For me my decision to enter politics was never about party or person, it was about speaking up for the voiceless and building a Northern Ireland which could prosper and be at peace within the United Kingdom. Edwin Poots was among a number of DUP members to react to Mrs Foster’s announcement that she is to resign as leader of the party and as Northern Ireland First Minister. She said that while the focus is on her today, she recognised it would pass. "It has been the privilege of my life to serve the people of Northern Ireland as their First Minister and to represent my home constituency of Fermanagh/South Tyrone. Arlene Foster has announced her resignation as the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and as Northern Ireland’s first minister after a backlash against her leadership from MPs and within her own party. “Whilst the focus is on me today I recognise that will pass. "To the hundreds of party supporters who have been in touch over the last few days, I say a sincere thank you for the opportunities to serve you and the support you have given me. An MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Mrs Foster has been leader of the DUP for more than five years. "A short time ago I called the party chairman to inform him that I intend to step down as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party on May 28 and as First Minister of Northern Ireland at the end of June. He said: “I think if she sees this one through she’ll be the greatest political survivor in the history of UK politics. "The three years without devolution caused untold harm to our public services and the RHI Inquiry was a difficult period. Die nordirische Regierungschefin Arlene Foster steht wegen ihrer Rolle im Brexit-Prozess unter Druck. "We must all learn to be generous to each other, live together and share this wonderful country. Arlene Foster has three children with her husband Brian: Sarah, George and Ben. Arlene Foster appeared to be fighting for her survival as Northern Ireland’s First Minister on Tuesday night amid claims that dozens of DUP politicians had signed a letter of no confidence in her. Arlene Foster has announced her resignation as DUP leader and First Minister of Northern Ireland. "Of course as with highs there were lows along the way. DUP Agriculture minister Edwin Poots, who is viewed as a potential successor to Arlene Foster, has pulled out of a scheduled north south meeting with an Irish Government ministerial counterpart. “The future of unionism and Northern Ireland will not be found in division, it will only be found in sharing this place we all are privileged to call home.”. "The 2016 Assembly election result and our party's best ever Westminster result in 2017 stand out amongst the high points when the electorate sent a clear message that they wanted to keep Northern Ireland moving forward. A lurch to the politics of division, intransigence and deadlock would be a mistake. They should know that we will not roll back on the progress we’ve made or deny them their rights. Something went wrong, please try again later. “The SDLP will be willing partners for those who genuinely want to address the challenges we face constructively and together.”. A DUP minister tipped as a potential successor to Arlene Foster has thanked the party leader for her “service, sacrifice and commitment”. Politics and debate is the only path to effect change in society. For Mrs Foster, a … It has also been reported that as many 23 of the DUP’s 27 MLAs have also added their names to the letter which reportedly states includes the following line: “...with regret no longer have confidence in Mrs Foster or the leadership...”. You will and can be the MPs, MLAs and Councillors of tomorrow. Arlene Foster has resigned as DUP leader and First Minister of Northern Ireland, after losing a vote of no confidence in her leadership. "Whilst the focus is on me today I recognise that will pass. Most read in News. It comes after a majority of DUP MLAs and MPs signed a letter of no-confidence in her leadership, Want the biggest politics stories sent to you every week? "Whilst there is still a job of work to do, I am proud that there is a young generation of Democratic Unionists getting involved in politics and trying to shape Northern Ireland for the better. “The three years without devolution caused untold harm to our public services and the RHI Inquiry was a difficult period. Arlene Foster is on the brink of being forced out as DUP leader amid a growing backlash at her handling of Brexit. "It is unthinkable that we could have faced into the coronavirus pandemic without our own devolved ministers in place and no ministerial direction for departments. "It is important to give space over the next few weeks for the party officers to make arrangements for the election of a new leader. “The circumstances that have led to the First Minister’s resignation are deeply concerning. ITV Political Editor, Robert Peston, has told his 1.1 million Twitter followers that DUP leader, Arlene Foster, “will inevitably resign soon” and described the actions of DUP MLAs, MPs and peers who signed a letter of no confidence in Mrs. Foster as a “coup”. That will require continued hard work and real determination and courage on all sides. Her husband … Arlene Foster faced unprecedented challenges and monumental political changes during her tenure as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). News; UK News Arlene Foster: Highs and lows of DUP leader’s tenure. #proudofNI”. “I am the first to recognise there have been ups and downs over the last five and a half years. Northern Ireland and its people have been heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and there remains more work to be done to steer us thorough the pandemic and to lessen its impact on the lives of everyone. Politicians across Northern Ireland have paid tribute to Arlene Foster's "service" to politics, after the DUP leader announced she is to step down as party leader and as First Minister. “I want to encourage you to keep going and don’t let the online lynch mobs get you down. "I understand the misogynistic criticisms that female public figures have to take and sadly it's the same for all women in public life. 