Over 50 political parties are registered to take part in the elections in Northern Ireland although in practice only around 20 ever take part. Among the main ones are:
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), the largest Unionist party led until May 2008 by Rev Ian Paisley; Sinn Féin (SF) led by Gerry Adams, often linked with the IRA; Ulster Unionist Party (UUP); Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP); Alliance Party of Northern Ireland; Progressive Unionist Party (PUP) and the United Kingdom Unionist Party (UKUP).
Despite the apparent and welcome end to 'The Troubles' politics are still firmly fought along religious lines. With the two main parties on the Catholic and Protestant sides fighting for the votes of the Catholics and Protestants respectively.
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