DUP leader Arlene Foster urges Scots to back bridge to Northern Ireland plan
2 min read
DUP leader Arlene Foster has urged Scots to rally behind proposals for a sea bridge linking their country with Northern Ireland.
The former first minister at Stormont said there was "growing support" for the plan and argued it would bolster the “special” connection between the two nations after Brexit.
In 2015 the DUP proposed a feasibility study into the idea of a bridge across the North Channel - but the Scottish government said any such project would have to be based on a “robust” business case.
Ms Foster urged Scots to back the plan yesterday as she addressed an Orange parade in Fife to mark the Battle of the Boyne.
“The connection between our two countries has always been special,” she said. “What better way to cement that relationship than through a bridge?
“Among all the nasty and abusive comments made about the Orange [Lodge], wouldn’t it be great to become an actual bridge builder between Northern Ireland and Scotland?
“While some foolishly attempt to use Brexit to build a border between Scotland and Northern Ireland, we are more progressive — we want to build a bridge.”
A Scottish government spokesperson said: "We are keen to explore all potential opportunities for improving Scotland's transport links, but as with all proposed infrastructure investment, decisions would need to be founded on a robust business case."
The Cowdenbeath event was organised by the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland, with Ms Foster appearing as the main speaker and 4,000 marchers taking part.
Ms Foster was first minister of Northern Ireland before the power sharing deal at Stormont collapsed in January 2017.
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