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Celebrity doctor being sued by Arlene Foster tells court he has 'mental health problems' Mrs Foster launched the action after Dr Christian Jessen … ARLENE Foster was leader of the Democratic Unionist Party and Northern Ireland's First Minister but resigned before she was kicked out. “Lovely to view their project today and meet with the staff and children. “I understand the misogynistic criticisms that female public figures have to take and sadly it’s the same for all women in public life. Simply sign up here and we'll do the rest. What happens next will have huge significance in … “As First Minister it is important that I complete work on a number of important issues for Northern Ireland alongside other Executive colleagues. Arlene Foster announces resignation as Northern Ireland's First Minister and DUP leader By Jack Aitchison @jackaitchison15 Live Editor, The Herald “I want to extend my personal good wishes to Arlene Foster and her family as she steps back from front line politics and prepares to stand down as First Minister in June. “I echo that encouragement today. It comes after a majority of DUP MLAs and MPs signed a letter of no-confidence in her leadership. There are many people who have helped and supported me throughout that period and I will always been grateful for the kindness and support shown to me by them. In a spirit of cooperation, I urge those who will soon declare their intentions to reflect on how we can build a more united community. Live Travel; Arlene Foster: Highs and lows of DUP leader’s tenure. “For our armed forces, the Veterans’ Commissioner is in place. "As I prepare to depart the political stage it is my view that if Northern Ireland is to prosper then it will only do so built on the foundations of successful and durable devolution. Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster will inevitably resign soon, in the face of the coup against her. Arlene Foster on brink: ‘Emergency meeting called’ as NI leader faces being toppled NORTHERN IRELAND First Minister Arlene Foster faces being turfed out of … “Especially the combined role of trying to lead a five-party executive over the past 14 months during a pandemic has been a very trying and challenging time as well.”. “The Officers of the Party oversee the conduct and organisation of its internal democratic electoral processes. SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood, MP, has extended his best wishes to Arlene Foster MLA as she steps back from front line politics and will stand down as First Minister from the end of June. Colum Eastwood MP wished Mrs. Foster and her family well and said the circumstances surrounding her resignation were “deeply concerning”. LIVE UPDATES: Arlene Foster and the DUP - Arlene Foster makes first public appearance since DUP MLAs and MPs sign no confidence … Arlene Foster resigns: Michelle O’Neill issues statement as Arlene Foster to step down as DUP Leader and First Minister Orlaith Clinton . "There are many people who have helped and supported me throughout that period and I will always been grateful for the kindness and support shown to me by them. "The confidence-and-supply agreement was able to bring one billion pounds of extra spending for everyone in Northern Ireland. Arlene Foster is to step down as First Minister and leader of the DUP. Menu. SDLP Deputy Leader and Executive Minister Nichola Mallon MLA said: “Whatever our political differences, as a Minister, it was always clear to me that Arlene Foster was passionate about her constituents and Northern Ireland. You have an advocate to stand up for you and ensure your voice is heard at the heart of government. Arlene Foster to quit as DUP leader and Northern Ireland first minister; UK politics news – live updates; Source: AP. DUP MPs Sammy Wilson and Gregory Campbell refused to sign a letter of no confidence in party leader, Arlene Foster, according to sources. "I want to encourage you to keep going and don't let the online lynch mobs get you down. "I have sought to lead the party and Northern Ireland away from division and towards a better path. When elected I will work with the new leader on transition arrangements. M s Foster had come under increasing pressure from within the party in recent days.. "My election as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party broke a glass ceiling and I am glad inspired other women to enter politics and spurred them on to take up elected office. You will and can be the MPs, MLAs and councillors of tomorrow. “Of course as with highs there were lows along the way. "Northern Ireland and its people have been heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and there remains more work to be done to steer us thorough the pandemic and to lessen its impact on the lives of everyone. For almost five and a half years I have been incredibly humbled to have the opportunity to lead the Democratic Unionist Party. “The Confidence and Supply Agreement was able to bring one billion pounds of extra spending for everyone in Northern Ireland. "As First Minister it is important that I complete work on a number of important issues for Northern Ireland alongside other Executive colleagues. Amid the challenge to her leadership, Mrs. Foster visited a primary school in her Co Fermanagh constituency on Wednesday. Deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, has slammed DUP leadership favourite, Edwin Poots, after it emerged he had pulled out of a scheduled North-South ministerial council meeting due to take place today. We work stronger when we work together.”. 0 comment. "I first entered the Assembly in 2003 and undoubtedly the journey of the last 18 years has been memorable. Arlene Foster during the 2016 Assembly election (Brian Lawless/PA) Mrs Foster cited this achievement and the party’s best ever Westminster election result in 2017 as among her high points. “Over the last twelve months, I have been holding online meetings every week with young people mainly from working class communities and encouraging them especially the young women to get involved. The DUP issued a statement on Tuesday evening. I first entered the Assembly in 2003 and undoubtedly the journey of the last eighteen years has been memorable. When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Health Minister Robin Swann, a former leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, was asked about the DUP leadership furore on Wednesday afternoon. 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