Yesterday's gangland killing is the "last sting of the dying wasp", the Minister for Justice Mr McDowell claimed today.
He was speaking the day after Paul Cunningham, of Dromheath Avenue, Mulhuddart was shot dead in an attack linked to a recent upsurge in feuding between west Dublin drug gangs.
"All the evidence is there's dissipating energy in the gangland culture ... many have been arrested or have left the country.
The Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell
"This latest instance is, I believe, the last sting of the dying wasp," Mr McDowell said.
He said he retained confidence in the recently launched Operation Crossover II aimed at combatting gangland crime. He also revealed that he met Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy today who expressed satisfaction at the operation's progress and the €4 million allocated to the crackdown.
Mr McDowell said he was satisfied that the resources were being "wisely used". The operation was a dramatic success and had led to a number of arms seizures and arrests, and a murder prosecution had already been instigated since its launch earlier this month, he added.
Armed patrols in west Dublin have been increased after Mr Cunningham was shot dead in his house as he slept beside his partner and 18-month-old child, in the early hours of yesterday morning. No one else was hurt in the attack.
Mr McDowell said the attack was one of "unspeakable cruelty" committed by people who use death to control a share of the drug market and collect on debts.
"Anyone who thinks they can get away this is very much mistaken," Mr McDowell said.
He also said murder figures were falling and this year is likely to show fewer such crimes compared to last year.