DUP leader turns down invitation to meet Pope

Arlene Foster, the leader of the DUP, has turned down an invitation from the Irish government to meet the Pope in Dublin next week.

In a statement, the DUP said: “Mrs Foster appreciates the invitation but regretfully will be away with her family at that time.”

There are no plans for any other member of the DUP to attend in Mrs Foster’s place.

The Pope will arrive in Dublin on Saturday Aug 25 for a two-day tour, the first papal visit to Ireland for almost 40 years.