Gilligan’s release - Underworld still active

The release of John Gilligan from prison raises many questions. There have undoubtedly been significant developments since he was incarcerated.

Shortly before his arrest, it was being suggested that he was untouchable, but the gardaí managed to secure a conviction, which undermined his criminal empire and led to the confiscation of most of his wealth.

The gardaí also made major inroads into organised crime in Dublin and Limerick. But there is still much more to be done, as was dramatised by the shooting outside a pub on north side of Dublin early yesterday morning.

A 28-year-old man was shot in the head outside the pub shortly after closing time. The area was relatively crowded and the gunman continued to fire wildly as he made his escape. Three women were wounded in the legs and other women were also injured.

This incident was more like a scene out of the Wild West or a Hollywood gangster movie. It shows that there is no room for complacency in relation to the crime scene in this country.