The DUP has launched its European election manifesto, with a commitment to keep the pound as its flagship policy.

The party's candidate, Jim Allister QC, is fighting on a pro-pound and "stop Sinn Fein" ticket.

Allister has also vowed to oppose any new European constitution and to fight to maintain Northern Ireland's structural funds from the EU.

He paid tribute to outgoing DUP MEP Rev. Ian Paisley.

"Dr Paisley has delivered in Europe for Northern Ireland for 25 years and I vow to continue that good work," he said.

"I will dedicate myself to deliver for Ulster’s farmers and fishermen, to fight for a fair deal in grant aid and to end the squandering of your money in Brussels bureaucracy and waste.

"I will also oppose, at every opportunity, the development of a European superstate and that naturally means pledging myself to fight to keep the pound and to stop the proposed EU constitution."

The manifesto also promises to:

• Campaign in the European parliament for a firm line against global terrorism and highlight the "links between the IRA and other groups such as FARC in Colombia and Eta in Spain".

• Battle to ensure Northern Ireland does not lose out under the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and oppose any further attempt to change it.

• Press for a rethink of the Nitrates Directive on farms, oppose the cutting of export refunds within the beef sector and challenge the ban over on-farm burial of animals.

• Fight for the retention of transitional aid to the fishing industry.