Foster brushes off leadership contest rumours

The DUP leader has played down suggestions her leadership is under threat.

It is reported that Arlene Foster's position is being called into question, as internal unrest brews within the party.

The Belfast News Letter has reported that several DUP constituency associations have written letters expressing concern at her decision to abstain on a recent Assembly vote on a motion calling for a ban on gay conversion therapy that did not incorporate a specific mention of protections for religious practices.

The paper also referred to internal discontent at Mrs Foster's handling of the Brexit process.

Mrs Foster was quizzed on the matter during a visit to a youth centre in Belfast on Tuesday afternoon.

"Stories on leadership come up from time to time, and it's one of those times,'' she said.

"So we'll just deal with it and move on because I've bigger things to do, including getting us through this Covid pandemic, including listening to the concerns of working-class communities.

"These stories come up from time to time. This is no different.

"I haven't received any letters from constituency associations so I'm not going to get into a running commentary on these issues, they come up from time to time. I think it's important to note that there is the big job of work to do. We have a year left of this mandate.

"It's important that we lift our eyes and continue the work of rolling out of the restrictions, deal with the Northern Ireland Protocol.''

In an official statement, the DUP said:

"The Democratic Unionist Party conducts its business in accordance with its constitution and rules.

"The Officers of the Party oversee the conduct and organisation of its internal democratic electoral processes.

"Whilst understanding that there will be from time-to-time public interest in party processes, these issues, in the first instance, are matters for members of the party and we are not able to make any further comment at this time."