Arlene Foster

Arlene Kelly was born in Enniskillen{{cite news|last=Kane|first=Alex|date=15 May 2015|title=Fostering ambition: We profile politician Arlene Foster|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/fostering-ambition-we-profile-politician-arlene-foster-31226463.html|work=Belfast Telegraph|access-date=28 April 2021|archive-date=28 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428122319/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/fostering-ambition-we-profile-politician-arlene-foster-31226463.html|url-status=live}} and was raised in the townland of Dernawilt, on the outskirts of Aghadrumsee. When she was aged nine, her family moved to live in the Castlebalfour Estate, a housing estate in nearby Lisnaskea, after an IRA attack on the family home at Dernawilt. She is a member of the Church of Ireland.{{cite news|last=Manley|first=John|date=5 April 2017|title=Arlene Foster: where did it all go wrong?|url=http://www.irishnews.com/news/2017/04/05/news/arlene-foster-from-hubris-to-uncertainty-987720|work=The Irish News|location=Belfast|access-date=10 June 2017|quote=For many observers, the new DUP leader's former associations with the Ulster Unionist Party and her membership of the Church of Ireland represented a break with her party's fundamentalist past.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625225636/http://www.irishnews.com/news/2017/04/05/news/arlene-foster-from-hubris-to-uncertainty-987720/|archive-date=25 June 2017}} Her experience with the Troubles began early in her life when a night-time attempt was made to kill her father, a Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) reservist, who was shot and severely injured at their family farm; the family was forced to leave the Roslea area,{{cite web|title=Arlene Foster – Profile|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8452628.stm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811061056/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8452628.stm|archive-date=11 August 2017|work=BBC News|date=11 January 2010}} moving to Lisnaskea instead.

As a teenager, Foster was on a school bus that was bombed by the IRA, the vehicle targeted because its driver was a soldier in the Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR). A girl sitting near her was seriously injured.{{cite web |author=Staff |title=From bombs to the ballot box: New DUP leader Arlene Foster symbolises the Province's newfound hopes |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/bombs-ballot-box-new-dup-leader-arlene-foster-symbolises-provinces-newfound-hopes-1533899 |work=International Business Times |date=17 December 2015 |access-date=17 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218002409/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/bombs-ballot-box-new-dup-leader-arlene-foster-symbolises-provinces-newfound-hopes-1533899 |archive-date=18 December 2015}} She was a pupil at Enniskillen Collegiate Grammar School in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, from 1982 to 1989, and attended Queen's University Belfast (QUB), where she graduated with an LLB degree.{{Cite web|url=http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/members/biogs_07/foster_a.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100313050408/http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/members/biogs_07/foster_a.htm|url-status=dead|title=Biography – Arlene Foster|archive-date=13 March 2010}} Her political career began at Queen's University Belfast when she joined the Queen's Unionist Association, part of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP).{{cite web|title=Arlene Foster's unlikely path to Northern Ireland's top job|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatnews/6973957/Arlene-Fosters-unlikely-path-to-Northern-Irelands-top-job.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100115171841/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatnews/6973957/Arlene-Fosters-unlikely-path-to-Northern-Irelands-top-job.html|archive-date=15 January 2010|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=12 January 2010}} She served as the association's chair from 1992 to 1993.{{cite web|title=Political Biography – Arlene Foster|url=http://www.dup.org.uk/MyProfile.asp?MemberID=12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100504105436/http://www.dup.org.uk/MyProfile.asp?MemberID=12|archive-date=4 May 2010|website=Democratic Unionist Party}} At the 1991 annual conference of the UUP's youth wing, the Ulster Young Unionist Council (UYUC), during abortive talks between the constitutional political parties in Northern Ireland initiated by Secretary of State Peter Brooke, she seconded a motion opposing devolved government in Northern Ireland, instead calling for the province to be more closely integrated with the rest of the United Kingdom. The motion carried.Ulster Review, Issue 6, Young Unionist Council, 1991. Following the 1993 local elections in Northern Ireland, she wrote a letter to Ulster Review, the current affairs magazine of the UYUC, expressing opposition to power-sharing arrangements with the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) on local councils where unionists had a majority, arguing that because the SDLP were a nationalist party who wanted to the see the "demise" of Northern Ireland who had "no desire to be full citizens of the United Kingdom" they "should therefore be denied the perks of this citizenship".Ulster Review, Issue 11, Young Unionist Council, 1993.

After leaving Queen's University she remained active in the UUP, chairing its youth wing, the UYUC, in 1995. In 1996, she became an Honorary Secretary of the UUP's ruling body, the Ulster Unionist Council, a position which she held until her resignation from the UUP on 18 December 2003. She was a councillor on Fermanagh District Council representing Enniskillen from 2005 to 2010.

She was elected as an Ulster Unionist in the 2003 Assembly elections. While a member of the UUP, she was part of a "rightwing cabal within the UUP known as the 'baby barristers'." They actively opposed party leader David Trimble, and were a "thorn in [his] side" after he supported the Belfast Agreement.{{cite news |last=McDonald |first=Henry |date=11 January 2010 |title=Robinson saga: Profile of Arlene Foster |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/jan/11/profile-arlene-foster-northern-ireland |work=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=13 June 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519013518/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/jan/11/profile-arlene-foster-northern-ireland |archive-date=19 May 2015}}

In 2004, Foster resigned from the UUP and joined the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), together with fellow Assembly members Jeffrey Donaldson and Norah Beare.{{cite news |title=Donaldson resigns from UUP |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/3331805.stm |access-date=10 June 2017 |work=BBC News |date=18 December 2003 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040607220554/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/3331805.stm|archive-date=7 June 2004}}{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=George |title=Ulster Unionist MP defects to Paisley |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1451006/Ulster-Unionist-MP-defects-to-Paisley.html |access-date=10 June 2017 |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=6 January 2004 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301083525/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1451006/Ulster-Unionist-MP-defects-to-Paisley.html |archive-date=1 March 2016}} She was selected as the DUP's candidate for Fermanagh and South Tyrone in the 2005 UK general election, where she gained 28.8% of the vote.{{cite web |title=Election Data 2005 |url=http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2005ob.txt |publisher=Electoral Calculus |access-date=18 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015054249/http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2005ob.txt |archive-date=15 October 2011}}

