Introduction

• Political opinion refers to supporting a political party or ideology.
  
  
• Northern Ireland was established in 1920 following many centuries of conflictbetween Britain and Ireland. The Government of Ireland Act 1920 established a Parliament for Southern Ireland and a Parliament for Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Parliament was constitutionally linked to the United Kingdom and the Westminster Parliament. 
  
  
• In Northern Ireland, from its establishment, political opinion has been closely linked with the perceived religious affiliation of the two main communities. 
  
  
• Throughout the past 30 years of conflict, voting trends remain polarised, with most Protestants voting for Unionist parties and most Catholics voting for Nationalist parties. 
  
  
• Other communities and political opinions have and do exist in Northern Ireland. Voting patterns within these communities are more varied. 
  
  
• Political opinion has and remains a very sensitive issue within Northern Ireland. The right to hold a political opinion is upheld in various pieces of local, national and international anti-discrimination legislation, such as:
  

1. Fair Employment and Treatment (NI) Order 1998 as amended by the Fair Employment and Treatment Order (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2003 (effective 10th December 2003)
   
   
2. Section 75 and Schedule 9 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998 
   
   
3. Human Rights Act 1998 
   
   
4. International Law. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 1966.