THERE were strong suggestions last night that DUP leader Arlene Foster will attend the GAA Ulster Football Championship final next week.
While the DUP said "no decision has been made about the match as yet", it is understood the former Stormont first minister is "keen to go" to the game on June 24.
It is suggested that discussions are ongoing with Gardaí surrounding Mrs Foster's travel and security at the match in Clones, which will see Fermanagh attempt to lift their first provincial crown when they face Donegal.
Mrs Foster, a Fermanagh MLA, last week hailed the county's success in making its first final in a decade with a shock semi-final win over Monaghan.
It is understood that no senior unionist politician has attend an Ulster Championship match, although it has been suggested that it would be easier for Mrs Foster to attend a GAA match across the border where she would view Amhrán na bhFiann and the tricolour as the symbols of another state.
Edwin Poots became the first minister from the DUP to attend a GAA game in 2008, followed by Peter Robinson in 2012. Both attended McKenna Cup games and on both occasions the DUP politicians took their seats after the national anthem was played.
Sinn Féin's Carál Ní Chuilín attended a Northern Ireland football match at Windsor Park in 2011 as Stormont sports minister. She also took her seat after the national anthem was played.
The GAA's Ulster Council has declined to say if Mrs Foster has been invited to the game.
A spokesman said earlier this week it had finalised the guest list for the Ulster football final, but it does not release the names "for logistical and other reasons".
A DUP spokesman last night said: "Arlene Foster has congratulated the team on this historic achievement in reaching the final. She will certainly have an eye on the game and will be hoping for a Fermanagh win.
"No decision has been made about the match as yet."
Gardaí last night also declined to comment on suggestions they were involved in Mrs Foster's visit to Clones.
"That would be an operational matter and we would never discuss that," a spokeswoman said.