Negotiations took place between the local branches of the DUP and UUP with the aim of finding an agreed unionist candidate. The negotiations broke down with neither party willing to accept the electoral dominance of the other; the UUP claiming Foster's defection to the DUP disguised the reality of the UUP's electoral strength, while the DUP pointed to the change in the unionist political landscape following the 2003 Assembly election and the 2004 European Parliament election. The UUP candidate was Tom Elliott. Foster finished second in the 2005 general election with 14,056 votes.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}}

On 11 January 2010, she assumed the duties of the First Minister of Northern Ireland, as Peter Robinson stepped aside for a planned period of up to six weeks. Foster worked alongside the deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.{{cite web|title=Peter Robinson steps aside as NI first minister|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8450854.stm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114095307/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8450854.stm |archive-date=14 January 2010|work=BBC News|date=11 January 2010}} Robinson returned earlier than planned, on 3 February 2010.{{cite web|title=Robinson back as Northern Ireland first minister|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8497072.stm|work=BBC News|date=4 February 2010|access-date=3 February 2010|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612224845/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8497072.stm|url-status=live}} She again became acting First Minister on 10 September 2015, following the resignation of Robinson and a majority of DUP ministers in the wake of the killing of Kevin McGuigan.{{cite news |last1=Williamson |first1=Claire |title=Stormont crisis: Peter Robinson steps aside as First Minister |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/stormont-crisis-peter-robinson-steps-aside-as-first-minister-31516701.html |access-date=19 December 2022 |work=belfasttelegraph |date=10 September 2015}} Robinson resumed his position as First Minister on 20 October 2015, following a government review into paramilitary activities in Northern Ireland.{{cite news |title=Stormont: Peter Robinson returns as First Minister |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2015-10-20/stormont-ministers-respond-to-paramilitary-report |access-date=19 December 2022 |work=ITV News |date=20 October 2015 |language=en}}

In September 2007, a privately financed proposal for a new Giant's Causeway centre was given preliminary approval by Foster in her role as Northern Ireland Environment Minister.{{cite web|title=Developer set to get Causeway nod|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/6987303.stm|work=BBC News|date=10 September 2007|access-date=9 February 2008|archive-date=19 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919001723/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/6987303.stm/|url-status=live}} Immediately afterwards, the public money that had been allocated to the causeway development was frozen. The proposal resulted in a public row about the relationship between the private developer Seymour Sweeney and the DUP; Sweeney was a member of the DUP, although both he and the DUP denied that he had ever donated financially to the party.{{cite web|title=Developer's DUP link 'no bearing'|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/6989808.stm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111222253/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/6989808.stm |archive-date=11 January 2009|work=BBC News|date=11 September 2007}}

On 29 January 2008, Foster announced that she had decided against Sweeney's proposal for a £21 million visitors' centre on a protected greenfield site, reversing her earlier position of "being minded" to approve it.{{cite news |first=David |last=Gordon |title=Foster ditches Sweeney centre |work=Belfast Telegraph |pages=1–2 |date=29 January 2008}} Although the public funds for a causeway scheme remained frozen, it seemed highly likely that the publicly funded plan for the causeway would go ahead with the support of deputy DUP leader Nigel Dodds.{{cite news|last=Peterkin|first=Tom|date=14 September 2017|title=Giants Causeway Development Plan Anger|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/earthnews/3306937/Giants-Causeway-development-plan-anger.html|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=6 June 2018|archive-date=18 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118123403/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/earthnews/3306937/Giants-Causeway-development-plan-anger.html|url-status=live}}

File:ArleneFoster.jpg

A major concession for Northern Ireland was the reduction to zero of Air Passenger Duty on long-haul flights from the province. In the devolution settlement such burdens were to be born by the Assembly government. But negotiations proved how DUP could sell their support to Whitehall.An Air Transport Policy for Northern Ireland, 28 May 2012, House of Commons Northern Ireland Committee hearings, p.81. In 2011, she had written to the Organised Crime Task Force about the need to bring fuel licensing within the remit of the Petrol licensing Consolidation (NI) Act 1929, demonstrating the relevance of cross-border law enforcement jurisdiction in helping to reduce frauds.Fuel Laundering and Smuggling in Northern Ireland: 3rd Report, House of Commons, Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, December 2011.

As the minister responsible for energy policy in June 2012, Foster criticised the Co-operative Group over the showing of a documentary opposing fracking, saying: "I find your claim that you take 'ethics to the next level' hard to reconcile with your demonstrable support for a film which presents a wholly one-sided and partial approach to the debate about hydraulic fracturing."{{cite news|last=Magee|first=Kevin|date=14 June 2012|title=Arlene Foster criticises Co-operative Group over fracking film|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18434707|work=BBC News|access-date=24 August 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620074217/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18434707|archive-date=20 June 2012}}

She successfully liaised with UK ministers, such as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers MP, to restore HMS Caroline in Belfast.

