The PUP is linked to the Ulster Volunteer Force, a banned paramilitary group.
The party dislikes what it sees as too many concessions to republicans during the peace process. However, it supports the Good Friday Agreement and has been outspoken in its belief that the Northern Ireland assembly and executive should go ahead without delay.
It has two representatives in the assembly, but no MPs.
The party leader is Hugh Smith but the most visible member is the party spokesman, David Ervine. Mr Ervine is a former paramilitary who spent 11 years in jail after a bomb was discovered at his home.
