Alliance Party of Northern Ireland

The Alliance is a small, non-sectarian party. It has no MPs and six members of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Democratic Unionist Party

Led by the Rev Ian Paisley, the DUP is a strong supporter of maintaining the link between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom. It has two MPs and 20 members of the Assembly.

Northern Ireland Women's Coalition

Non-sectarian party dedicated to a stable settlement and to promoting the role of women in Northern Ireland. It has no MPs and two Assembly representatives.

Progressive Unionist Party

The PUP is a small loyalist party with links to the Ulster Volunteer Force paramilitaries. Its leader is David Ervine and has two Assembly members.

Sinn Fein

Dedicated to a united Ireland, Sinn Fein has historic links to the IRA though it says that the two bodies are separate. It has two MPs, 18 Assembly members and is led by Gerry Adams.

Social Democratic and Labour Party

The SDLP is the largest nationalist party in Northern Ireland. It is led by John Hume and has three MPs plus 24 representatives in the Assembly.

Ulster Democratic Party

One of the smaller loyalist parties, the UDP has links to the Ulster Freedom Fighters paramilitary group. It is present at the talks but has no MPs. Its leader is Gary McMichael.

Ulster Unionist Party

The largest of the unionist parties, with 10 MPs at Westminster and 28 Assembly members. Its leader is David Trimble.

The Workers' Party

A small socialist party with little influence.

Official Bodies

Northern Ireland Office

The site contains news releases and background information - particularly on the current political situation.

Northern Ireland Public Service Web

Hosts sites for public service bodies such as the RUC, the Northern Ireland Forum and the Public Record Office, plus areas such as education, agriculture and health.

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry

A site for those interested in promoting business and trade in Northern Ireland.