In March 2014, Foster called for an apology for what she described as "deeply insulting" language" in a comment made by fellow MLA Anna Lo of the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland. Lo had described herself as "anti-colonial" and said the partition of Ireland was "artificial".{{cite news|title=Anna Lo: 'United Ireland' remarks 'insulting', say unionists|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-26667174|work=BBC News |date=20 March 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324214747/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-26667174|archive-date=24 March 2014}} Foster herself was challenged in a blog by Irish writer Jude Collins over the fact that she had chosen to speak out so robustly on the matter after not commenting about remarks made the previous day by another Unionist politician, Progressive Unionist Party leader Billy Hutchinson. The former UVF member who was responsible for two sectarian murders during The Troubles stated that he had "no regrets in terms of my past because I believe that I contributed to preventing a united Ireland." Hutchinson also stated: "There is no room for violence in this society."{{cite news|last=McBride|first=Sam|date=19 March 2014|title=My murder of two Catholics helped prevent united Ireland – PUP leader Billy Hutchinson|url=http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/regional/my-murder-of-two-catholics-helped-prevent-united-ireland-pup-leader-billy-hutchinson-1-5945099|newspaper=News Letter|location=Belfast|access-date=3 March 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150806224449/http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/regional/my-murder-of-two-catholics-helped-prevent-united-ireland-pup-leader-billy-hutchinson-1-5945099|archive-date=6 August 2015}}{{cite web |title=What Anna said|url=http://www.judecollins.com/2014/03/anna-said|website=Jude Collins|date=21 March 2014 |access-date=17 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222142129/http://www.judecollins.com/2014/03/anna-said/|archive-date=22 December 2015}}{{Better source needed|reason=The specific criticism of Arlene Foster on this issue appears to be the thoughts of Collins from a blog or personal webpage|date=November 2018}}

In January 2016, as she was poised to become First Minister, Foster stated that she would not be travelling to Dublin for the official centenary celebrations of the 1916 uprising against British rule, describing the rising as "an attack on democracy".{{cite news|first=Henry|last=McDonald|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jan/11/arlene-foster-easter-northern-ireland-first-minister-dup|title=Arlene Foster: Easter Rising was attack on democracy|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=17 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170117150841/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jan/11/arlene-foster-easter-northern-ireland-first-minister-dup|archive-date=17 January 2017}}

Arlene Foster was First Minister of Northern Ireland from January 2016 to January 2017. She set the agenda during her maiden speech as First Minister as one of "hope for all the community".{{cite web|last=Foster|first=Arlene|title=Maiden speech as Leader|url=http://arlenefoster.org.uk/first-minister/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612144106/http://arlenefoster.org.uk/first-minister/|archive-date=12 June 2018|access-date=6 June 2018|website=Arlene Foster}} In May 2018, she announced she would be leading an Orange Order march in Fife, Scotland. As a committed member of the Order, this was a reason behind the original defection from the UUP ten years ago. As First Minister, Foster was emphatic in support for Brexit with a soft border along the republic; yet leaving the EU on the same terms as the rest of the UK.

The assembly was suspended following disagreements between the parties, particularly over the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal. While the Government talked about restoring the Executive as a "top priority" the constitutional impasse has made it impossible.vol.791, Hansard, Lord Duncan of Springbank, House of Lords, 23 May 2018. In May 2018, the High Court ruled that the civil service could not grant planning permission for an incinerator in Mallusk.{{Cite news|title=Mallusk incinerator plan blocked by court|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-44084384|work=BBC News|language=en-GB|date=14 May 2018|access-date=24 October 2019|archive-date=3 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203160319/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-44084384|url-status=live}}

In 2018, Foster addressed a PinkNews reception in Belfast, becoming the first DUP leader to attend an LGBT event.{{cite news|last1=Salisbury|first1=Josh|date=29 June 2018|title=Arlene Foster addresses PinkNews summer reception in Belfast: Her speech in full|url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/06/29/arlene-foster-addresses-pinknews-summer-reception-in-belfast-her-speech-in-full/|work=PinkNews|access-date=27 April 2019|archive-date=27 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427043732/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/06/29/arlene-foster-addresses-pinknews-summer-reception-in-belfast-her-speech-in-full/|url-status=live}} Foster stated that, despite her opposition to same-sex marriage, she valued the contribution of the LGBT community in Northern Ireland and requested that differing views be respected.

Committed to a business case, Foster was responsible for a super-fast broadband connection designed to enhance communications with international offerings. Regional Aid proved a vital part of the budget within the devolved framework. The reduction of sales and purchase taxes, such as Air Passenger Duty was typically part of her wider experience of stimulating business at DETI.vol.554, Inward Investment debate, House of Commons, 5 December 2012. Fighting the cause of private enterprise has been an important issue for Foster: mobile phone companies and saving Bombardier jobs brought investment of £500 million, while public sector employment has declined.vol.675, 26 February 2014, Public Sector Jobs debate, House of Commons

{{main|Renewable Heat Incentive scandal}}

In December 2016, Foster faced criticism and controversy after a whistleblower revealed that the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme overspent by £400m, a failure which has been nicknamed the Cash for Ash scandal.{{cite news|title=RHI scandal: RHI 'cash for ash' scandal to cost NI taxpayers £490m|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-38414486|work=BBC News|date=23 December 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328131700/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-38414486|archive-date=28 March 2017}} The scheme was originally set up by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI, now Department for the Economy) when she was Minister of the department and the scheme offered incentives to businesses if they installed renewable heating systems, such as burning wooden pellets.

She faced strong criticism after it was claimed that she personally campaigned to keep the scheme open, even when senior civil servants warned of the overspend and the Minister responsible, Jonathan Bell, planned on closing it. It remained open for an extra two weeks before it was finally closed. It was also revealed that the Northern Ireland budget would lose £400m over the next 20 years as a result of the failure of the scheme. An independent audit investigated 300 sites and found there were issues at half of them, including 14 cases where there were suspicions of 'serious fraud'.

