(quoted sections are taken from the parties' websites)

Alliance Party of Northern Ireland (APNI)
http://www.allianceparty.org
A mainly middle-class political party which attracts support from both the main communities in Northern Ireland. The leader of the party since 1987 has been John Alderdice.

Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH)
http://www.aoh.com/
A Catholic and Nationalist organisation based in Ireland which has traditionally worked in support of the Catholic faith and Irish Nationalism.

Conservative Party
One of the two main British political parties. The party formed the government of the UK during the years 1979 to 1997. The current leader is William Hague. Also known as The Conservative and Unionist Party.

Democratic Left
http://www.connect.ie/users/dl/
Founded in 1992, in a break-away from the Workers' Party. A merger with the Irish Labour Party was formalised in January 1999. "Today's global market economy is widening the gap in living standards between rich and poor in Ireland and between rich and poor nations of the world. Its driving force is a competitive economic system which, while being dynamic and innovative, promotes a greedy individualism. It spreads insecurity at all levels of society and exploits people the world over. It is unsustainable in that it is rapidly consuming the earth's natural resources. It is dissolving those social community structures from which profits cannot be made and it isolates people by undermining human relationships. The recent referenda, North and South, on the Good Friday Agreement, have asserted the legitimacy of both British and Irish identities and allegiances on the island. This creates a space for the development of post-nationalist politics and has removed the National question as a legitimate source of division between the Civil War parties and as an obstacle to the development of the Left."

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)
http://www.dup.org.uk/
The second largest of the Unionist parties after the Ulster Unionist Party. The party mainly attracts support from working-class Protestants. Ian Paisley has been leader of the DUP since it was formed in 1971. The objectives of the Democratic Unionist Party are "to secure, uphold and maintain the Constitution of Northern Ireland as an integral part of the United Kingdom; to impose and maintain the rule of law in all areas of Northern Ireland so that all citizens are not only equal under the law, but are equally subject to it; and to devise and urge a policy of social betterment and equal opportunity for all sections of the community in the economic, educational and social welfare spheres."

Fianna Fáil (FF)
http://www.fiannafail.ie/
One of the two main political parties in the Republic of Ireland. The party, whose name means 'Soldiers of Destiny', was founded in 1926 (with those who opposed the 'Treaty') by Eamon de Valera. "It has been in power for over fifty of the last 72 years. It asserted the independence of the fledging State, leading Ireland through the turbulent war years and laying the economic and social foundations for today's dynamic economy and confident society. Fianna Fáil is a party with a broadly based support, that strongly advocates the protection of the citizen by the institutions of the State, while encouraging and fostering a pro-enterprise culture." The leader of the party is Bertie Ahern.

Fine Gael (FG)
http://www.finegael.com/
One of the two main political parties in the Republic of Ireland. Originally formed from the wing of Sinn Féin which supported the 'Treaty' of 1921. The party was founded in 1933 out of Cumann na nGaedheal, the National Centre Party and the National Guard (the Blue Shirts). Eoin O'Duffy was first Fine Gael leader. "The Left / Right model of European politics, offers nothing more than a never-ending dialogue of the deaf. In contrast, the objectives and values of Fine Gael, and our Christian Democratic and People's Party colleagues in Europe, offer the best means of preserving peace, of guaranteeing continued dynamism, and of making every person count." The leader of Fine Gael is John Bruton.

The Green Party/Comhaontas Glas
http://greenparty.ie.eu.org
"The Green Party believes that the impact of society on the environment should not be ecologically disruptive; conservation of resources is vital to a sustainable society; all political, social and economic decisions should be taken at the lowest effective level; society should be guided by self-reliance and co-operation at all levels; as caretakers of the Earth, we have the responsibility to pass it on in a fit and healthy state; the need for world peace overrides national and commercial interests; and the poverty of two-thirds of the world's family demands a redistribution of the world's resources."

