Which political identity seeks to maintain Northern Ireland as part of the United Kingdom?

The political identity that seeks to maintain Northern Ireland as part of the United Kingdom is Unionist. Unionists support the continuation of Northern Ireland's status as a region within the UK, emphasizing loyalty to the British Crown and the union of the UK. This identity often arises from cultural and historical ties, particularly among those from a Protestant background, and asserts the importance of remaining politically aligned with Britain.

In contrast, other identities listed do not share this goal. Republicans typically advocate for a united Ireland, seeking to remove Northern Ireland from the UK and reunite it with the Republic of Ireland. Nationalists also generally hold similar views, focusing on promoting Irish identity and the aspiration for a united Ireland. The term "Independent" doesn't correlate directly to a specific political stance regarding Northern Ireland's status within the UK or Ireland, as it can refer to a range of positions not strictly aligned with Unionism, Nationalism, or Republicanism. Thus, Unionism distinctly stands out as the political identity focused on maintaining Northern Ireland's connection to the UK.