Menu
18/12/2015
Arlene Foster Elected First Female DUP Leader
Finance Minister Arlene Foster has been elected as the first female leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
Mrs Foster replaces Peter Robinson who announced he is to step down as leader and First Minister in January.
She said it was an "enormous honour" to take up the role.
"It is truly humbling to follow in the footsteps of political giants like Ian Paisley and Peter Robinson," said Mrs Foster.
"For much of the last forty years this party toiled in the political wilderness but today we stand tall as the largest unionist party and the party of Northern Ireland.
"That is down to the hard work and efforts of those who have gone before me.
"And as a result of that labour this role is not just as leader of the DUP but the leader of unionism.
"I want to build on the firm foundations that have been laid and take this party from strength to strength.
"It is not a word of exaggeration to say that none of this would have been possible but for the work of Peter.
"There will be other opportunities to make our tributes and to place on the public record our appreciation but I cannot let this opportunity pass without saying just a few words.
"We all know and history will undoubtedly record the role that Peter has played in building this party and building this Province.
"He was never stronger than when times were tough and never better than when there was a political crisis.
"Put simply we would not have government at Stormont today if it were not for Peter Robinson.
"We owe him a debt of gratitude that words cannot adequately express.
"He was instrumental in bringing me and others like me into the DUP and in consolidating our political dominance.
"Little did I think that when I joined this party eleven years ago that I would be standing here today.
"From the very first day I was welcomed with open arms and made feel at home.
"It is the strength of this party that we welcome all those who share our values and our vision.
"That is why we grow and that is why we succeed."
(CD)
Mrs Foster replaces Peter Robinson who announced he is to step down as leader and First Minister in January.
She said it was an "enormous honour" to take up the role.
"It is truly humbling to follow in the footsteps of political giants like Ian Paisley and Peter Robinson," said Mrs Foster.
"For much of the last forty years this party toiled in the political wilderness but today we stand tall as the largest unionist party and the party of Northern Ireland.
"That is down to the hard work and efforts of those who have gone before me.
"And as a result of that labour this role is not just as leader of the DUP but the leader of unionism.
"I want to build on the firm foundations that have been laid and take this party from strength to strength.
"It is not a word of exaggeration to say that none of this would have been possible but for the work of Peter.
"There will be other opportunities to make our tributes and to place on the public record our appreciation but I cannot let this opportunity pass without saying just a few words.
"We all know and history will undoubtedly record the role that Peter has played in building this party and building this Province.
"He was never stronger than when times were tough and never better than when there was a political crisis.
"Put simply we would not have government at Stormont today if it were not for Peter Robinson.
"We owe him a debt of gratitude that words cannot adequately express.
"He was instrumental in bringing me and others like me into the DUP and in consolidating our political dominance.
"Little did I think that when I joined this party eleven years ago that I would be standing here today.
"From the very first day I was welcomed with open arms and made feel at home.
"It is the strength of this party that we welcome all those who share our values and our vision.
"That is why we grow and that is why we succeed."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 October 2017
Former US President To Meet Party Leaders In NI
Former US President Bill Clinton is on Northern Ireland is believed to be meeting with DUP leader Arlene Foster. He is expected to make an announcement about a new educational initiative in Co Fermanagh. Mr Clinton was due to arrive in NI on Monday, 16 October, however it was postponed due to Storm Ophelia.
Former US President To Meet Party Leaders In NI
Former US President Bill Clinton is on Northern Ireland is believed to be meeting with DUP leader Arlene Foster. He is expected to make an announcement about a new educational initiative in Co Fermanagh. Mr Clinton was due to arrive in NI on Monday, 16 October, however it was postponed due to Storm Ophelia.
22 November 2023
DUP 'Will Not Get Everything It Wants' – Robinson
The DUP "will not get everything it wants" from the UK government, former party leader and First Minister Peter Robinson has warned. Mr Robinson made the comments in an interview with BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback programme, where he was asked about the DUP's ongoing boycott of Stormont.
DUP 'Will Not Get Everything It Wants' – Robinson
The DUP "will not get everything it wants" from the UK government, former party leader and First Minister Peter Robinson has warned. Mr Robinson made the comments in an interview with BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback programme, where he was asked about the DUP's ongoing boycott of Stormont.
14 April 2008
Robinson Nominated For Top DUP Post
The 'one horse race' is over with news that the largest political party in Northern Ireland has chosen its new leader - Peter Robinson.
Robinson Nominated For Top DUP Post
The 'one horse race' is over with news that the largest political party in Northern Ireland has chosen its new leader - Peter Robinson.
21 June 2021
DUP To Elect New Leader On 26 June
The DUP are set to elect a new leader on Saturday 26 June, Party Chairman Lord Marrow has confirmed. A new leader is being sought following the resignation of Edwin Poots after just 21 days. Lord Marrow said: "The Party Officers have set the date of Saturday 26th June as the date for a meeting to elect a new leader.
DUP To Elect New Leader On 26 June
The DUP are set to elect a new leader on Saturday 26 June, Party Chairman Lord Marrow has confirmed. A new leader is being sought following the resignation of Edwin Poots after just 21 days. Lord Marrow said: "The Party Officers have set the date of Saturday 26th June as the date for a meeting to elect a new leader.
25 September 2019
Greens Councillor Announced As North Down MLA
Green Party Councillor Rachel Woods has been named as the new MLA for north Down. Ms Woods, who currently sits on Ards and North Down Borough Council, replaces former party leader Steven Agnew and said she was "delighted" to take up the role.
Greens Councillor Announced As North Down MLA
Green Party Councillor Rachel Woods has been named as the new MLA for north Down. Ms Woods, who currently sits on Ards and North Down Borough Council, replaces former party leader Steven Agnew and said she was "delighted" to take up the role.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
