Ulster loyalism is a political ideology that is opposed to a united Ireland. Most loyalists support upholding Northern Ireland's status as a constituent part of the United Kingdom (i.e. unionism), although a minority are Ulster nationalists that support independence for Northern Ireland. The term loyalist is often used to describe working-class unionists who are willing to use political violence to defend "the Union" with Great Britain or who tacitly support such violence, either today or in the past. However, others, such as Garret FitzGerald, argue that loyalism is simply "loyalty to Ulster, not to the Union with Britain, and it is mis-described as unionism". It is a belief most predominant among, and traditionally held by, Protestants in Northern Ireland.
Read more about Ulster Loyalism: Background, Political Parties, Paramilitary and Vigilante Groups, Fraternities and Marching Bands, Other Groups