A former Limerick councillor is in a critical condition in hospital after he was injured in a shooting in the city this morning.
Michael Kelly (48), of Ballyneety, Co Limerick, arrived at Limerick Regional Hospital with serious head injuries.
The controversial ex-politician was said to be in a "critical" condition at Cork University Hospital this evening, where he was transferred following emergency surgery in Limerick.
Gardaí are investigating the incident, which happened shortly before 9.00 a.m. at his mothers's house in the Southill area. He was found in a bedroom with a single gunshot wound to the head.
Gardai said there was no sign of forced entry to the house and that no gun was found at the scene. They are keeping an "open mind" as to whether the gunshot was self-inflicted or if he may have been the subject of an asassination attempt.
The scene of the shooting has been preserved for technical examination.
Kelly has a series of convictions, including convictions for tax and social welfare fraud.
He served as a member of Limerick City Council for three years after he topped the poll in the Southill ward in the 1999 local elections.