A former politician – from a political dynasty – has been arrested in Cork on suspicion of conspiracy to murder three people, including a policeman.

Local sources named the man as Gary O’Flynn, son of former Fianna Fail TD Noel O’Flynn, a well known figure in Fianna Fail politics. Gary O’Flynn is a former local councilor who had previous brushes with the law.

Police have yet to formally identify the man who is being questioned about plans to murder three people.

He was detained at his home in the city after a lengthy investigation by detectives into reports that the man had solicited a number of people to help execute the plan.

The Irish Independent reports the suspect was arrested for questioning under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

He is being questioned on conspiracy to murder up to three people.
The report says he is in a very distressed condition in custody and this has complicated the investigation.

Media reports have claimed that the man is being questioned on suspicion of conspiracy to murder a detective, a financial advisor and a tax inspector.

Officers say a suspected criminal in the city was approached to recruit a hitman to kill the trio.

Up to $40,000 was offered to hire an assassin to murder the individuals and bury their bodies in a shallow grave.

One report says undercover officers posed as gangland hitmen during a series of meetings.

A police source said: “This is an unusual investigation. Officers are taking this matter very seriously and have informed the three potential victims of latest developments.

“The suspected conspiracy is like something from a film and it will be interesting to see what happens.”

A police spokesman said: “We can confirm an arrest has been made over an allegation of conspiracy to murder.”