The Democratic Unionist Party candidate in the upcoming European elections has claimed his party will not work with Sinn Féin in the European Parliament if it "remains wedded to the IRA."
Barrister Jim Allister set out his position on his contacts with Sinn Féin should he and Bairbre de Brun both win seats in June, saying he would only co-operate with any "constitutional nationalist".
Mr Allister said: "The ability of Ulster's three Euro MEPs to co-operate on key issues over the last 25 years has brought great benefit to Northern Ireland.
"It is my fervent hope that this will be able to continue but that depends on who wins the nationalist seat.
"I will happily co-operate with any constitutional nationalist, but if Sinn Féin steals that seat, then, so long as they remain wedded to the IRA and its violence, such co-operation will be impossible.
"I will not pretend that those who espouse and excuse terror are constitutional politicians."
The DUP's candidate said while it was the prerogative of nationalist voters who they elected, Sinn Féin would have to be rejected in June's election if "worthwhile co-operation was to continue".
In the past, Mr Allister's party leader, the Reverend Ian Paisley has worked alongside former nationalist SDLP leader John Hume and Ulster Unionist Jim Nicholson on issues affecting Northern Ireland.
PA