“All the promising young gangsters are going into banking,’ a lifelong criminal said. “They used to look up to me, now they want to be CEOs.”

The criminal admitted that he too would go into banking if he had his time again.

“Drug dealing can’t compete with an industry that gives you millions of euro for being bad at what you do,” he said sadly.

“When we get caught we get punished,” he added.

The Mire has learned that the special Garda investigation into all gangster-related shootings has issued warnings to gangsters who fear for their lives not to associate with members of An Garda Siochana.

The high profile investigation has found clear evidence that the overwhelming majority of murdered gangsters were known to Gardai. “There is a pattern emerging here,” a Garda spokesman said. “Our advice to gangsters is to keep a low profile and try not to come to the attention of Gardai.”

“Our message to gangsters is that being known to Gardai could seriously damage their health. So don’t get caught, approach Gardai with caution, and, whatever you do, don’t be a grass. No one likes a grass,” the source continued.

Two days ago the special Garda investigation advised gangsters to use public transport to avoid being shot while sitting in parked cars. It is understood that the country’s gangsters are puzzled but pleased with the efforts of the Gardai on their behalf.

A Garda investigation into all gangster-related shootings has reached the conclusion that sitting in parked cars is potentially lethal for any gangster.

“We would advise all gangsters to get out of the vehicle as soon as they park,” a Garda spokesman said. “They are dicing with death otherwise.”

The six-month investigation by an elite Garda unit found that as many as 70 per cent of dead gangsters were shot in their cars. “Where possible gangsters should try to use public transport,” the spokesman said. “This would greatly increase their life expectancy.”

A spokesman for the country’s gangsters thanked the Gardai for their concern.