Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Transport, Tourism, and Sport Marc Mac Sharry TD has called on the government and their Departments to step up engagement with authorities in the Middle East as Daniel Kinahan attempts to present himself on the world stage as a boxing celebrity.
Deputy Mac Sharry explained, “Yesterday, Irish people were shocked as professional boxer Tyson Fury thanked Daniel Kinahan for his work which he says led to a world title fight between himself and Anthony Joshua. Fury’s intervention follows the emergence of details of Kinahan’s connections to a series of international boxing promotion organisations in recent weeks.
“The audacity of what Kinahan is attempting to do is breathtaking, and it must be met head on.
“Daniel Kinahan has been named in the High Court as a senior figure in international organised crime. Celebrities and commercial broadcasters who facilitate his attempt at reinvention should reflect on what impact this is having on the many victims of crime in this country.
“It is welcome that the Department of Foreign Affairs are engaging with authorities in the United Arab Emirates, were Kinahan is believed to be currently residing. I believe the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochana should ramp up engagement with their counterparts in this region, if they are not already doing so.
“Ireland has a rich history in boxing, both at amateur and professional level. The sport receives state supports and has done so much good for many young people in our country over very many years. The longer that Kinahan is facilitated in presenting himself as a bona fides player in this sport, the more damage it does to legitimate boxing interests,” concluded Deputy Mac Sharry.