Irish Labour Party (ILP)
http://www.labour.ie/
The Labour Party was founded in 1912 in Clonmel by James Connolly, James Larkin and William O'Brien as the political wing of the Irish Trade Union Congress. "The four principles on which Socialism is based are Freedom, Equality, Community and Democracy. From its first election programme in 1920 to the present day, these principles have been at the centre of the policies which the Labour Party has offered to the Irish people. These are the values which have ruled our major campaigns and our political activity whether in opposition or in Government. The Labour Party is committed to representing the ideals of our movement in Government and ultimately we aim to be the majority party in Dáil Eireann."

Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP)
http://irsm.org/irsp/
Main aim is to establish a 32 county socialist republic in Ireland. The IRSP has been critical of the Good Friday Agreement and return of a Stormont Assembly. "Only a socialist revolution is capable of providing a means to address the needs of the Irish working class. The IRSP rejects a 'stagist' concept of the struggle&emdash;that first we must win national liberation and then we can press forward towards socialist objectives&emdash;understanding the national liberation struggle is but an aspect of the struggle for socialism. The Party also rejects the position that socialism can be achieved in one or both parts of Ireland without reunification, understanding that it is the very fact of partition that has served to divide the Irish working class and mask their actual collective interests as a class. While acknowledging that national liberation and socialism cannot be achieved through a military victory by guerrilla forces in the national liberation campaign, the IRSP defends the right of the revolutionary forces to employ this tactic whenever useful to achieve its aims. The Party also understands that no parliamentary road to socialism exists, and feels no compulsion to participate in all electoral campaigns, but is prepared to use parliamentary politics and hold elective office as a means of carrying out propaganda, and where possible to aid the self-organization of the working class towards winning immediate objectives."

Labour Party
One of the two main political parties in Britain. The Labour Party currently forms the government of the United Kingdom (UK) with Tony Blair as Prime Minister. Not the same political party as the Irish Labour Party.

Northern Ireland Labour Party
http://www.labourni.org/
New party being formed in the Six Counties along the lines of the Irish Labour Party/Democratic Left. "Northern Ireland is probably unique in the developed countries in that it hasn't got an electorally significant, mass social democratic party which has strong links with the trade union and related movements. It is inevitable, especially if the cease-fires persist and new internal political institutions develop, that a party will emerge which will become the accepted unifying broad political representative of working people and democrats. Northern Ireland needs all those who are anti-sectarian and democratic to make a commitment and become involved in shaping and building their new party."

Northern Ireland Office
http://www.nio.gov.uk/index.htm
The Office responsible for the administration of 'Direct Rule' in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) has two divisions one in Belfast at Stormont and the other in London. The responsibilities of the NIO include political, constitutional, security, and criminal justice matters. The NIO is headed by a Permanent Secretary but is responsible to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who is currently Marjorie (Mo) Mowlam. In the absence of a devolved assembly in the region the NIO is also responsible for the operation of the six Northern Ireland Departments.

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland (the Orange Order)
http://www.grandorange.org.uk/
The largest of the three main Loyal Orders. The Orange Order was founded on 21 September 1795 as a reaction to efforts, especially by the United Irishmen who were predominately Protestant, to unite people of all religious persuasions against English rule. The Orange Order currently has between 80,000 to 100,000 members, and all unionist politicians and judges are expected to join (if not already members). The Orange Marching Season begins at Easter and continues to the end of August. There are between 2,500 and 3,000 processions and parades, held in every city, town and village in the North.

Progressive Democrats
http://www.iol.ie/pd/directory.html
The Progressive Democrat Party was formed in 1985 by Des O'Malley and Mary Harney. "In his foundation address, O'Malley noted that 'national morale is at an all time low', and committed himself and the new party to 'breaking the moulds of Irish politics and giving the Irish voters a new and real alternative' to the Civil War parties then dominating Irish politics. He said there was 'a great consensus in Ireland which favours fundamental tax reform, which favours enterprise' and he called on people, particularly young people, to join him in building 'a new progressive democratic force in Irish politics' and committed the Progressive Democrats to building a New Republic." The Progressive Democrats, along with Fianna Fáil, comprise the coalition Government which came to power following the General Election of June 1997. Mary Harney is Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Progressive Unionist Party (PUP)
http://www.pup.org/
Loyalist political party which has links to the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF). David Ervine and Billy Hutchinson are the main spokesmen for the party. "We are a working-class Party dedicated to bettering the lot of the ordinary person. We are staunchly pro-Union anti-sectarian and wholly dedicated to a pluralist society. We are in the process in re-defining Unionism and re-instating that political concept as an honourable, legitimate viable and caring proposition. We are pledged to right the wrongs of the past and never again permit demagogues of one version or another to hold sway."

