The Justice Minister says those behind two murders in Laois and Dublin yesterday have ‘absolutely no respect for human life’.

Alan Shatter has branded the killings ‘barbaric’ and the perpetrators ‘evil’.

In a statement the Minister says Gardaí are determined to do everything possible to bring those responsible to justice.

“I know from my discussions with the Garda Commissioner that the Gardaí will continue to target and bear down heavily on the activities of those involved in gangland crime” he said.

“That is clear from the series of recent operations they have launched against gangs and the many drug seizures that have taken place in recent weeks”.

“I, and the Government, will continue to resolutely support the Gardaí in every way we can in counteracting this evil menace in our society” he added.

The first victim was 27-year-old Gerard Eglington who was gunned down in Laois yesterday morning.

While 31-year-old Declan O’Reilly was shot dead on the South Circular Road in Dublin last night.

Crime Journalist Paul Williams says the investigation into the killing of Mr. O’Reilly is in its early stages.

He spoke with Breakfast here on Newstalk.

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