Gardaí were last night investigating Dublin's latest gangland-style killing after a man was shot dead on a busy city street in the middle of the evening rush hour.
The murder of Raymond Collins (42) was the 18th fatal shooting so far this year, bringing the total for 2006 close to the record 21 firearms homicides recorded last year.
However, while the latest killing bore all the hallmarks of a gangland murder, Mr Collins was not known to have any involvement in organised crime.
Gardaí believe he had been the victim of a serious assault in recent weeks. They are working on the theory that his murder may be linked to the recent attack, which is believed to have been linked to a personal dispute.
The separated father was shot a number of times after two men pulled up on a motorcycle beside him at the junction of Clonliffe Avenue and Ballybough Road at about 5pm.
The passenger on the motorcycle opened fire with a handgun before he and his accomplice escaped through the traffic. Two men from the area were being held by gardaí last night under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.
Mr Collins was originally from Matt Talbot Court in Dublin's north inner city. He had a number of convictions for public order offences, assault, burglary and road traffic infringements. He was not known as a major player in the drugs trade. He was regarded as a heavy drinker who regularly became involved in drink-related rows.
About three years ago he was stabbed in the stomach during one such row and almost died.
He worked in city-centre pubs providing security. In 2001 he was convicted for his part in a gang fight outside the Blue Lion pub on Parnell Street, Dublin.
