Co-operation Ireland, an all-island peace-building organisation, has announced former DUP leader Arlene Foster as a Director for the organisation.

The organisation works to build a shared and cohesive society by addressing legacy issues of The Troubles and facilitating contact and collaboration between people from different backgrounds across these islands.

The Chairman of Co-operation Ireland, Dr. Christopher Moran, said he was delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs. Foster, who will serve as a Director on a voluntary basis.

Following the announcement of her joining the Board, the former Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said: “I have long admired the work carried out by Co-operation Ireland and am delighted to be joining the Board.

"I strongly believe in engagement, discussion and debate, and look forward to working with the Chairman and my fellow Board members as we try and chart the way through challenging times.”

Dr. Moran added: “I have worked with Arlene on behalf of Co-operation Ireland throughout her time as a minister, and First Minister at Stormont.

"Arlene will be of great assistance to Co-operation Ireland in the resolution of issues that lie ahead in order to fulfil Co-operation Ireland’s mission, aims and objectives.”

First elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2003, Mrs. Foster served in the Executive as Minister of the Environment from 2007 to 2008, Minister for Enterprise and Investment from 2008 to 2015, and Minister for Finance and Personnel from 2015 to 2016. She then served as First Minister from 2016 to 2021.

In their statement announcing Mrs. Foster as a Director, Co-operation Ireland quoted her from June when she left office: “I have sought to lead the party and Northern Ireland away from division and towards a better path.

“There are people in Northern Ireland with a British identity, others are Irish, others are Northern Irish, others are a mixture of all three, and some are new and emerging. We must learn to be generous to each other, live together, and share this wonderful country.

“The future of Unionism and Northern Ireland will not be found in division, it will only be found in sharing this place we are all privileged to call home.”