The Alliance Party has sought to recruit dozens of unpaid and low-paid foreign interns to work on its Stormont election campaign.
An advertisement was issued offering "career development opportunities" for up to 65 people from outside Northern Ireland in the run-up to the Assembly poll in May.
The interns would be involved in canvassing in target constituencies, managing volunteers and helping with communications and social media output.
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Five positions were offered a stipend of £300 per week plus travel to Northern Ireland and accommodation.
Of the other 60 posts, 10 would receive travel and accommodation and 50 only accommodation, but the roles are otherwise unpaid.
Stormont opponents accused Alliance of seeking to "take advantage" of unpaid overseas workers.
Alliance said it had since decided against offering paid intern positions, but a mix of "volunteers" from the UK, Europe and US would be helping its campaign.
The advert included an image of Newcastle in Co Down and asked: "How would you like to campaign here?"
It added: "This spring the Alliance Party, Northern Ireland's liberal and cross-community party, will fight its most important election campaign in a generation as it hopes to build on the historic 'Alliance surge' in 2019 and transform Northern Irish politics for good.
"We are offering a number of paid and unpaid opportunities for individuals outside Northern Ireland to be a part of this campaign. These are competitive positions and subject to completing an application form."
It continued: "If you want to learn about Irish and British politics, the impact of Brexit, political leadership in a divided society, single transferable vote systems or simply develop your skills as a campaign professional in a different cultural context, then please apply now!"
The advertisement promised all recruits the opportunity to tour Stormont, meet party leaders and government ministers, and "experience the Belfast nightlife".
Applicants were encouraged to contact Alliance councillor Patrick Brown, the party's South Down Assembly candidate, for more information before last month's deadline.
Mr Brown is the director of a company that organises volunteer placements on political campaigns in the US.
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath expressed concerns about the Alliance-branded advertisement.
He said: "I think it is a serious mistake for the Alliance Party to seek to take advantage of unpaid and underpaid foreign interns to staff their election campaign, especially given the soaring cost of living.
"This advert promises to pay a stipend for experienced campaign staff who are expected to look after communications and digital organising that is below the living wage while others will not be paid at all.
"Coming off the back of Alliance MLAs voting against workers' rights protections in the Trade Union and Labour Relations Bill, it raises very serious questions about the party's commitment to fair play and fair pay for workers.
"Importing the worst aspects of US campaigning to Northern Ireland is not a good look, it's an insult to workers and it won't impress the public."
A DUP spokesman said: "Clearly Alliance is struggling to motivate local activists when they're flying help in from the US at £300 per week, but there's also need for clarity on who is footing the bill?"
Mr Brown referred questions to the Alliance press office.
In a statement a party spokesman said: "Alliance explored the possibility of a paid intern scheme but decided we would not proceed with it.
"A number of volunteers will be helping the party through the election campaign in an unpaid, volunteering capacity."
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