• BY CATHAL MCMAHON
•
Gardai are closely watching a mob boss suspected of ordering the murder of Vincent “Vinnie” Ryan.
The gangster, nicknamed Mr Big, is also believed to be linked to the killing of Ryan’s brother, Real IRA boss Alan Ryan, in 2012.
He was blasted in the head and throat with what is believed to be a machine gun.
Now gardai fear retaliation from associates of the murdered dissidents.
Pals of the Ryans slammed the State for failing to lock up the international drug trafficker who is on bail for offences on either side of the border.
Family friend and criminologist Malachy Steenson said: “He is on bail for serious crimes in two jurisdictions.
“He should be in custody not on the streets ordering murders. This is a massive failure.
“He was arrested for the offences in the North while on bail here.
“There is no political will to put people like Mr Big in prison.
“He will be served with a CAB bill but that only means that he has to pay taxes on his drug dealing.”
Mr Big first came into conflict with Alan Ryan when the Real IRA chief tried to extort cash from him.
It’s believed he ordered Alan’s murder and last July offered €30,000 to anyone who killed Vinnie.
Shortly after Monday’s murder, officers seized Mr Big’s car from a North Dublin hotel. Forensic tests are still being carried out.
Meanwhile, Vinnie’s body has been released to the family ahead of his funeral on Tuesday in Donaghmede, North Dublin.
Mr Steenson said there will be no military parade or shots fired over his coffin.