When senior civil servants suggested the closure of the scheme in September 2015, the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (now the Executive Office) pressured the department to keep the scheme open, which is when there was a spike in applications.{{cite news|title=Foster 'intervened to keep heat scheme subsidy open'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-politics-38312906|work=BBC News|date=14 December 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161215053254/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-politics-38312906|archive-date=15 December 2016}} There were calls for Foster to resign as First Minister after the scandal broke.{{cite news|last1=Simpson|first1=Claire|date=13 December 2016|title=People Before Profit to hold rallies calling for Arlene Foster's resignation|url=http://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2016/12/14/news/people-before-profit-to-hold-rallies-calling-for-arlene-foster-s-resignation-836122|access-date=14 December 2016|work=The Irish News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220155445/http://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2016/12/14/news/people-before-profit-to-hold-rallies-calling-for-arlene-foster-s-resignation-836122/|archive-date=20 December 2016}}{{cite news|title=Arlene Foster rejects call to resign over botched renewable energy scheme|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/arlene-foster-rejects-call-to-resign-over-botched-renewable-energy-scheme-35276860.html|work=Belfast Telegraph|access-date=14 December 2016|archive-date=8 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208112433/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/arlene-foster-rejects-call-to-resign-over-botched-renewable-energy-scheme-35276860.html|url-status=live}}

{{further|Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019}}

File:Secretary of State Karen Bradley was joined by Prime Minister Theresa May and DUP Leader Arlene Foster on a visit to Belleek Pottery (43525123521).png visit the headquarters of Belleek Pottery in 2018.]]

On 9 January 2017, McGuinness resigned as deputy First Minister due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal. Under the terms of the power-sharing agreement that created what is now the Executive Office, his resignation also resulted in Foster being removed from office, until Sinn Féin nominates a new deputy First Minister; the party stated that it would not replace McGuinness. No nomination was made before 16 January, resulting in the collapse of the Executive. James Brokenshire, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, assumed the powers of the Executive and called for a snap election scheduled for 2 March.{{cite news|title=Elections to be held in NI on 2 March|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-38641857|work=BBC News|date=16 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116234645/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-38641857|archive-date=16 January 2017}}

In a statement posted to Facebook, Foster said that she was "disappointed" with McGuinness' decision and condemned it as "not principled": "At a time when we are dealing with Brexit, needing to create more jobs and investing in our health and education system, Northern Ireland needs stability. But because of Sinn Féin's selfish reactions, we now have instability, and I very much regret that." She expressed concern over the possibility of another election less than a year after the previous one, and said "this is not an election of our making", but that "the DUP will always defend unionism and stand up for what is best for Northern Ireland."{{cite news|title=Martin McGuinness resigns as NI deputy first minister|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-38561507|work=BBC News|date=9 January 2017|access-date=9 January 2017|archive-date=9 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109151844/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-38561507|url-status=live}}

In this Northern Ireland Assembly election, held in March 2017, the DUP lost 10 seats, leaving them only one seat and 1,200 votes ahead of Sinn Féin, a result described by the Belfast Telegraph as "catastrophic".{{cite news|last1=McAdam|first1=Noel|title=I want one party for unionism, says DUP's Arlene Foster|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland-assembly-election/i-want-one-party-for-unionism-says-dups-arlene-foster-35507746.html|access-date=13 March 2017|work=Belfast Telegraph|date=7 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314152458/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland-assembly-election/i-want-one-party-for-unionism-says-dups-arlene-foster-35507746.html|archive-date=14 March 2017|url-status=live}} The withdrawal of the party whip from Jim Wells in May 2018 left the DUP on 27 seats, the same number as Sinn Féin.{{cite news |last1=Cross |first1=Gareth |title=It's a tie: DUP's Wells says removal of whip gives Sinn Fein equal voting power in Northern Ireland |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/its-a-tie-dups-wells-says-removal-of-whip-gives-sinn-fein-equal-voting-power-in-northern-ireland-36893228.html |access-date=30 July 2018 |work=Belfast Telegraph |date=10 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730140441/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/its-a-tie-dups-wells-says-removal-of-whip-gives-sinn-fein-equal-voting-power-in-northern-ireland-36893228.html |archive-date=30 July 2018 |url-status=live }}

Since McGuinness' resignation, Northern Ireland was in a continuous state of political deadlock until January 2020. One of the key issues was the Irish Language Act, which Sinn Féin insist on and Foster has said that her party will never agree to. With regard to the proposed act, she said "If you feed a crocodile, it will keep coming back for more." This remark was widely cited during the 2017 Northern Ireland Assembly election even though Foster later apologised for it.{{cite news |last1=Devenport |first1=Mark |title=Language issue still has (crocodile) teeth |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-39854102 |access-date=24 September 2019 |date=9 May 2017 |archive-date=2 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002094635/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-39854102 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Gordon |first1=Gareth |title=Crocodiles, alligators and Irish language |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/election-northern-ireland-2017-38892198 |access-date=24 September 2019 |date=7 February 2017 |archive-date=5 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205112351/https://www.bbc.com/news/election-northern-ireland-2017-38892198 |url-status=live }}

On 11 January 2020, after the New Decade, New Approach agreement received bipartisan support, the Executive was re-formed with Arlene Foster as First Minister and Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill as deputy First Minister.{{cite news |title=DUP and Sinn Féin back in top jobs at Stormont |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-51077397 |access-date=12 January 2020 |work=BBC News |date=11 January 2020 |archive-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225002752/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-51077397 |url-status=live }}

File:Theresa May visited Northern Ireland July 2016.jpg meets with Foster and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness in 2016.]]

In the 2017 UK general election, the DUP had 10 seats overall, 3 seats ahead of Sinn Féin.{{cite news|title=Election results 2017: DUP and Sinn Féin celebrate election gains|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-40208320|access-date=9 June 2017|work=BBC News|date=9 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609063813/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-40208320|archive-date=9 June 2017|url-status=live}} With no party having received an outright majority in the UK Parliament, the DUP entered into a confidence and supply agreement to support the government led by the Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May. A DUP source said: "The alternative is intolerable. For as long as Corbyn leads Labour, we will ensure there’s a Tory PM." The DUP would later withdraw their support over new Prime Minister Boris Johnson's revised proposal for a deal with the EU.{{Cite web|date=17 October 2019|title=DUP says it cannot support Boris Johnson's Brexit deal|url=http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/oct/17/dup-boris-johnson-brexit-deal|access-date=7 March 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-date=30 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430161943/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/oct/17/dup-boris-johnson-brexit-deal|url-status=live}}

