2010 United Kingdom general election in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland have a distinct regional political scene compared to the rest of the United Kingdom. The major mainland UK political entities maintain a nominal presence in the country and local parties campaign to represent Northern Irish issues. Politics is mainly split on unionist and nationalist divides, with those wanting to remain part of the United Kingdom on one side and those wanting to unite with the Republic of Ireland on the other. Cross community parties do exist, but have not gained as much political support.[2]

In May 2007, the major political parties agreed to the St Andrews Agreement allowing the reformation of a devolved government at Stormont. The DUP's Ian Paisley became First Minister, sharing power with Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness, in a move Paisley had previously stated would never happen.[3] A year later, Paisley stood down as DUP leader and was replaced by his deputy, Peter Robinson.[4]

In the run up to the 2010 elections, Robinson suffered a series of personal setbacks. Prior to and during the MP expenses scandal in 2009, questions were asked about his family's remunerations and expenses.[5][6][7] The following year, his wife and Strangford MP, Iris was involved in a political scandal.[8] This led to her resignation as MP and Strangford MLA, and eventual political retirement. Robinson himself temporarily stood down as First Minister to deal with the personal and legal implications.[9]

Following the general election in 2005, the UUP elected Reg Empey to replace David Trimble as leader. Trimble himself was appointed as a member of the House of Lords and would eventually defect to the Conservatives in 2007.[10] In 2009, the UUP formed an alliance with the Conservatives to contest the 2009 European elections and maintained that pact for the 2010 elections. The UUP's sole MP, Sylvia Hermon chose not to enter under that grouping and instead stood in the election as an independent for North Down.[11]

In September 2009, SDLP leader, Mark Durkan decided to stand down to focus on his parliamentary duties.[12] The proceeding leadership contest saw South Down MLA, Margaret Ritchie emerge as leader.[13] In February 2010, Eddie McGrady announced that he would not stand for another term as MP for South Down.[14]

The devolution of policing and justice powers to Northern Ireland culminated in the acceptance of the Police Service of Northern Ireland by Sinn Féin and Alliance leader, David Ford being proposed as Minister of Justice. Ford was named as Justice Minister, the first since 1972, shortly before the 2010 election after receiving cross–party support.[15]

Sinn Féin maintained its policy of abstentionism at Westminister in 2010; refusing to recognise the legitimacy of British government in Ireland.[16]

Northern Ireland returned eighteen members of parliament to House of Commons, one for each of its 18 parliamentary constituencies.[17]

Party seats remained the same as the previous Westminister election in Northern Ireland, with the exception of East Belfast and North Down. The Alliance caused a surprise upset by taking East Belfast from the DUP. The UUP lost its only MP in North Down.[17]

Italics indicates a new member and/or party representing the seat. Bold indicates an MP who did not complete a full term.