SINN FEIN is putting up candidates from the Republic in the forthcoming elections in Northern Ireland. Senior party figures from Dublin, Donegal and Monaghan will contest the poll on May 30th.
Unionists are expected to react strongly against this. Sinn Fein reportedly wants to field candidates from the Republic to stress its all Ireland agenda and to maintain its negotiating team.
Only those elected can take part in all party talks. Sinn Fein believes there is a loophole which will allow southerners to contest the election.
Under the rules, the electorate votes for parties rather than for the candidates whose names appear on a list outside the polling booth.
The Northern Ireland Office has confirmed that there is no residential qualification for candidates. In other elections they would have been obliged to prove an interest in the constituency they wished to contest.
Sinn Fein's candidates include its general secretary, Ms Lucilita Bhreatnach, from Dublin its vice president, Mr Pat Doherty, from Donegal and an ardchomhairle member, Mr Caoimhghin & Caolain, from Monaghan.
Its president, Mr Gerry Adams, and another ardchomhairle member, Mr Martin McGuinness, will also stand, on the slogan "Vote for Peace".