Republican Sinn Féin (RSF)
http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/Lobby/8863/
A breakaway group from (Provisional) Sinn Féin formed in 1986 in opposition to Sinn Féin's new policy of ending abstention from the Dáil. "RSF is a 32-county political organisation of the traditional Republican Movement&emdash;which refuses to take seats in or recognise partition assemblies in Dublin or Stormont&emdash;and campaigns by political means for the three demands: A public British declaration of intent to withdraw; Amnesty for all political prisoners; and A New Ireland negotiated by the Irish people themselves. RSF promotes ÉIRE NUA (New Ireland) policy for a federation of the four provinces with maximum decentralisation of power to local communities, and separation of church and state as the way forward for all the Irish people in the aftermath of a British withdrawal."

Sinn Féin (SF)
http://sinnfein.ie/
Part of the Provisional Republican Movement along with the Irish Republican Army. Formed in 1905, it takes its name from the Irish Gaelic expression for 'We Ourselves'. "Sinn Féin seeks an end to partition which is the cause of conflict, injustice and division in Ireland. We seek the establishment of a new Ireland based on sustainable social and economic development; genuine democracy, participation, equality and justice at all levels of the economy and society; and a lasting and meaningful peace with unity of purpose and action." Gerry Adams has been President of Sinn Féin since 1983.

Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP)
http://www.indigo.ie/sdlp/
A Nationalist political party formed in 1970."The SDLP is working to build a new, agreed Ireland. We have always believed that the solution to our troubles in Ireland would be found through addressing three sets of relationships&emdash;the relationship between the two main communities in the North of Ireland; the relationship between the North and South of Ireland; and the relationship between Britain and Ireland. We have worked for&emdash;and believe we have secured&emdash;a political agreement which has laid the foundations for a new future on this island, based on partnership, equality of opportunity and respect for difference. Taking the European Community as our inspiration, we want to see our new structures of Government uniting 'Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter' working together for the good of all the people of this island.Throughout its history the SDLP has stood for two basic and interlinked principles; the rights of all in Northern Ireland to the identity, ethos and way of life of their choice; and the pursuance of political and constitutional objectives by purely peaceful, non-violent means." John Hume has been the leader of the SDLP since 1979.

Socialist Party
http://www.dojo.ie/socialist/
"The Socialist Party is a party campaigning in the interests of ordinary workers, the unemployed, and young people. The Socialist Party stands in the best traditions of James Larkin and James Connolly. The former left parties of Labour and Democratic Left have embraced the dictates of the market, they do not represent the independent class interests of working people. The Socialist Party believes that real campaigners and real socialists will make a real difference."

32 County Sovereignty Movement (32CSM)
http://www.32Sovereignty.com/
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement was formed on December 7th, 1997 from members of Provisional Sinn Féin as a result of the "failure of the current peace talks to tackle the key issue of 32 county sovereignty." The organization is not a political party, but instead "a single issue political action group working toward international recognition and the restoration of the independent 32 county sovereign Irish Republic. Its members believe that Britain's military occupation, enforcing the partition of Ireland, violates Irish sovereignty and therefore international law and that the conflict in Ireland is caused by Britain's illegitimate rule in the six northern counties." Bernadette Sands-McKevitt (sister of Bobby Sands) is the most visible spokesperson. Disavows any connection to the "Real IRA" to which it has been linked.

