In an interview with the Sunday Independent, Hutch asserted that Ireland has always needed immigration, but that those coming into the country must be willing to work.

Simon Harris and candidates in the Dublin Central constituency have criticised the gangland figure’s expected election bid.

‘I’m going to sign up today if it’s possible,’ the Dubliner said.

Locals living near his €450,000 penthouse in the popular holiday resort of Fuengirola saw him going into the building on Monday afternoon

It had been thought a judge who provisionally released Hutch on €100,000 bail on Monday had imposed strict conditions, including a travel ban.

Thomas McConnell (38) of Sillogue Gardens, Ballymun, Dublin 11, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Gareth Hutch (36).

Hutch's detainment follows an operation spanning more than two years by Guardia Civil and An Garda Síochána.

It was rumoured at the weekend that Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch may run as an election candidate in the Dublin Central constituency.

Gerry Hutch was acquitted last year of organising the Regency Hotel gun attack which accelerated the Hutch-Kinahan feud.

Gardaí believe Eddie Hutch was shot in retaliation for the brutal murder of David Byrne

Declan Brady was further sentenced to a nine-year prison term for facilitating the murder of Christopher (aka Noel) Kirwan

Eddie Hutch (58) sustained a number of fatal gunshot wounds after he was approached by several assailants as he pulled up in his taxi outside his house in February 2016