Following a Brexit breakthrough on 8 December 2017, Foster broadly welcomed the deal to progress talks, stating that she was "pleased" to see changes which meant there is "no red line down the Irish Sea".{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-42277798|title=Brexit: Broad welcome in NI and Republic for UK-EU deal|date=8 December 2017|work=BBC News|access-date=8 December 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208154956/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-42277798|archive-date=8 December 2017}}

Both the border issue and opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion are 'red lines' for the eight Unionist MPs.{{cite news|last=Revesz|first=Rachel|date=4 June 2018|title=The Northern Irish abortion issue could topple Theresa May once and for all – here's why|url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/northern-irish-abortion-issue-could-125200789.html|website=Yahoo! News|access-date=6 June 2018|archive-date=20 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120032816/https://uk.news.yahoo.com/northern-irish-abortion-issue-could-125200789.html|url-status=live}} In May 2018, Theresa May stated that abortion is a matter for the devolved Northern Ireland government.{{cite news|last=Walker|first=Peter|date=29 May 2018|title=No plans to intervene on Northern Ireland abortion law, says No.10|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/may/29/no-plans-to-intervene-on-northern-ireland-abortion-law-says-no-10|work=The Guardian|access-date=6 June 2018|archive-date=29 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429145545/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/may/29/no-plans-to-intervene-on-northern-ireland-abortion-law-says-no-10|url-status=live}} However, in 2019, Westminster MPs passed the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019. This legislation would legalise same-sex marriage and opposite-sex civil partnership in Northern Ireland (in line with the rest of the UK) and the liberalisation of abortion laws (in line with abortion rights in England and Wales) if no executive was formed by midnight on 21 October 2019.{{Cite web|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2019/22/notes/division/2/index.htm|title=Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act|website=www.legislation.gov.uk|access-date=29 August 2019|archive-date=30 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430084704/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2019/22/notes/division/2/index.htm|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48906646|title=Why there's more to the Northern Ireland bill|last=Scott|first=Jennifer|date=8 July 2019|access-date=31 August 2019|language=en-GB|archive-date=28 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428203857/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48906646|url-status=live}} After the Executive was not restored by the deadline, abortion was decriminalised automatically; in December 2019 the British Government passed regulations legalising same-sex marriage and opposite-sex civil partnerships on 13 January 2020.{{Cite web|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2019/1514/contents/made/data.htm|title=The Marriage (Same-sex Couples) and Civil Partnership (Opposite-sex Couples) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2019|website=www.legislation.gov.uk|access-date=13 January 2020|archive-date=31 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131183238/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2019/1514/contents/made/data.htm|url-status=live}} On 25 March 2020, Northern Ireland published the changes to the abortion law.{{cite web|title=Changes to the law in Northern Ireland: updated information|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/changes-to-the-law-in-northern-ireland-updated-information|publisher=GOV.UK|access-date=1 April 2020|archive-date=23 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823185712/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/changes-to-the-law-in-northern-ireland-updated-information|url-status=live}} This law permits elective abortions for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, since 31 March 2020.{{cite news|last=McCormack|first=Jayne|date=25 March 2020|title=NI to offer unrestricted abortion up to 12 weeks|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-52040694|work=BBC News|access-date=28 April 2021|archive-date=8 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408050106/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-52040694|url-status=live}}

In February 2021, after Brexit had been formally consummated on 31 December 2020, Foster objected to its implicit Irish Sea border.{{cite news |last1=Hope |first1=Christopher |title=Potatoes and tractors banned from Northern Ireland if they have British soil on them, says Arlene Foster |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/02/03/potatoes-tractors-banned-northern-ireland-have-british-soil/ |publisher=Telegraph Media Group Limited |date=3 February 2021 |access-date=4 February 2021 |archive-date=3 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203105400/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/02/03/potatoes-tractors-banned-northern-ireland-have-british-soil/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Yorke |first1=Harry |title=Scrap useless Northern Ireland Protocol, urges Foster, as Johnson threatens EU |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/02/03/protocol-post-brexit-trade-has-put-northern-irelands-links-uk/ |publisher=Telegraph Media Group Limited |date=3 February 2021 |access-date=4 February 2021 |archive-date=4 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204102926/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/02/03/protocol-post-brexit-trade-has-put-northern-irelands-links-uk/ |url-status=live }} In a Daily Telegraph op-ed she maintained that the Northern Ireland Protocol (NIP) had "fundamental flaws" and suggested, in light of the COVID vaccine dispute, that in order to "protect the UK internal market by all legislative means necessary including triggering Article 16, Boris Johnson must now back up those words with tangible actions that protect the integrity of the whole of the United Kingdom."{{cite news|last1=Foster|first1=Arlene|date=3 February 2021|title=Sticking plasters will not fix the fundamental flaws in the Northern Ireland Protocol|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/02/03/sticking-plasters-will-not-fix-fundamental-flaws-northern-ireland|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=28 April 2021|archive-date=14 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214040109/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/02/03/sticking-plasters-will-not-fix-fundamental-flaws-northern-ireland/|url-status=live}}

On 21 February 2021, Foster announced the launch of a judicial review of the NIP as she said it had driven "a coach and horses" through the Act of Union and the Northern Ireland Act 1998, which gives legislative effect to the Belfast Agreement. She takes the position that "Fundamental to the Act of Union is unfettered trade throughout the UK," and that the "new regulatory and customs processes required to bring goods into Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK" are inimical to the Act of Union. She is joined by various members of the DUP along with Kate Hoey, Jim Allister and Ben Habib. The threat of the EU to reinstitute a hard border if not for the customs barrier in the Irish Sea is a problem.{{cite news |title=Arlene Foster launches legal challenge to Northern Ireland protocol |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/02/21/arlene-foster-launches-legal-challenge-northern-ireland-protocol/ |publisher=Telegraph Media Group Limited |date=21 February 2021 |access-date=22 February 2021 |archive-date=21 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210221235327/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/02/21/arlene-foster-launches-legal-challenge-northern-ireland-protocol/ |url-status=live }} The group was joined by Nobel Peace Prize winner David Trimble on 24 February, as he wrote a scathing open letter to Boris Johnson prior to the commencement of proceedings. The group have instructed John Larkin QC, the former attorney general of Northern Ireland. Foster was part of discussions involving deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove and Vice-President of the European Commission Maroš Šefčovič.{{cite news|last1=McGovern|first1=Eimear|date=24 February 2021|title=Architect of Good Friday Agreement Lord Trimble joins legal challenge against UK government over NI protocol|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/architect-of-good-friday-agreement-lord-trimble-joins-legal-challenge-against-uk-government-over-ni-protocol-40126377.html|work=Belfast Telegraph|access-date=28 April 2021|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225142934/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/architect-of-good-friday-agreement-lord-trimble-joins-legal-challenge-against-uk-government-over-ni-protocol-40126377.html|url-status=live}}

