Arlene Foster: DUP will work with Tories to bring stability to the UK
2 min read
Arlene Foster has said the DUP will use the ten seats they won at the election to bring “stability” to the UK, after the Conservatives failed to achieve an overall majority.
The party leader insisted her unionist MPs would act in the interests of the UK as a whole, including on Brexit, which the DUP supports.
Theresa May announced earlier today that the Conservatives would seek to work with their “friends and allies” in the Northern Irish party in order to remain in government.
At a press conference this afternoon, Ms Foster said: “It is the union that will be to the forefront of our minds, the union is our guiding star.
“We may represent Northern Ireland constituencies in the House of Commons, but we are as seized of the interests of the United Kingdom as a whole as we are for Northern Ireland.
“I make no apology for saying that the DUP will always strive for the best deal for Northern Ireland and its people, but equally we want the best of all of the UK.”
She added: “Negotiations on our exit from the European Union are about to commence and we now face uncertainty at Westminster.
“The Prime Minister has spoken with me this morning and we will enter discussions with the Conservatives to explore how it may be possible to bring stability to our nation at this time of great challenge”.
Ms Foster, who was first minister of Northern Ireland until the collapse of the devolved assembly in January, had earlier said it would be “difficult” for Mrs May to remain Prime Minister after her dismal election result.
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