merrion street

The Taoiseach today congratulated Arlene Foster on her election as the new leader of the Democratic Unionist Party.

The Taoiseach said he looked forward to continuing the strong working relationship that has been established during Ms Foster's time as Minister in the Northern Ireland executive over the past number of years and he hoped that the very positive working relationship that exists between the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive would develop further.

The Taoiseach paid tribute to the Ms Foster's predecessor Peter Robinson and wished him well as he hands over the role of Party Leader in anticipation of his stepping down as First Minister in early January.