Democratic Unionist Party

Rev Ian Paisley

The second major Unionist grouping, the Democratic Unionist Party was formed in 1971 by its current leader, the Rev Ian Paisley, and the then MP for Shankill, Desmond Boal. Like the UUP, the party supports the continuation of Northern Ireland's inclusion in the United Kingdom. It favours a return to Stormont-type government and no hint of unified governance of Ireland.

The DUP grew out of discontent with the Official Unionist Party's 'liberalising policies' in the late 1960s. Under the Protestant Unionist Party label, Dr Paisley was first elected as MP for North Antrim in the 1970 General Election. William Beattie had already won South Antrim in a by-election earlier that year.

Since the party's foundation, the DUP has steadfastly involved itself in all political initiatives put forward by the British Government. At times, however, it has been uncompromising: when Mrs Thatcher signed the Anglo-Irish agreement in 1985, the DUP was adamantly opposed on the grounds that the agreement was drafted without the prior consultation of the unionist people. In protest, unionist MPs resigned their seats in November 1985, to fight an election; in support, the electorate voted them each back into their seats.

In the European elections in 1989, Dr Paisley topped the poll with a 29.94% share of the vote. He went on to win by a clear majority again in the 1994 Euro elections. Securing seats for 103 district councillors in 1993 local elections, the DUP has strong representation in local government too.

The party won 18.8% share of the vote in the Northern Ireland Forum elections in May 1996, gaining 24 seats and making it the second largest party in the Forum.

Between 1983 and 1997, the DUP had 3 sitting MPs but it suffered a setback in the last general election. Dr Paisley, and Peter Robinson held their North Antrim and East Belfast seats respectively, but William McRea's re-drawn Mid Ulster seat was captured by Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein. Overall, the DUP secured 13.6% of the Northern Irish vote.

Party Headquarters: 296 Albert Bridge Road Belfast BT5 5GX

Tel: 01232 471155

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