DUP leader Arlene Foster says she would 'leave the country' if Ireland became united
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DUP leader Arlene Foster says she would 'leave the country' if Ireland became united

DUP leader Arlene Foster has said she might leave the country in the event of a united Ireland.

The revelation came as Foster spoke to Patrick Kielty on his documentary 'My Dad, the Peace Deal and Me', which aired on BBC One last night.

Patrick's dad Jack Kielty was murdered by loyalist paramilitaries in January 1988.

Three men were convicted in connection with the killing, but were later freed after the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998.

Over 500 prisoners were released following the agreement, which celebrates its 20th anniversary on April 10.

To mark the date, Patrick decided to use the documentary to speak with Mrs Foster - whose RUC-employed dad was also shot during the Troubles, but survived.

Kielty asked her: "If the majority did want to join the Republic of Ireland how would it feel to be a unionist, outside of the UK?"

She replied: "First of all I don't think it's going to happen. If it were to happen, I'm not sure that I would be able to continue to live here, I would feel so strongly about it.

Patrick's Kielty has been praised for his balanced approach in 'My Dad, the Peace Deal & Me' (Picture: BBC)

"I would probably have to move."

When Mr Kielty asked Ms Foster where she would move to, she replied: "Well that's the question. It's not going to happen so I don't have to worry about it anytime soon."

Paddy said he believed Brexit will make people more likely to vote for a united Ireland.

The Northern Irish comedian, 47, added that before the EU referendum he did not think there would be a united Ireland in his lifetime, but now "I think there is a chance".

Foster refused to vote in favour of the Good Friday Agreement back in 1998.

However, Kielty took the opposite approach despite it leading directly to the release of his dad's killers.

Mrs Foster also explained why she was not supportive of the Good Friday Agreement all those years ago.

"It was principally about the release of the prisoners, which to me was an anathema," she said.

"How can you allow people who have committed some of the most heinous crimes just walk free?"

Patrick said: "Even though my dad's killers were released as part of the process, I welcomed the deal as it promised an end to violence once and for all.

"I can’t forgive them for what they did.

"But whether or not these people are in jail, it isn’t going to bring my dad back."