Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“I have no doubt this has been a very difficult day for Arlene Foster and that the speed of her dispatch will have added to the hurt. I therefore wish Mrs Foster and her family all the best for the future.
“I have known Arlene for many years, dating back to when we both practised law. In all my dealings with her I found her straightforward and honourable, whatever our political differences.
“Going forward, I trust the new DUP leader will be wholly committed to restoring the Union and undoing the severe damage done by the iniquitous Protocol. Only the unstitching of the Union-dismantling Protocol can restore our place within the United Kingdom and afford us the equal citizenship we require. This should be the priority of every unionist.”