Democratic Unionists in Northern Ireland become election key

May said Friday she looks forward to working with “our friends and allies” in the DUP.

“Our two parties have enjoyed a strong relationship over many years, and this gives me the confidence to believe that we will be able to work together in the interests of the whole United Kingdom,” May said.

DUP leader Arlene Foster confirmed that she had spoken to May and would be talking with the Conservatives about “how it may it be possible to bring stability to our nation at this time of great challenge.”

The DUP favours Brexit but wants to preserve its open border with the Republic of Ireland, an EU member even after Britain leaves the European Union.

The DUP is opposed to abortion rights and same-sex marriage.

Party leader Foster is expected to seek concessions in a new government. She has not yet made a public commitment to joining a formal coalition which could see DUP MPs having roles in the government. An informal alliance is also possible.

Foster said Friday it would be “difficult” for May to continue in her role. “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,” she said.

The Conservative Party has depended on Irish politicians before: Prime Minister John Major relied on support from the Ulster Unionist Party to shore up his shaky government in the mid-1990s.

Northern Ireland’s people voted in favour of remaining inside the European Union in last year’s referendum, going against the national trend in favour of Brexit.

Gregory Katz, The Associated Press

by Canadian Press

Democratic Unionists in Northern Ireland become election key

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