The pair were among three people arrested during raids in Dublin linked to an investigation into a long-running turf war between the so-called Real IRA and drugs gangs.

John Stokes, 54, was last month ordered to remove a massive 40ft banner barring the Queen from his Players Lounge in Fairview, north Dublin, during her forthcoming state visit.

It is understood he was arrested at the pub after a team of Garda officers - including the elite special detective unit - smashed their way in through a side door at around 10am.

A handful of bullets found in a shed at the back of the pub have been taken away for ballistic tests.

Cocaine with a street value of about 500 euro (£438) along with three stun guns were also found on the premises.

His wife - and mother of the 22-year-old Hoops striker - Joan Stokes, 55, was also taken into custody as well as another man, Paul Byrne, 46, who is an uncle of the footballer.

All three are being detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act at Store Street, Bridewell and Whitehall Garda stations.

They are being questioned about the possession of firearms and can be held for up to three days.

More than 100 Garda officers were involved in a wave of early morning searches in north Dublin as part of an inquiry into a bloody row between dissident republicans and organised criminals.

The bitter rivals are locked in a battle for supremacy in a protection racket targeting pubs and clubs in the Irish capital.

Last July three men, including a doorman and two customers, were gunned down outside the Players Lounge.

A number of private houses were also searched in the Donaghmede area.

Mr Stokes said last month that he reluctantly agreed to take down the massive anti-Queen banner after a senior garda threatened to object to his application for late licences.

The publican said the livelihoods of his 12 staff members would be at risk if he did not get the licence extensions.

But outside Dublin District Court he vowed to continue his protest against the Queen.

Last night, it was confirmed that the state visit to Ireland will take in a tour of several historically significant sites including Croke Park - the scene of a massacre by British troops - and Dublin's Garden of Remembrance - which honours all those who fought for Irish freedom.

The trip, from May 17 to 20, will be the first by a British sovereign to the Republic.