On 29 March 2021, the Johnson government decided not to force a preliminary hearing. A full court case for the Judicial Review was scheduled to be heard the week of 13 May 2021 in the High Court in Belfast.{{cite news|last1=Yorke|first1=Harry|date=29 March 2021|title=Unionist legal challenge over Northern Ireland Protocol set for High Court hearing|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/03/29/unionist-legal-challenge-northern-ireland-protocol-set-high/|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=28 April 2021|archive-date=24 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424052804/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/03/29/unionist-legal-challenge-northern-ireland-protocol-set-high/|url-status=live}} The High Court ruled the Northern Ireland Protocol to be lawful. {{Cite news |date=2021-06-30 |title=Brexit: NI Protocol is lawful, High Court rules |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-57666255 |access-date=2023-03-09}}

File:V20210317LJ-0496. (51130179913).jpg Kamala Harris meets with First Minister Arlene Foster in March 2021.]]

On 27 April 2021, there was an internal revolt when 80% of DUP MPs and MLAs signed a vote of no confidence against Foster. Sources close to the party have said that the move was due to Foster becoming "too moderate", party supporters having "grown tired of leadership which is out of step", the most prominent point of discontent for unionist voters being "the emergence of an Irish Sea border" with the rest of the United Kingdom due to the Northern Ireland Protocol.{{Cite web|title=Arlene Foster faces motion of no confidence from DUP MLAs|url=https://www.itv.com/news/utv/2021-04-27/arlene-foster-faces-motion-of-no-confidence-from-dup-mlas|date=27 April 2021|access-date=27 April 2021|website=ITV News|language=en|archive-date=27 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427155802/https://www.itv.com/news/utv/2021-04-27/arlene-foster-faces-motion-of-no-confidence-from-dup-mlas|url-status=live}} The next day, she announced her resignation as leader of the party, as well as planning to stand down as First Minister of Northern Ireland at the end of June.{{Cite web|date=28 April 2021|title=Northern Ireland leader quits after party revolt over Brexit fallout|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/northern-ireland-leader-arlene-foster-quits-1.6005485|website=CBC News|access-date=28 April 2021|archive-date=28 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428164021/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/northern-ireland-leader-arlene-foster-quits-1.6005485|url-status=live}} The following day, Foster announced her resignation in a statement on social media. In the statement she said that she had informed Maurice Morrow, the party Chairman, and Michelle O'Neill of her decision.{{cite web|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/arlene-foster-steps-down-as-leader-of-the-dup-5422054-Apr2021/|title='A difficult day': Reaction as Arlene Foster announces she is to step down as leader of the DUP|date=28 April 2021|work=Journal.ie|accessdate=29 April 2021|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429071039/https://www.thejournal.ie/arlene-foster-steps-down-as-leader-of-the-dup-5422054-Apr2021/|url-status=live}}

Jeffrey Donaldson MP and Edwin Poots MLA stood in an election to replace Foster as Leader of the DUP. On 14 May 2021, Poots was elected as her successor as DUP leader. Poots succeeded Foster as DUP leader on 28 May 2021. Foster resigned as First Minister at 1pm on 14 June 2021 and Paul Givan succeeded Foster as First Minister on 17 June 2021. In addition to quitting as First Minister, it was initially rumoured that Foster would quit the DUP as a result of her ousting; however, she remained a party member.{{cite news|url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/04/30/arlene-foster-resign-dup-assembly-northern-ireland/|title=Arlene Foster 'to quit DUP entirely' after being forced out as leader|last=Kelleher|first=Patrick|date=30 April 2021|work=PinkNews|accessdate=30 April 2021|archive-date=30 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430160659/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/04/30/arlene-foster-resign-dup-assembly-northern-ireland/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Mrs Arlene Foster|url=http://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/mlas/details.aspx?&per=131&sel=1&ind=0&prv=0|url-status=live|access-date=14 June 2021|website=www.niassembly.gov.uk|language=|archive-date=14 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614161054/http://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/mlas/details.aspx?&per=131&sel=1&ind=0&prv=0}}

On 7 September 2021, it was announced that Foster was to stand down as an MLA, which she did the following month.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-58481978|title=Arlene Foster to step down as MLA by end of month|work=BBC News|date=7 September 2021|access-date=8 September 2021|archive-date=8 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908091855/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-58481978|url-status=live}}

Since leaving political office she has embarked on a media career in both broadcast and print media.

On 25 July 2021, Foster was announced as a contributor to the British news channel, GB News.{{cite news |last1=Makoni |first1=Abbianca |date=25 July 2021 |title=Former DUP leader Arlene Foster joins news channel GB News |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/duparlene-foster-gb-news-b947562.html |access-date=25 July 2021 |work=Evening Standard |archive-date=25 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725134619/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/duparlene-foster-gb-news-b947562.html |url-status=live}} On 15 October 2021, she began to anchor her own show called The Briefing with Arlene Foster on Fridays. She also regularly appears on GB News' Sunday political magazine show The Political Correction.

