McDowell denies failure to provide policing
Yesterday, detectives continued their hunt for the killer of Mark Glennon, 32, shot dead outside his home in Blanchardstown Wednesday evening.
Mr McDowell said yesterday that never before had so many gardaí and resources been deployed in the area of serious gangland crime.
Dublin West Labour TD Joan Burton accused the minister of "complacency" in the face of a series of shootings in the area.
Ms Burton said: "Despite the promises of the minister that various garda operations, such as Operation Anvil, would solve the problem of gun crime in west Dublin, the killing of Mr Glennon in broad daylight confirms again that gun criminals can act with impunity on the suburban streets of Dublin 15."
Mr McDowell stressed every request by the Garda Commissioner for more police had been met.
Gardaí said they were hopeful of identifying the hitman.
The assassin was not masked and was seen by a number of witnesses
The gunman may also have been captured on CCTV the victim installed outside his home.
"We have a good few witnesses, so we are reasonably hopeful," said one garda source.
Glennon, 32, was working outside his house in Hazelwood Crescent, Hartstown, when a man approached him and opened fire.
The first shot hit him in the chest. He was then hit a further three times in the side.
The killer drove off in a red Toyota Camry, with a 01 Kildare registration, later found burnt out.
Detectives believe Glennon was gunned down on the orders of a rival gang.
This feud claimed the life of Glennon's 30-year-old brother Andrew 'Madser' on April 30.
The rival gang is led by two brothers. One of the brothers, aged 28, is currently in custody on a separate matter related to the feud. The whereabouts of his 22-year-old brother is unknown.
Key dates which led to the murder include:
* December 26, 2004: Feud erupts when the two brothers assault an associate of Glennon and fire shots into his house.
* December 29: Gardaí arrest the two brothers, but have to leave them go when victim withdraws statement. When brothers are released they are fired upon and spend two weeks in hospital.
* April 30, 2005: Andrew Glennon shot dead in Clonee, Co Meath.
* August 27: Gunman, enters Glennon's house and fires at Glennon's girlfriend but misses her. Gardaí arrest two brothers. One is charged and kept in custody.
* August 28: Glennon fires 30-40 shots in house of the girlfriend of the brother in custody but injures no one.
Gardaí say the violence is fuelled by cocaine. They say the reckless use of weaponry could result in innocent people getting killed.
Detectives fear hardcore members of the Glennon gang could retaliate.
Gardaí are examining whether "bigger fish" may be exploiting the feud.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
