Arlene Foster resigns as First Minister

Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Arlene Foster has resigned as First Minister.

Mrs Foster’s departure came six weeks after she was ousted as DUP leader, which has led to much acrimony within the party.

She will however continue to serve as MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone although she has indicated she will be leaving the DUP, with close allies stating she believes it is “no longer the party she joined”.

It is expected she will remain in her position as MLA until the July recess.

Addressing the Assembly today (Monday 14), Mrs Foster urged the political parties to stick to a language and cultural deal they agreed to in January 2020. She described the deal as “the only model for success”.

The deal included an Office of Identity and Cultural Expression, an Irish language commissioner and a commissioner to enhance and develop the language and culture of the Ulster-Scots/Ulster-British tradition.

With her resignation, Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill also lost her position as Deputy First Minister because the roles are a joint office.

The two leading parties have seven days to nominate a new First and Depouty First Minister however Sinn Féin has suggested it may not support a new DUP First Minister unless legislation on the Irish language is approved by ministers before July 10.

A period of uncertainty awaits.