Arlene Foster: "We will enter discussions with the Conservatives."

Speaking at a press conference on Friday afternoon the former Stormont first minister said the DUP will strive for the best deal for Northern Ireland.

Mrs Foster who led her party to 10 seats in the Westminster election, said she had already made contact with Theresa May.

"The Prime Minister has spoken with me this morning and we will enter discussions with the Conservatives to explore how it may be possible to bring stability to our nation at this time of great challenge,'' she said.

10 MPs won seats putting the party in the position of being kingmakers at Westminster, in the face of a hung Parliament.

Ms Foster described the party best ever election result as "truly historic.''

"Yesterday also represented a great result for the Union. Not just here in Northern Ireland but right across our United Kingdom,'' she said.

"Those who want to tear apart the Union that we cherish and benefit from so hugely have been sent a clear and resounding message.''

"In the days and weeks ahead, it is that Union that will be to the forefront of our minds. The Union is our ''guiding star."

"We may represent Northern Ireland constituencies in the House of Commons but we are as seized of the interests of the Kingdom as a whole as we are for our small province.

"I make no apology for saying that the DUP will always strive for the best deal for Northern Ireland and its people. But equally, we want the best for all of the United Kingdom.''

Ms Foster described the uncertainty facing the UK, following the recent terror attacks, the close run election and Brexit negotiations on the horizon.

She added: "Our United Kingdom - and indeed our very way of life - are under threat from extremists.''