Sinn Féin has confirmed that North Belfast MP John Finucane will not represent Daniel Kinahan in his forthcoming criminal trial in Dublin.

The confirmation followed reports that Finucane, a partner at Belfast law firm Finucane Toner, had visited Kinahan at Portlaoise Prison. Kinahan faces trial before the non-jury Special Criminal Court on a charge of directing a crime organisation. He appeared in that court without legal representation, saying he had not had time to instruct a solicitor.

DUP North Belfast MLA Phillip Brett sought clarity on whether the visit took place. He noted that Finucane Toner had previously issued legal correspondence on Kinahan's behalf and said constituents were entitled to transparency from a serving MP.

Kinahan was arrested in Dubai in April and returned to Ireland under an extradition agreement following diplomatic discussions between Irish and United Arab Emirates authorities. He had left Ireland following a 2016 attack at a boxing weigh-in in Dublin, which led to a feud that claimed 18 lives.

Belfast law firms KRW Law and Phoenix Law are among those reported to be under consideration for the defence. Kinahan is next due before the court in October, when he is expected to have instructed legal representation.

No final decision on his legal team has been announced.