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Foster to lead the DUP

Stormont Finance Minister, Arlene Foster looks set to become the third leader of the DUP.

Foster is the sole nominee to replace current First Minister and DUP party leader, Peter Robinson when the Assembly returns from its Christmas recess on January 11.

The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, who famously defected from the Ulster Unionist Party in 2004, has also received the backing of many high profile party members, including the party’s deputy leader Nigel Dodds who ruled himself out of the running.

Dodds’ decision prompted Peter Robinson to take to Twitter and announce that Foster’s nomination was submitted on the 7th December and that she had the support of over 75 per cent of those “entitled to vote in the electoral college.”

Speaking after the deadline for nominations had passed, Foster, who bitterly opposed the Good Friday Agreement, claimed she would work with Sinn Féin and is looking forward to leading Northern Ireland into its centenary year.

“I’m looking forward to leading the Democratic Unionist Party,” said Foster. “I believe I have the vision and the ability to take the party forward into what I’ve said is the next 100 years of Northern Ireland.

“I have worked with Sinn Féin, I recognise that they have a mandate in terms of the numbers that they have that give them seats in the Executive. I’ll continue to work for what is right for Northern Ireland and what is good for the people of Northern Ireland.”

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