Arlene Foster

Northern Irish politician

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July 21, 2026

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Arlene Foster is a Northern Irish politician who served as the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) from 2015 to 2021. She also held the position of First Minister of Northern Ireland from January 2016 until June 2017, and again from January 2020 to June 2021. Foster's political career has been marked by her involvement in the complex power-sharing arrangements within Northern Ireland, particularly following the Good Friday Agreement.12

Her tenure as First Minister saw significant political developments, including navigating the challenges of Brexit and its implications for Northern Ireland's border with the Republic of Ireland. Foster's leadership also coincided with periods of political instability and negotiations aimed at restoring devolved government in Northern Ireland.1

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Democratic Unionist Party
History
His replacement, Arlene Foster, led the party to another victory in the May 2016 election for the Assembly, in which the DUP held on to all 38 of its seats. Foster remained first minister in another power-sharing government with Sinn Féin.
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His replacement, Arlene Foster, led the party to another victory in the May 2016 election for the Assembly, in which the DUP held on to all 38 of its seats. Foster remained first minister in another power-sharing government with Sinn Féin.
Read More

Northern Ireland
Power-sharing agreements and the establishment of a fragile peace
He was replaced by Arlene Foster, who led the party to victory in the May election for the Assembly, in which the DUP captured 38 seats while Sinn Féin took 28. McGuinness remained as deputy minister.
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He was replaced by Arlene Foster, who led the party to victory in the May election for the Assembly, in which the DUP captured 38 seats while Sinn Féin took 28. McGuinness remained as deputy minister.
Read More