THE leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has said it is “too soon to say” what will happen after Prime Minister Theresa May's decision to hold a snap general election has backfired spectacularly.

As the June 8 poll ended in a hung parliament, with no party holding an absolute majority in the House of Commons, Mrs May pledged the Tories would offer "stability" as the largest party with the most votes.

The DUP, which increased its representation at Westminster from eight to 10, could potentially support her - but leader Arlene Foster said it was "too soon to say" what would happen and it will be "difficult" for the Prime Minister to continue in her role.

Any attempt by Mrs May to soldier on leading a minority administration would be made easier with the support of the DUP, and the assumption that Sinn Fein will not take up the seven seats it won.

But Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Ms Foster would not be drawn on any deal: "I certainly think that there will be contact made over the weekend but I think it is too soon to talk about what we're going to do."

Asked if she thought Mrs May would be able to stay in her job, the DUP leader told the BBC: "I don't know", adding: "I think it will be difficult for her to survive".

Talks between the DUP and the Conservatives have been taking place on a constant basis since the 2015 election delivered a small Tory majority but are expected to increase in intensity as a result of the hung parliament.

"Every day since 2015 there has been chat, and ultra chat since the referendum. And now I suppose there'll be hyper chat," a source said.

But there may be a reluctance for the DUP to engage in detailed negotiations with Mrs May if her position looks insecure.

As the votes were being counted last night, a senior DUP figure said that the party could be poised to exert significant influence at Westminster if a hung parliament was returned.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's comments came as Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams made clear there was "no danger whatsoever" of his party ditching its abstentionist policy, even if its seats become crucial in the final shake-down.

Mr Adams also said he could not see Prime Minister Theresa May surviving in her post.

The senior republican dismissed his rival's remarks.

"Jeffrey always plays up their role," he said.

He added: "There is no danger whatsoever of us taking our seats in the Westminster parliament."

He credited Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn with fighting a good campaign despite "media bias".

"I don't know how Theresa May can survive this - that's a matter for her party, of course," he said.