Ulster Democratic Party (UDP)
http://www.udp.org/
Loyalist political party which has links to the Ulster Defence Association and the Ulster Freedom Fighters. Gary McMichael is the main spokesman for the party. "The Ulster Democratic Party is a constitutional democratic party which since its establishment in 1981 has been committed to the pursuit of a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ulster and the creation of a modern accountable democracy. Beginning with our 1987 Commonsense proposals we have offered and continue to offer a viable political alternative to the people of Northern Ireland&emdash;a form of unionism which is responsible, democratic, decisive and inclusive. The U.D.P. is fully committed to the protection of the democratic rights of the people and to keeping Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom. We oppose any attempt to explicitly or implicitly dilute our British citizenship through economic or political coercion."

Ulster Unionist Party (UUP)
http://www.uup.org/
The largest of the Unionist parties. The party has close links with the Orange Order. "The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) was formed in 1905 in response to the threat to the Union posed by the Home Rule crisis in Ireland. The founding father of the Ulster Unionist Party, Sir Edward Carson, viewed the establishment of a parliament at Stormont to be a dilution of the Union. However, once Stormont was in place, the UUP willingly and fully played its role in the political system of the day. Being the largest party in NI, the UUP was called upon to form the first Government. Over the next fifty years, while in government, the party worked to good effect for the peace and prosperity of the country. The UUP remain true to their founding principles&emdash;commitment to the Union and British citizenship. The UK is a multi-cultural entity and as such British citizenship safeguards the civil liberties of all its peoples. The UUP is opposed to any form of nationalism which it views as exclusive and confrontational. The effects of nationalism are still evident in parts of Europe today. It remains a threat to the peaceful co-existence of the people of NI." Once known as the 'Official Unionist Party'. David Trimble has been leader of the UUP since 1995.

The Women's Coalition
http://www.pitt.edu/~novosel/northern.html
Relatively new coalition formed during the 'Peace Process.' "The NI Women's Coalition made a major contribution to the [Good Friday] Agreement. We insisted that a commitment to community development should be included to complement the recognition of the importance of economic development. We know the vital role that community and voluntary groups have played in holding our society together over the last three decades. We also believe that a community development approach to policy-making not only makes for better policies but is also more cost-effective because the result is policies that fit the needs of people in communities. We believe that an adequate safety net for all citizens is the basis of a democratic society. We believe a decent standard of health, education and social services is a right for all, not a privilege for those who can afford them. Our emphasis is on policy-building, not political division. This includes enhancing co-operation and joint work where appropriate across the border as well as between east and west.When most parties paid only lip-service to victims of violence, the Coalition argued that there should be a detailed recognition of the rights and needs of victims, and an acceptance that they came from all sections of society. The NI Women's Coalition also clearly recognised the fact that we are living in a divided society, and actively supported the commitments within the Agreement relating to fairness, equality and protection of human rights. We also worked tirelessly to make sure that other parties joined with us in a commitment to the full and equal participation of women in society."

Workers' Party
http://www.workers-party.org/
A Republican political party which has its origins in the Official Sinn Féin movement. Goals of the Workers' Party are "to change the political, economic and social structure of both states of Ireland to establish a democratic, secular, socialist republic; a unitary state on the island of Ireland. As the party is also internationalist, we seek to transform a world which enslaves two thirds of its people and condemns them to a life of poverty by capital, to a world of peace, democracy and socialism."

British Army
Arrived in Northern Ireland as "peacekeepers" in August 1969; at the time the Army's presence was welcomed by nationalists who believed that the Army was to provide a response to loyalist violence. Since then, certain British Army regiments and the SAS have been accused of shoot-to-kill policies, were responsible for 14 deaths on Bloody Sunday, and has frequently acted to support a unionist agenda. Today, the combined British military force (including regular British Army regiments, the Royal Irish Regiment, the RUC, and covert SAS operatives) numbers over 32,000. The British army has a total of 135 instillations within its control and there are 55 British military installations located within Greater Belfast alone.

