Get all the very latest news in Ireland straight to your email every single day Sign up! Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Terrified members of slain RIRA boss Alan Ryan’s gang are in hiding after the gun attack on Declan “Fat Deccy” Smith.

Leading cronies of the once ruthless criminal outfit have gone to ground following the shooting as they fear they may be next.

It is believed old scores are now being settled against the once-feared gang and a hit list has been drawn up to take some of them out.

A source said last night: “Ryan’s gang was once the most feared in Dublin.

“Since he was murdered members have left and set up their own splinter groups.

“The majority of their power is gone. They don’t possess the same level of control and fear they once did.

“Following the attack on Smith a number of key members went into hiding in West Dublin. They fear they could be next. They used to have the protection of the RIRA in Belfast but they have even washed their hands of them now. It’s crazy to think that a gang that once ruled Dublin with an iron fist are now in hiding and being hunted. How the tide has turned.”

Thug Smith, 31, was blasted in the face at 9am on Friday after he had dropped his toddler son off at the Little Rainbow’s Creche at Holywell Avenue in Donaghmede, North Dublin.

The gangster pleaded with the gunman and shouted, “Don’t shoot!” before he was hit from close range by the lone assailant.

The masked gunman then fled on foot.

His target was treated at the scene before being taken to Beaumont Hospital where he is in critical condition.

Smith, who is originally from Belfast, was close pals with Ryan who was shot dead in September 2012.

After his murder, Smith was thrown out of the IRA and was the victim of a punishment shooting in Saggart, Co Dublin, in January last year.

It is believed Friday’s attempt on his life was carried out by members of a Traveller gang based in Coolock, North Dublin.

One theory is the attack was in revenge for an alleged assault carried out alongside Ryan in a failed bid to steal guns from a senior gangland figure.

At the time, members of the gang vowed revenge on Smith at any cost.

A Garda spokesman said: “Anyone with information is asked to contact Coolock Garda station 01 6664200 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.”