“RIGHT, you can ask – again,” said Arlene Foster moments after stepping off the stage at the Democratic Unionist Party Conference to rapturous applause and a standing ovation.

The question she was expecting, again, was whether or not she will take over from outgoing First Minister Peter Robinson as predicted by some senior party sources when he leaves front line politics in a few weeks.

“That's not a matter for me, it's a matter for the new leader and indeed his party officer team, of which I am one,” Mrs. Foster told The Impartial Reporter at the La Mon Hotel in Castlereagh. “That's not what today is about as you well know. We are not getting into who is going where in the months ahead.”

While she would not give anything away it was evident from the party faithful, not to mention the reception she received when she took to the stage to set out her vision, that she is seen as Mr. Robinson's natural successor.

“We must build a strong and positive Northern Ireland for all our citizens. I urge you to renew your determination, to believe in our vision and to look forward with confidence believing that together with humility and hard work we will prevail,” said Mrs. Foster in a speech that some delegates said was from a leader-in-waiting.

Mr. Robinson, who made his final conference speech as leader, told this newspaper: “You were able to see how warmly the conference greeted Arlene and whatever happens in the next number of weeks there is a role for Arlene in the party.”

Maurice Morrow, Mrs. Foster's Fermanagh-south Tyrone Assembly colleague, would not get drawn on “speculation.”

“There will be a lot of speculation who will be the new first minister and leader. Let me say this, you never speculate on speculation and at the moment there is only speculation to speculate on,” he said.

Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey said: “I have no doubt if that is the choice that is made she will be a first class first minister. She is someone I hold in the highest regard and I think Fermanagh should be rightly proud of her.”

Nigel Dodds, who was educated at Portora Royal School in Enniskillen, has been tipped as the next DUP leader. Asked if he would like to lead the party, Mr. Dodds said: “I think those questions are for another day.”