'B-Specials'
The name given to a part-time force of Ulster Special Constabulary that was disbanded in 1970 (replaced with the Ulster Defence Regiment). Originally there were three units of the USC, 'A', 'B', and 'C'. The 'A' and 'C' units were disbanded before the beginning of the current conflict. The B-Specials were known for their brutality and sectarian nature.

Combined Loyalist Military Command (CLMC)
Umbrella organisation of all the main Loyalist paramilitary groups. First emerged in 1991 and played an important role in securing a Loyalist ceasefire in 1994. The LVF and the smaller loyalist splinter groups have not abided by the CLMC dictates.

Continuity Irish Republican Army (CIRA)
A Republican paramilitary group believed to be formed of disaffected members of the Provisional Irish Republican Army. First came to prominence in July 1996 when it is believed to have been responsible for the bombing of the Kilyhelvin Hotel, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh. The CIRA shares political goals with Republican Sinn Féin.

Garda Síochána
The police force of the Republic of Ireland. The Gardaí.

Irish National Liberation Army (INLA)
One of the main Republican paramilitary groups. Formed in 1975 from disaffected members of the Official Irish Republican Army and members of other Republican organisations. The INLA is currently on ceasefire.

Irish Republican Army (IRA)
Formed in 1970 following a split within the Republican movement. Those who remained with the original organisation became the Official Irish Republican Army while the new group was called the Provisional Irish Republican Army. Following the OIRA ceasefire of 1972 the Provisionals became known as the IRA. Also referred to as Provisionals, Provos; PIRA; Oglaigh na hEireann.

Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF)
Active loyalist paramilitary group which is resolutely opposed to the peace talks. Has committed more than 16 sectarian murders since it was formed in during the Drumcree stand-off in 1996. Its first leader, Billy Wright, was murdered by the INLA in the Maze Prison on December 27 1997. The group calling itself the Red Hand Defenders that emerged during the 1998 Drumcree crisis, has been linked to the LVF. The Orange Volunteers also may be a cover name for the LVF.

Official Irish Republican Army (OIRA)
The Official Irish Republican Army was the term given to the remnants of the IRA following the split in 1970 when many members left to form the Provisional Irish Republican Army. The OIRA called a ceasefire in 1972 and has been largely inactive since that date. Also known as 'Officials'; 'Stickies'

'Real' IRA
Break-away group from Provisional IRA in 1997; linked to 32 County Sovereignty Movement (although the 32CSM denies connection). Responsible for Omagh Bomb in August 1998.

Red Hand Commando (RHC)
Small Loyalist paramilitary group which has been associated with the Ulster Volunteer Force.

Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC)
The police force of Northern Ireland. The RUC is responsible for dealing with politically motivated crime as well as ordinary law enforcement. The RUC membership is 93% Protestant, leading many nationalists to question the RUC's impartiality.

Special Air Service (SAS)
The Special Air Service is an elite regiment of the British Army specially trained for covert operations. The SAS has been used on numerous occasions in Northern Ireland and it is the unit against which most of the allegations of carrying out a 'shoot-to-kill' policy are directed. Some personnel sent to NI in 1969 although not formally employed until 1976.

Special Branch
Intelligence divisions in police forces, North and South of the Border (i.e. both RUC and Gardaí).

Ulster Defence Association (UDA)
The largest of the Loyalist paramilitary groups. Formed in 1970 and not proscribed (declared illegal) until 1992. The UDA has used the covername of Ulster Freedom Fighters to claim many sectarian killings.

Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR)
A regiment of the British Army which was recruited in 1972 from within Northern Ireland. Most of the initial membership of UDR was composed of prior members of the 'B-Specials'. The regiment was almost entirely Protestant. The regiment was eventually merged with the Royal Irish Rangers to form the Royal Irish Regiment.

Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF)
A Loyalist paramilitary group. A covername frequently used by the Ulster Defence Association.

Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF)
The second largest of the Loyalist paramilitary groups after the UDA/UFF. The modern UVF was formed in 1965 and was responsible for the first bomb attacks during the current 'Troubles'. It is believed to be associated with the Red Hand Commandos. Have also operated as the Protestant Action Force and the Protestant Action Group.