Sinn Fein topping finance table

By Martina Purdy
BBC Northern Ireland political correspondent

Sinn Féin was the only party to have a surplus

Sinn Féin has the healthiest balance sheet among Northern Ireland's main political parties, accounts released by the Electoral Commission reveal.

The party's income exceeded more than £1m in the past financial year.

However, it is to be fined £500 by the commission for filing its accounts late.

Sinn Féin spent most of its income last year, but still boasts a surplus of £108,000. The other four main parties are operating at a loss.

Sinn Féin, in Northern Ireland, had almost £500,000 in contributions from its members, plus donations of around £300,000, following a sharp rise in donations from the United States of America.

When grants are added, the party boasts an income of more than £1m - four times that of the DUP's assembly party.

The DUP's assembly accounts revealed an operating loss of about £27,000 - although income was up.

The Ulster Unionist assembly party suffered falling income and a deficit of £6,000. This compared to a loss the previous year of £16,000.

The SDLP suffered the biggest financial loss - £130,000. Although the SDLP attracted almost £400,000 through fundraising and donations, its operating costs soared.