Sinn Féin TD unaware party MP was considered as legal representative for Daniel Kinahan

Matt Carthy also said he was unaware of reports that the Sinn Féin MP and solicitor met with Mr Kinahan while in prison.

Sinn Féin MP John Finucane. File picture: Yui Mok/PA

A senior Sinn Féin TD has denied having any knowledge of a party representative being considered as legal representation for alleged crime boss Daniel Kinahan.

Cavan-Monaghan TD Matt Carthy told reporters on Tuesday he was unaware of reports that Sinn Féin MP and solicitor John Finucane met with Mr Kinahan while in prison.

Reports in both the Sunday World and Belfast Telegraph suggest that Mr Finucane met with Mr Kinahan at Portlaoise Prison last week.

Mr Finucane is a partner in the legal practice Finucane Toner, which he operates alongside Ciarán Toner.

It was previously reported that Finucane Toner had sent out two legal letters on Mr Kinahan’s behalf in 2020.

Mr Kinahan appeared before the Special Criminal Court on August 9, having been charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation after his extradition from the UAE.

During the hearing, Mr Kinahan did not have any legal representation and was remanded in custody before being transferred to the maximum-security Portlaoise Prison.

On Tuesday, Mr Carthy said he knew “nothing about it”.

Pressed further if he would have a problem with Mr Finucane representing Mr Kinahan, Mr Carthy reiterated he was unaware of the matter.

“I haven’t seen those reports, so I’ll have a look at them and I’ll come back to you,” Mr Carthy said.

“I’m not going to speak in hypotheticals. Let me find out what the actual situation is, and I’ll come back to you when I have the facts.” 

Mr Finucane has been contacted for comment.

• Tadgh McNally, Political Reporter