A senior IRA figure who became one of Britain’s most prized spies in the North has been linked to at least 18 murders.

Gardaí investigating the gangland feud in Dublin have said they have prevented five murders since the start of the year.

Update 11.30am: Taoiseach Enda Kenny is to meet the Garda Commissioner this evening and has said the government will not be “intimidated” by criminal gangs, writes Elaine Loughlin, Political Reporter.

Paschal Donohoe has said Gardaí will be given all the resources they need to deal with gangland crime.