An Irish unionist is a person in Ireland who supports the political union of Northern Ireland with the United Kingdom. Unionists typically identify with British culture and heritage, advocating for the continuation of Northern Ireland's status as part of the UK. This group often aligns with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP). Unionism is rooted in a desire to maintain British governance and oppose any moves towards a united Ireland. Many unionists are also motivated by concerns over nationalism and the potential implications for their identity and rights within a united Ireland.