DUP MP Gregory Campbell has claimed a "new generation" has grown to "romanticise" the IRA's campaign during the Troubles.
The East Derry representative spoke out about the LucidTalk poll following the claim by Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill that there was "no alternative" to the IRA's actions in the conflict.
Mr Campbell described the Sinn Féin vice president's words as "deeply worrying" and said there "was and always is an alternative to violence".
"Because of Michelle O'Neill's leadership where she frequently celebrates a range of PIRA terrorists, a new generation have grown to romanticise the campaign of shooting and bombing," Mr Campbell said.
"There was and always is an alternative to killing your neighbours with bombs and bullets. The alternative was and is not to kill but rather use purely peaceful and democratic means."
The DUP MP said he grew up in Derry, like former Sinn Féin deputy first minister Martin McGuinness, adding: "My house was no better than his."
He continued: "I had similar employment struggles as my Protestant and Catholic neighbours. I did not resort to guns and bombs.
"The killing of innocent men, women and children, whatever the cause, can never be justified."
Speaking of the poll findings, he added: "I don't believe that 70 per cent of nationalists would defend the PIRA."
