A Democratic Unionist Party MLA has asked Sinn Fein MP John Finucane to clarify whether he visited Daniel Kinahan in Portlaoise Prison last week.

Phillip Brett, who represents North Belfast in the Northern Ireland Assembly, made the request in a statement. He said reports about the visit require answers from Finucane.

Sinn Fein has stated that Finucane will not act as legal representative for Kinahan at his forthcoming trial. Brett said that response does not address the question of whether a visit occurred.

Brett noted that Finucane's law firm previously issued legal correspondence on Kinahan's behalf. He said his request is not about the right to legal representation but about the transparency expected of an elected MP.

He described Finucane as a part-time MP and said constituents in North Belfast deserve answers.