Row Sparked as North Belfast MP Refuses to Confirm Kinahan Prison Visit

A political debate has unfolded in North Belfast after local MP John Finucane declined to state whether he had visited alleged cartel leader Daniel Kinahan in prison.

Speaking on the Good Morning Ulster programme, DUP MLA Phillip Brett challenged Mr Finucane over the matter, arguing that the MP was unwilling to be transparent with his constituents about whether he had met with the high-profile prisoner.

Daniel Kinahan was extradited to Ireland earlier this month on charges of directing the activities of a criminal organisation between 18 October 2015 and 6 April 2017. He appeared in court without legal representation on 9 August, with reports indicating he has been seeking legal counsel from a Northern Ireland-based law firm due to a distrust of lawyers in the Republic of Ireland.

Mr Finucane has previously represented Mr Kinahan in another matter. However, Sinn Féin confirmed last week that the North Belfast MP will not be representing him in his upcoming trial, which is scheduled for next year.

During their joint radio appearance, Mr Finucane refused to confirm or deny whether he had visited Mr Kinahan at the maximum-security Portlaoise Prison following the extradition.

Following the broadcast, Mr Brett raised concerns regarding transparency and the balance of parliamentary duties, asserting that answering questions regarding whether a visit took place would not breach professional confidentiality. Mr Kinahan remains held at Portlaoise Prison ahead of his trial.