DUP's Arlene Foster becomes First Minister – Martin McGuinness reappointed deputy First Minister

NEW DUP leader Arlene Foster was appointed First Minister at Stormont on Monday after the formal resignation of Peter Robinson. Sinn Féin MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said he is committed to working with the new First Minister for the benefit of everyone in society.

The deputy First Minister was also reappointed to his position and congratulated Arlene Foster on her new role.

He said that having a female First Minister is a step forward for politics.

Martin McGuinness told the Assembly that neither his republicanism nor Arlene Foster's unionism will be diminished by the pair working together.

He also told MLAs that unionism is not the enemy and added:

“The enemy is poverty, disadvantage, and unemployment.”

“I pledge a positive spirit, a constructive spirit and a good heart in working with Arlene,” he said.

Welcoming the election of a female First Minister as “a step forward for politics”, he said:

“I have been fortunate enough to work with excellent female ministers from my own party – Caitríona Ruane, Martina Anderson, Bairbre de Brún, Michelle Gildernew, Michelle O'Neill, Carál Ní Chuilín and Jennifer McCann – all of whom rose to the highest level of government because of their talent and ability.

“I am a strong advocate of having more women in political life and political leadership and the election of a female First Minister is another step forward and a good day for politics.”

Peter Robinson announced last November his intention to stand down as leader of the DUP and First Minister. He had been chosen to succeed Reverend Ian Paisley as leader in April 2008. He will not contest the Assembly elections in May.