Arlene Foster returns to Stormont business following resignation news

By David Young, PA

Arlene Foster has returned to Stormont Executive business as focus within her party shifts to the race to succeed her as DUP leader and First Minister.

Mrs Foster participated in virtual meetings of the devolved powersharing administration on Thursday, less than 24 hours after announcing her planned resignation in the face of an internal revolt against her leadership.

One Stormont source described the exchanges between ministers as “business-like”.

With Mrs Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill co-chairing proceedings, the Executive held its weekly discussion on the Covid-19 response before adjourning and then reconvening for a separate meeting on Brexit issues.

Mrs Foster is standing down as DUP leader on May 28 and as First Minister at the end of June.

The 50-year-old Fermanagh and South Tyrone Assembly Member has also signalled an intention to quit politics altogether, with Wednesday’s resignation statement speaking of preparing to “depart the political stage”.

Update - PM Boris Johnson: “I want to thank @DUPleader for her dedication to the people of Northern Ireland over many years. She will continue to play a vital role as First Minister until June and I hope that she stays in public service for years to come.” https://t.co/tqR103VtIt

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) April 28, 2021

Attention now turns to who will replace her at head of both her party and Northern Ireland’s devolved government.

MPs Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and Gavin Robinson, both viewed as moderates, and the more hardline Stormont Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots are among the names emerging as potential successors.

There is some speculation that when Mrs Foster does depart, the twin roles she currently occupies could be split, with one politician taking on the role of party leader and another being appointed First Minister.

That would potentially allow an MP to lead the party from Westminster while an MLA takes on the First Minister’s job.

While Mrs Foster had been under mounting pressure from disgruntled DUP supporters for months, the pace at which her grip on power slipped this week has surprised many.

Her resignation came a day after party colleagues unhappy with her leadership moved against her, with a majority of senior elected representatives signing a letter of no confidence.

Discontent at the DUP’s Brexit strategy was a major factor, with party rank-and-file laying some of the blame for the emergence of an Irish Sea border at her door.

Traditionalists from the party’s religious fundamentalist wing also harboured concerns over positions Mrs Foster had taken on some social issues.

Arlene Foster at Stormont.