The UKUP was set up in 1995 by its sole MP, Bob McCartney, a former member of the UUP.
Although the party won five seats in the assembly, one held by Mr McCartney, his four colleagues left to set up a new party called the Northern Ireland Unionist Party.
Mr McCartney supports the link with the UK. He opposes the Good Friday Agreement and any moves to involve the Irish Republic in Northern Ireland's affairs.
His central argument is that Northern Ireland should become more British and remain part of the UK because the majority of its citizens want it that way.
