Northern Ireland has 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.

[2] In May 2007, the major political parties agreed to the St Andrews Agreement allowing the reformation of a devolved government at Stormont.

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.

[15] Sinn Féin maintained its policy of abstentionism at Westminster 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 Westminster election in Northern Ireland, with the exception of East Belfast and North Down.

Sylvia Hermon managed to retain her seat in North Down as an independent, meaning that the UUP had no parliamentary representation for the first time in more than 100 years.

Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams successfully defended his seat in West Belfast, as did deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness in Mid Ulster.

After a third recount she won by just 4 votes, following a strong showing by independent unionist Rodney Connor, making the seat the most marginal in the UK.