Northern Ireland

Arlene Foster makes public appearance hours before announcing resignation

Arlene Foster meeting pupils and staff at Maguiresbridge primary school in Co Fermanagh yesterday
Arlene Foster meeting pupils and staff at Maguiresbridge primary school in Co Fermanagh yesterday Arlene Foster meeting pupils and staff at Maguiresbridge primary school in Co Fermanagh yesterday

ARLENE Foster visited a primary school in her Fermanagh and South Tyrone constituency yesterday several hours before she officially announced she would resign as DUP leader and First Minister.

The visit was her first public appearance since a letter of no confidence in her leadership was circulated among DUP MPs and MLAs.

She posted images of the trip to Maguiresbridge PS on her Twitter account.

During the visit, Mrs Foster looked at a display the children made to mark Queen Elizabeth's 95th birthday.

"Well done to the children of Maguiresbridge Primary School who created a special display for Her Majesty The Queen on her 95th birthday," she tweeted.

"Lovely to view their project today and meet with the staff and children. #proudofNI."

Just hours later, she announced she would step down as leader on May 28 and as first minister at the end of June.