Northern Ireland

Divisions in DUP 'can be healed' says Paula Bradley

DUP leader Edwin Poots (second from left) and Deputy Leader Paula Bradley (left)
DUP leader Edwin Poots (second from left) and Deputy Leader Paula Bradley (left) DUP leader Edwin Poots (second from left) and Deputy Leader Paula Bradley (left)

DIVISIONS in the DUP can be healed, the party's new deputy leader has claimed.

North Belfast MLA Paula Bradley, who was elected last week, said she believed the party would progress under Edwin Poots' leadership.

She said that last week's leadership meeting in Belfast was unpleasant.

Several high profile members left before Mr Poots delivered his inaugural address.

Ms Bradley added that she had not spoken to former leader Arlene Foster since she left office.

She said her departure had been unfortunate but the party needed to be invigorated.

Ms Bradley had co-signed the letter of no-confidence in Mrs Foster.

"There are divisions, but I think those divisions can be healed," she told the BBC.

"I felt we had become stale. I'm not saying she was to blame for all of that. She was the figurehead, she was the leader. Sadly, that's the way politics works."

Ms Bradley added that she had a good relationship with Mr Poots and said different positions on some social issues would not cause problems.