattered in the vehicle was that of the dead man. It is thought the man may have been shot in the stolen car and then taken from the vehicle and left on the roadside.

The victim was approximately 5 ft 8 in. He was wearing size eight beige desert boots which bore a Next logo, blue jeans and a blue shirt with pink stripes.

The results of a post-mortem examination were due to be released last night and gardaí expected to confirm the man's identity at that stage.

They had already begun to contact family members late yesterday.

A full technical examination was also being carried out on the car found at Berryfield Road.

Dunsink Lane was also sealed off for much of yesterday as Garda forensic experts carried out a full technical examination of the scene.

The two Dublin shootings followed the shooting dead in Limerick of Mr John Ryan on Monday.

He is believed to have been the latest victim in the gang feud in the Shannon-side city.

The Labour Party's spokesman on justice, Mr Joe Costello, said the only conclusion which could be drawn from the three killings was that "criminal gangs are now virtually out of control and believe that they can kill at will".

He said he was "shocked by the indifference displayed by the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell" and accused him of going "totally AWOL".

"The Minister must accept that we are in a crisis situation that requires an urgent response," Mr Costello said. "

He should convene an immediate conference with the new Garda Commissioner and other senior gardaí and agree a package of measures to put these gangs permanently out of business."