DUP Leader Arlene Foster Outside of Stormont
"The DUP have had a massive success in this election, seating 7 MPs. Although that is down from our 8 after the 2010 election, I still feel we can consider it a success given our thorough victory in the popular vote. The DUP came out 8% ahead of Sinn Fein, and 24% ahead of the next largest Unionist Party, the UUP. One would think, with such a commanding vote lead, we would have a larger margin between the number of MPs, but that is simply the nature of the game now. I whole heartily congratulate the slate of newly elected DUP MPs: myself, Nigel Dodds, Ian Paisley, Jr., Jeffrey Donaldson, Pam Lewis, Gregory Campbell, and Norah Beare.
On the matter of forming a government, it clear that the support of the DUP and the Northern Irish Unionist parties will be crucial for Mrs. May as she begins the process of finding the votes to form a Government reflective of the results of this election. We are ready to talk and to listen, in hopes of establishing a government in Westminster that works for Northern Ireland and works for the whole of the United Kingdom. It is my intention to lend my assistance in any way possible to create a secure and stable Government."
