Two men found shot dead in north Dublin

One of the most powerful drug dealers in the State and an apprentice plumber were shot dead in a north Dublin house, today.

Forensic officers at the scene of a double fatal shooting in Scribblestown Park in Finglas

The bodies of the men were discovered at Scribblestown Park, Finglas, at around 10am today by gardaí who had been called to the scene.

Martin "Marlo" Hyland (39) from Cabra, was one of the biggest sellers of cocaine and heroin in Ireland. He was asleep asleep in an upstairs bedroom when the attack happened.

He was also suspected of being involved in a number of recent contract killings in and around the Dublin area and had been under GArda surveillance.

Superintendent Kevin Donohoe said this morning the man was warned in September of threats to his life from criminal figures he may have had dealings with in the past. He was known to move from house to house in a bid to keep his movements secret.

The second victim was Anthony Campbell from St Michans Flats in Dublin. Gardai believe he was killed becuase he was a potential witness to the murder of the intended target.

It is understood his body was found by his boss who had left the house on business, returning shortly afterwards to the scene. He then alerted gardaí.

Gardai also said they would like to speak to anyone who may have seen a Black Volkswagon Passat, registration number 06- D-77432 between 8.30am 10 am this morning in the following areas: Scribblestown Park, Griffith Avenue Extension, Finglas Dual Carriageway, Ballygall Road and Glasilawn where it was found burnt out.

The scene in the Scribblestown Park cul-de-sac has been preserved for a technical investigation by a Garda forensic team. The State Pathologist has been notified and is due to conduct a preliminary examination on the bodies.

Superintendent Gabriel McIntyre from Blanchardstown Garda station appealed to any members of the public who were in the area between 9.00am and 9.30am and who may have seen anything suspicious to contact them.

The deaths bring to 23 the number of people who have been shot dead this year. This is a rise of 21 over last year and the highest level for almost a decade.

Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte said the killing raised a question over whether the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell was suitable for the position.

Two years ago following the murder of a west Dublin criminal, Mr McDowell said gangs were on the wane and described the killing was "the last sting of the dying wasp".

Mr Rabbitte reminded Mr Ahern of the Minister's statement and then noted that gun crime had gone up from 9 in 2004 to 21 in 2005 and 23 this year to date.

Conviction rates for the 120 gun murders since 1998 - the first full year of the Fianna Fail / PD coalition - was just 15 per cent, the Labour leader added.

Mr Ahern said there had been 3,400 arrests including 56 for murder since Operation Anvil -a specially resourced crackdown on serious crime - was set up around 18 months ago.

And the more recent Operation Oak - which aims to gather intelligence on major criminals - had targeted Hyland.

The Taoiseach said it was regrettable that drug and gang-related killings continue. He said a major Garda operation was under way into today's killing. "No stone will be left unturned in hunting down the killers," Mr Ahern said.

"There is no question of any lack of resources or laws," he added.

Earlier, Fine Gael justice spokesman Jim O'Keeffe said he feared a gangland war would result from today's killings.

"The shooting dead of such a prominent criminal presents the horrific prospect of an all-out bloodbath," Mr O'Keeffe said.

Mr McDowell insisted that "whatever resources were requested for the fight against the scourge of drug and gun crime would be made available".

"The fact that it appears that one of the unfortunate victims is a wholly innocent young man who was going about his lawful daily work is truly shocking," he added.