Foster: No border poll in my lifetime

DUP leader Arlene Foster has claimed she does not expect to see a referendum on a united Ireland in her lifetime. The former First Minister dismissed renewed talk of a border poll, which has been driven largely by Sinn Fein. She told BBC Radio 4’s Today show: “I’m very confident about that. “One of the difficulties with Brexit is the fact people are superimposing Brexit on another issue, which of course in Scotland is independence and in Northern Ireland is a united Ireland. “There are many unionists who voted to remain within the European Union but if they were asked the question around staying in the United Kingdom or going into a united Ireland, they would very firmly say they wanted to stay in the United Kingdom. It won’t happen.” Ms Foster added the forthcoming Westminster elections were an opportunity to “send a very clear message” about Northern Ireland’s place in the UK, as she denied Brexit had fuelled republicanism. She also hinted that technology could ease the issue of a hard border with the Republic, citing the example of Norway and Sweden. Ms Foster added: “I’m not saying that we copy what goes on there, but I am saying there are already examples.” CAMPAIGNING Arlene Foster in Co Antrim yesterday