Solicitor takes credit for peace deal between gangs

CONTROVERSIAL Limerick solicitor John Devane yesterday claimed his intervention between Limerick feuding gangs has been the “‘catalyst”’ for a reported peace deal.

However, senior gardaí in the city said while they would welcome any move away from the ongoing violence, they were not aware of or involved in any peace deal.

Sources said the truce may be an effort to buy time following CAB raids which cost the gangs up to 500,000 in drugs and cash.

Mr Devane said his offer to help as a peace broker, made on RTÉ radio after the recent murders of Mark Moloney and James Cronin, had led to developments in recent days.

“They don’t want the CAB coming to Limerick every other week, taking their property from them. I think they felt if ‘we keep shooting each other, we’ll get more media attention and garda attention and we are gong to suffer financially’,” he said.

Supt John Kerin said they were not aware of any truce involving the main feuding gangs the Keane/Collopys and McCarthy/Dundons.

He said: “If true, we would welcome it. We would welcome anything that would create harmony and peace in the city.”

Defence Minister Willie O’Dea said he had been asked to mediate some time ago, but decided not to because it was a matter for the police.

City council member, John Gilligan, who represents St Mary’s Park, a Keane/Collopy strong hold, said if there is a truce, it is a device to buy time and professional people in Limerick may be involved, concerned that recent CAB raids on a number of offices may link them to the gangs.

Cllr Gilligan said: “Their number is up and the guards are getting on top and the manure is hitting the fan. All of a sudden they are developing a social conscience. All they want is time to get the heat off. That is the only reason they could have done this. And if the rumours are true, what is even more disgraceful are the professional people who have been acting like vultures helping launder blood money over the years.

“We don’t want just to see some young fellows in cheap hoodies being marched into jail, but certain people who go around wearing Armani suits. These are the people who have been wrecking our city.”