Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs & Border Region Development Brendan Smith has congratulated Arlene Foster on becoming First Minister of Northern Ireland.

Deputy Smith said, “I want to extend my congratulations to Arlene Foster on becoming First Minister of Northern Ireland. This is a proud day for her and her family, and I want to take this opportunity to wish her every success in her role.

“No doubt the road ahead will be challenging, and I along with the Fianna Fáil party offer our full support to the First Minister in her new role.

“It is imperative that the Good Friday Agreement is safeguarded and that peace and stability is secured in Northern Ireland. To this end, I would call on the newly elected First Minister to address outstanding issues such as the legacy of the past which was omitted from the ‘Fresh Start’ Agreement. For Northern Ireland to truly progress and move forward we need to put in place mechanisms that deal with the legacies of the past. We can no longer sidestep those seeking answers and justice. I hope that the First Minister will, as one of her first priorities in office, work towards a satisfactory outcome to this issue for all concerned”.

-Ends-