In favor of uniting Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland …
Irish Nationalists A Catholic group that historically has strived for Irish independence from Great Britain.
Irish Republicans A wing of the Irish Nationalists.
The Irish Republican Army Also known as the IRA, the Army is the most well-known and historically violent group of Irish Republicans. Social Democratic and Labor Party A political group formed in 1970 during the Nationalist Civil Rights Movement.
Sinn Féin Considered the oldest political movement in Ireland, the Sinn Féin is part of the Irish Republican Party. The Gaelic name means “We Ourselves.”
In favor of Northern Ireland’s status as part of the United Kingdom and subject to British rule …
Unionists A political group made up mostly of Protestants.
Loyalists A wing of the Unionist Party. The group is loyal to Britain and protests–sometimes violently–against those who oppose British rule.
The Ulster Volunteer Force A group of Loyalists who banded together in response to attacks by the IRA.
Democratic Unionist Party Considered the largest political party in Northern Ireland, the DUP is largely Protestant.