Democratic Unionist Party

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Northern Ireland political party orientated towards the Protestant Unionist community. It opposes union with the Republic of Ireland. The DUP originated in 1971 as a breakaway from the Official Ulster Unionist Party. It was co-founded by the Reverend Ian Paisley, a Presbyterian minister and militant Unionist MP for North Antrim, who continues to lead it. The party gained 18.1% of votes in the June 1998 elections to the new 108-seat Belfast assembly, holding 21 seats; and took 5 seats in Westminster in the 2001 general election.

The national colours are taken from the Rusyn arms of 1848. Effective date: 28 January 1992. >>