The PUP was formed by 'independent unionists' in 1979. It is one of the minor unionist parties and is more left-leaning than the others.
The party is linked to the Ulster Volunteer Force, a banned paramilitary group. It has debated ending its relationship with the UVF, but the party membership failed to approve the measure.
The PUP has never had a Westminster MP, but did gain two seats in the 1996 Northern Ireland Forum elections. Since then, party fortunes have declined.
It supports the Good Friday Agreement and has been outspoken in its belief in the Northern Ireland assembly and executive.
Return to NI: The Troubles