Arlene Foster: There Is 'No Revolt' Within The Party

DUP leader Arlene Foster has said there is no revolt in her party after Sinn Féin surged in the election polls on Thursday, 02 March.

However, the DUP remains the largest party with 28 seats despite losing 10 seats in the election.

Mrs Foster is due to meet with her MLAs today, 07 March, and she wants to make a deal to affirm a new power-sharing Executive.

Sinn Féin is refusing to go into government with Mrs Foster as First Minister until the Renewable Heat Incentive inquiry has been completed.

Sinn Féin MLA Michelle O'Neill said political unionism must live up to the responsibility to share power.

She said: "We have been given a very strong mandate to enter negotiations and we must now make a difference.

"The people have had their say and the message is very clear. They don't want minorities or majorities – they want equality. They want agreements implemented. They want progressive change. 

"Political unionism must now live up to its responsibility to share power on the basis of equality, to demonstrate respect and to act with integrity in government."

The parties have three weeks to resolve their differences.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire met with all of the party leaders on Monday, 06 March, to discuss forming a power-sharing executive.

(CD/JP)