Political Parties in Northern Ireland

See notes at bottom of page

Notes:
1. This diagram is only intended as a 'rough guide' to the nature of the political parties in Northern Ireland, the dates during which they were active, and their relationship to each other. Those parties included in the 'green' columns mainly draw their support from the Catholic community. The parties are mainly Nationalist or Republican in outlook. Those parties included in the 'orange' columns mainly draw their support from the Protestant community. The parties are mainly Unionist or Loyalist in outlook. Within the two main blocs some of the parties would be considered more extreme in their views - the diagram reflects this but should be used with caution. Some parties actively seek to attract support from both the main communities and these are listed in the 'yellow' column.
2. Further information on individual political parties can be obtained by following the blue links in the tables (the appropriate entry will appear at the top of the page; use the 'back' button to return to this page).
3. Some parties were formed when they split from an earlier political group. These are indicated by, for example, 'DL /WP', which records the fact that Democratic Left was established following a split by former members from the Workers' Party.
4. Some parties adopted a new name and/or underwent radical development. These are indicated by, for example, 'UDP =ULDP', which records the fact that Ulster Democratic Party was previously the Ulster Loyalist Democratic Party.
5. Dates: (1969-) = in existence from 1969 to the present day; (1974) = appeared and disappeared in same year; (1967-?) = began in 1967 but date when ceased to exist unknown.