On 7 October 2021, it was announced that Foster has joined the monthly Local Women magazine as a columnist.{{cite news |last=Morris |first=Allison |date=7 October 2021 |title=Former DUP leader Arlene Foster's new job: women's magazine columnist |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/arlenes-new-job-womens-magazine-columnist-40925072.html |work=Belfast Telegraph |access-date=5 November 2021}}

In August 2022, Foster endorsed Liz Truss in the Conservative Party leadership election as the best potential Prime Minister to counter “threats to the Union”.{{cite web |last=Hazell |first=Will |date=20 August 2022 |title= Arlene Foster backs Liz Truss as the best PM to defeat 'threats to the Union' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2022/08/20/arlene-foster-backs-liz-truss-best-pm-defeat-threats-union/ |url-access=subscription |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |access-date=21 August 2022}}

She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2022 Birthday Honours for political and public service.{{London Gazette

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On 14 October 2022, it was announced that Foster would be appointed to the House of Lords, sitting as a non-affiliated peer.{{Cite web |title=Political Peerages 2022 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/political-peerages-2022 |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}} On 9 November 2022, she was created Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee, of Aghadrumsee in the County of Fermanagh.{{cite web|url=https://members.parliament.uk/member/4969/career|title=Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee |website=MPs and Lords |publisher=UK Parliament |access-date=9 November 2022}}

In November 2022, a video in which a woman shouted a pro-IRA chant while posing alongside Foster was condemned by politicians from the DUP, UUP, Alliance Party and SDLP, with Sinn Féin Vice President Michelle O'Neill saying it was "wrong".{{Cite news |date=2022-11-21 |title=Pro-IRA chant video with Arlene Foster condemned |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-63693756 |access-date=2025-01-18 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

Amanda Sloat, a special assistant to United States President Joe Biden, hit back in April 2023 at claims made by Foster that Biden "hates the United Kingdom".{{Cite news |date=2023-04-12 |title=Biden aide hits back at Foster’s claim US President ‘hates the UK’ |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/biden-aide-hits-back-at-fosters-claim-us-president-hates-the-uk/47129100.html |access-date=2025-01-18 |work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}

In May 2023, Foster said she believed the DUP could enter into a coalition with the Labour Party after the general election.{{Cite news |date=2023-05-27 |title=DUP could enter coalition with Labour after next election, Dame Arlene Foster says |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/dup-could-enter-coalition-with-labour-after-next-election-dame-arlene-foster-says/1821303044.html |access-date=2025-01-18 |work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}

On 11 July 2023, Foster gave evidence to the UK-wide COVID-19 inquiry. She used the platform to state that the UK government should have stepped in to make decisions in the absence of ministers at Stormont.{{Cite news |date=2023-07-11 |title=Covid inquiry: Former first minister says UK should have made NI decisions |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-66162040 |access-date=2025-01-18 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} Foster reappeared in front of the inquiry on 15 May 2024 and rejected suggestions that the Northern Ireland Executive "sleepwalked" into the pandemic.{{Cite news |date=2024-05-15 |title=Covid Inquiry: Foster rejects suggestion of pandemic 'sleepwalking' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-69014298 |access-date=2025-01-18 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

On 31 January 2024, Foster stated she hoped the deal to restore power-sharing at Stormont would be acceptable to unionists.{{Cite news |date=2024-01-31 |title=Arlene Foster: I hope DUP deal will be acceptable to unionists |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/arlene-foster-i-hope-dup-deal-will-be-acceptable-to-unionists/a771743517.html |access-date=2025-01-18 |work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}

During a visit to Jersey with her pro-unionist organisation Together UK in May 2024, Foster dismissed the prospect of a united Ireland saying "there are nowhere near enough people to take us out of the United Kingdom".{{Cite news |date=2024-05-03 |title=Baroness Foster rejects potential for united Ireland and points to ‘facts’ |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/baroness-foster-rejects-potential-for-united-ireland-and-points-to-facts/a423893015.html |access-date=2025-01-18 |work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}

In May 2024, it was confirmed that Foster would be appointed chairperson of Intertrade UK, a new body to promote trade within the UK which was announced as part of the UK government package to restore devolution. She assumed the role on 19 September 2024.

On 2 July 2024, Foster slammed the Alliance Party for "extreme ideology" in a criticism of "progressive parties" ahead of the 2024 United Kingdom general election.{{Cite news |date=2024-07-02 |title=Arlene Foster slams Alliance for ‘extreme ideology’ as she criticises ‘progressive parties’ in pre-election message |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/arlene-foster-slams-alliance-for-extreme-ideology-as-she-criticises-progressive-parties-in-pre-election-message/a158091209.html |access-date=2025-01-18 |work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}

In response to the 2024 United Kingdom riots in Northern Ireland, Foster rejected what she called the "labelling" of some white working-class people in Belfast "as Nazis".{{Cite news |date=2024-08-09 |title=Arlene Foster: Not all anti-immigrant protestors are racist |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/arlene-foster-not-all-anti-immigrant-protestors-are-racist/a1539743655.html |access-date=2025-01-18 |work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}

Foster suggested in August 2024 that Members of Parliament (MPs) should be paid more, saying that while their £91,346 salary is very good, "it's not huge".{{Cite news |date=2024-08-25 |title=Former First Minister says MPs should be paid more: ‘£91k salary very good, but not huge’ |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/former-first-minister-says-mps-should-be-paid-more-91k-salary-very-good-but-not-huge/a483577463.html |access-date=2025-01-18 |work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}

In October 2024, it was reported that Foster has been advertising herself for hire through a public speaking agency as a renewable energy expert at a cost of more than £10,000 a day despite her involvement in the RHI scandal.{{Cite news |date=2024-10-02 |title=Arlene Foster goes from RHI scandal to £10k-a-day green energy ‘expert’ - here’s how Sam McBride found out |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/podcasts/the-beltel/arlene-foster-goes-from-rhi-scandal-to-10k-a-day-green-energy-expert-heres-how-sam-mcbride-found-out/a414854454.html |access-date=2025-01-18 |work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}

