The 2009 financial accounts of the four main political parties in Northern Ireland shows three of them are in the red.
Figures published by the Electoral Commission on Thursday show the DUP, SDLP, and Sinn Fein all made losses last year while the Ulster Unionist party made a profit.
In 2007 the UUP were over £400,000 in the red, a gap they closed to just over £14,000 in 2008.
The figures show last year they made a profit of over £35,000.
2009 financial accounts:| Political Party (2009) | Income (£) | Expenditure (£) |
|---|
| Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) | 348,191 | 480,158 |
| SDLP (Social Democratic & Labour Party) | 398,829 | 499,583 |
| Sinn Féin | 1,177,727 | 1,183,693 |
| Ulster Unionist Party | 392,868 | 357,430 |
In 2009 the parties faced large bills for fighting the European election.
UTV's Political Editor Ken Reid said the figures were as expected.
"I think all political parties are struggling at the moment," he said.
"Financially we know the Labour party in the UK is in trouble and the Tories are not in great shape either so I suppose that is reflected in the figures, but the Ulster Unionists party will be pleased that they made a profit.
"Apparently that was largely due to donations from those who were impressed with their link up with the Conservative party."
Séamus Magee, Head of the Electoral Commission's Northern Ireland office, said:
"The rules that we regulate demand that political parties, who play a crucial part in our democracy, are transparent about how much money they raise and how they spend it.
"Their annual statements of accounts help give that picture.
"Being able to view the accounts of a political party is particularly important in Northern Ireland as it is the only source of information for anyone wishing to find out more about a political party's finances.
"All parties submitted their accounts on time; and one accounting unit made what we hope will prove to be a one-off mistake but will face a fine for late submission."
In May 2010 the parties fought the Westminster election.
The DUP secured eight seats for eight MPs, Sinn Fein took five, the SDLP secured three and for the first time the Alliance party took one.
The Assembly elections will take place in May 2011.
© UTV News