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Arlene FosterBritish politician
Date of Birth: 17.07.1970
Country:  Operator |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Political Beginnings
- Early Political Career
- Leadership of the DUP
- Resignation and Return to Power
- Support for Theresa May's Government
- Opposition to Backstop
Early Life and Education
Arlene Foster was born in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland. She attended grammar school in Enniskillen and went on to study law at Queen's University Belfast, where she qualified as a solicitor.
Political Beginnings
During her university years, Foster joined the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP). She served on the Ulster Unionist Council, the party's governing body, from 1996 to 2003. However, in 2004, she joined the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
Early Political Career
In 2003, Foster was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly. She served as Minister for the Environment in the Northern Ireland Executive from 2007 to 2008. In 2008, she became Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Investment, and in 2015, Minister of Finance and Personnel.
Leadership of the DUP
In December 2015, Foster was elected leader of the DUP, succeeding Peter Robinson. In January 2016, she became First Minister of Northern Ireland.
Resignation and Return to Power
In January 2017, Foster resigned as First Minister after her Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, resigned over a scandal involving payments to renewable energy companies. Early elections were held in March 2017, and the DUP, led by Foster, won the most seats. On January 11, 2020, Foster returned as First Minister after the DUP and Sinn Féin agreed to restore power-sharing.
Support for Theresa May's Government
Following the 2017 snap election in the United Kingdom, the DUP entered into a confidence and supply agreement with Theresa May's Conservative government, allowing the Conservatives to form a minority government. This agreement played a significant role in the negotiations over Brexit.
Opposition to Backstop
In December 2017, Foster objected to a draft agreement between Theresa May and the European Union that would have kept Northern Ireland in the EU customs union. This opposition contributed to the collapse of May's EU withdrawal agreement.
