Three of Northern Ireland’s parties face financial problems.

Thursday 29 July 10

While the 2009 European election was a landmark election in which Sinn Fein topped the polls and DUP nearly lost their seat.

 Information has been released that three of Northern Ireland biggest parties could be in financial difficultly following gross over spending in the European Election.

Sinn Finn raised the most money in 2009, raising a huge £1,177,727 however spent £1,183,693, the DUP raised £348,191 and spent £480,158 and SDLP's income was £398,829 but spent £499,583.

The only party, which ended 2009 in the black, was the UUP, spending £357,430 but taking in £392,868.

In 2007 the Ulster Unionist party was £400,000 in the red but has now made a profit for the first time in years.

Profits were boosted by the decision to fight the European election with the Conservative Party who jointly funded the campaign.

Ulster Unionist Party treasurer Mark Cosgrove said they were enjoying a "record level of membership income" and had been "successful in gaining some donations which went through the Conservative Party".

 Sinn Fein's deficit is down from £33,000 in 2008 to almost £6,000