Speaking to Michael Gove on a Radio 4 podcast in October 2024, Foster confirmed that a row over conversion therapy was the "straw that broke the camel's back", when it came to her being ousted as leader of the DUP. She had abstained on a vote in the Northern Ireland Assembly calling for a ban on gay conversion therapy while the majority of her party voted against the motion.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-21 |title=Arlene Foster says conversion therapy vote triggered removal as DUP leader |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgry8514dzyo |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}} Foster also branded the decision to rule out a border on the island of Ireland during Brexit negotiations a "mistake".{{Cite news |date=2024-10-21 |title=Baroness Foster says Brexit decision to put no border in Ireland was ‘mistake’ |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/baroness-foster-says-brexit-decision-to-put-no-border-in-ireland-was-mistake/a406887978.html |access-date=2025-01-18 |work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}

In January 2025, Foster was one of seven MPs and peers from Northern Ireland, along with more than 160 other parliamentarians, to call for the England men's cricket team to boycott a match against Afghanistan due to the Taliban regime's oppression of women.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-08 |title=Cricket: Afghanistan boycott backed by former NI first minister |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp31epdze1lo |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

Foster chaired her first meeting of Intertrade UK on 28 February 2025.{{Cite web |title=Intertrade UK kickstarts drive to boost trade |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/intertrade-uk-kickstarts-drive-to-boost-trade |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}

Arlene Foster has three children with her husband Brian.{{cite news|last1=Horan|first1=Niamh|date=14 May 2017|title='I will not forgive or forget, but now I want to look ahead' – Arlene Foster|url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/i-will-not-forgive-or-forget-but-now-i-want-to-look-ahead-arlene-foster-35712300.html|work=Irish Independent|access-date=8 November 2019|archive-date=8 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108163920/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/i-will-not-forgive-or-forget-but-now-i-want-to-look-ahead-arlene-foster-35712300.html|url-status=live}} In 2008, she was recognised as Assembly member of the year at the Women in Public Life Awards.{{cite web|title=Arlene Foster, MLA Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment |url=http://www.detini.gov.uk/index/deti-home-minister.htm |publisher=DETI |access-date=13 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529023322/http://www.detini.gov.uk/index/deti-home-minister.htm |archive-date=29 May 2012}} She and her family live on the outskirts of Brookeborough, a village in the east of County Fermanagh.{{cite news|last=McKay|first=Susan|date=23 November 2015|title=Arlene Foster: Effective politician, but with a fierce temper|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/arlene-foster-effective-politician-but-with-a-fierce-temper-1.2440148|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=28 April 2021|archive-date=24 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124154803/http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/arlene-foster-effective-politician-but-with-a-fierce-temper-1.2440148|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=McKeown|first=Gareth|date=15 November 2016|title=Arlene Foster's son (10) expresses support for shared education|url=http://www.irishnews.com/news/2016/11/15/news/first-minister-s-son-10-expresses-support-for-shared-education-in-british-daily-newspaper-783393/|website=The Irish News|access-date=28 April 2021|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108112713/https://www.irishnews.com/news/2016/11/15/news/first-minister-s-son-10-expresses-support-for-shared-education-in-british-daily-newspaper-783393/|url-status=live}}

In 2020, Foster successfully sued TV doctor Christian Jessen for defamation over his claim of a relationship with a protection officer.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-56845243|title=Arlene Foster: Dr Jessen 'honestly believed' extra-marital affair claim|work=BBC News|date=23 April 2021|access-date=28 May 2021|archive-date=27 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527114825/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-56845243|url-status=live}} Jessen, a presenter on the Channel 4 show Embarrassing Bodies, with over 300,000 Twitter followers, sent a first tweet on 23 December 2019, which was retweeted over 500 times and subsequently sent further "aggravating" tweets.{{Cite web|last=Carroll|first=Rory|date=14 April 2021|title=Arlene Foster tells court she was humiliated by tweet alleging affair|url=http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/apr/14/arlene-foster-tells-court-humiliated-tweet-alleging-affair-christian-jessen|website=The Guardian|access-date=28 April 2021|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429111810/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/apr/14/arlene-foster-tells-court-humiliated-tweet-alleging-affair-christian-jessen|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=McCormack|first=Jayne|date=14 April 2021|title=Arlene Foster: DUP leader sues Christian Jessen for defamation|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-56747947|website=BBC News|access-date=28 April 2021|archive-date=5 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505132959/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-56747947|url-status=live}} On 27 May 2021, Mr Justice McAlinden ordered Dr Jessen to pay damages of £125,000 and Foster's legal costs.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-57268308|title=Arlene Foster awarded £125k damages in Dr Christian Jessen libel case|date=27 May 2021|publisher=BBC News|access-date=27 May 2021|archive-date=27 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527234933/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-57268308|url-status=live}}

• Demography and politics of Northern Ireland

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Category:1970 births

Category:Alumni of Queen's University Belfast

Category:Anglicans from Northern Ireland

Category:Democratic Unionist Party MLAs

Category:Female heads of government in the United Kingdom

Category:Female members of the Northern Ireland Assembly

Category:Women heads of government of non-sovereign entities

Category:First ministers of Northern Ireland

Category:Leaders of the Democratic Unionist Party

Category:Living people

Category:Members of Fermanagh District Council

Category:Ministers of the Northern Ireland Executive (since 1999)

Category:Northern Ireland MLAs 2003–2007

Category:Northern Ireland MLAs 2007–2011

Category:Northern Ireland MLAs 2011–2016

Category:Northern Ireland MLAs 2016–2017

Category:Politicians from County Fermanagh

Category:Ulster Unionist Party MLAs

Category:Northern Ireland MLAs 2017–2022

Category:Members of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom

Category:Women councillors in Northern Ireland

Category:Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire

Category:21st-century women politicians from Northern Ireland

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Foster of Aghadrumsee

Foster of Aghadrumsee

Category:People from Brookeborough

Category:British broadcaster-politicians

Category:GB News