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Baroness Arlene Foster
The Former First Minister of Northern Ireland, Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee is now a Broadcaster, Writer and Political Commentator. She presents The Briefing with Arlene Foster each Friday on GB News and currently writes a column for the Express. In 2017, Baroness Arlene Foster was named as the second most powerful woman in UK politics.
About Baroness Arlene Foster
Baroness Foster made her first appearance on BBC Newsnight aged 17, after her school bus was bombed by the IRA. Arlene has been involved in Northern Ireland politics since being a student at Queen’s University, Belfast.
A lawyer by profession, she was born in 1970 at the start of the Northern Ireland Troubles and grew up in County Fermanagh where she still lives with her husband and three children. Arlene has been to the forefront of advocating for more women in public life and has led by example in many ways, not least becoming the first female First Minister. Empowering more young women, and women from disadvantaged backgrounds to take part in public life is something she feels very strongly about. She has also highlighted the abuse many women in public life face from social media platforms and wants to continue to advocate on this issue when out of elected office.
Arlene was instrumental in establishing powersharing in Northern Ireland and served as Minister for the Environment when devolution returned to Northern Ireland in 2007. When Rev Dr Ian Paisley retired in 2008, she was appointed as Minister for the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment, a position she held until May 2015. During this period, she was instrumental in promoting Northern Ireland’s tourism industry, bringing major events like the MTV EMA awards, the Irish Open and Giro d’Italia to Northern Ireland and securing record levels of investment into the economy. In 2012 she spearheaded a yearlong campaign entitled ‘Our Time, Our Place’, which sought to change the narrative for Northern Ireland, marketing it as a great place to live, work, invest and holiday in. Seeing the gap in energy infrastructure in the west of NI, she drove the Gas to the West policy of bringing natural gas to homes and businesses in the area.
Arlene was appointed as Minister for Finance and Personnel in May 2015. She has worked as acting First Minister on two occasions, firstly for a period of three weeks in 2010 and then during the Autumn of 2015. After the General Election of June 2017, Arlene led her Party into a Confidence and Supply Agreement with the Conservative Party in order to secure stable government for the UK. The period between the election and the formation of a new Government has been described as one of the most significant constitutional periods in generations.
The C&S agreement brought extra funding to Northern Ireland to enhance road and broadband infrastructure and invest in Health and Education.
Arlene was initially appointed as First Minister of Northern Ireland on 11 January 2016 becoming both the youngest person to hold the post and Northern Ireland’s first female First Minister. Following the Assembly election of May 2016 Arlene was returned as First Minister.
Devolution collapsed in January 2017 and what followed was a series of political negotiations to revive the power sharing institutions. Finally in January 2020 the Assembly and Executive were re-established after the New Decade, New Approach agreement which Arlene was fundamental in bringing about. She was reappointed as First Minister on 11th January 2020 and served until her resignation on 14th June 2021.
To book Keynote Speaker Arlene Foster, contact The Speakers Agency on +44(0)1332 810481 or email enquiries@thespeakersagency.com
From Fermanagh to First Minister: A Life of Faith and Fortitude
A powerful and personal journey of growing up during the Troubles, choosing a life in public service, and breaking through political and personal barriers to become Northern Ireland’s First Minister.
Raising a Family Under Fire: Motherhood in the Public Eye
With honesty and grace, Arlene reflects on the joys and challenges of raising children while in the political spotlight. A warm and reassuring talk for anyone balancing family life with demanding roles.
Leading Like a Woman: Power, Perception, and Public Service
What does it mean to lead as a woman in politics? Arlene shares the highs, lows, and hard-won lessons of being the first woman at the top of Northern Ireland’s government, offering insights into confidence, communication, and standing your ground.
Friendship, Faith, and Feminine Strength
This uplifting talk explores the quieter forces that have helped sustain Arlene throughout her life: loyal friendships, deep faith, and the quiet strength found in the women around her—from her mother to political peers.
The Heart of the Countryside: Why Rural Matters More Than Ever
More than just farmland and fences—rural life holds the keys to community, sustainability, and connection. Arlene offers a passionate defence of countryside living and the unique challenges rural women and families face.
The Things We Don’t Talk About: Grace Under Pressure
From personal attacks to political betrayals, Arlene speaks candidly about staying composed under fire. With gentle encouragement, she opens up about the importance of dignity, mental resilience, and knowing when to walk away.
The Case for the Union: Unity in a Divided World
Why does the United Kingdom matter today? Arlene sets out a hopeful and principled case for the Union—not just as a political structure, but as a living connection between people, regions, and identities.
A Seat in the Lords, A Voice for the People
Now in the House of Lords, Arlene continues to speak up for real-world concerns—from rural inequality to educational access. This talk offers a look inside Westminster’s upper chamber and what it takes to make your voice heard.
Supper, Sanity, and the School Run: The Real-Life Side of Politics
It’s not all headlines and handshakes—this is politics behind the scenes. Arlene shares what life was really like juggling school runs, slow cookers, and high-stakes negotiations, often all in the same day.
The Women Who Made Me: Stories from Family, Faith and Fermanagh
A tribute to the quiet but powerful women who shaped Arlene’s values—this is a reflective talk about intergenerational wisdom, the strength of rural women, and the beauty of lives lived with quiet dignity.
Humble Beginnings to First Female First Minister of Northern Ireland
Arlene’s own story of coming from a rural country area and humble background to becoming the First female First Minister of Northern Ireland.
Being a Woman in a Man’s World
Arlene tells a story to inspire young women—especially—that no matter where you come from, you can achieve great things with determination, resilience, planning and organisation.
What is Irishness?
An exploration of the evolving concept of Irish identity and where it fits within the wider UK and global landscape.
Leadership in Challenging Circumstances
Arlene shares hard-won lessons about leading through political turmoil, divided communities, and constant scrutiny.
Getting to Yes When No is Very Popular
How to push forward positive change—even when faced with resistance—and bring people with you.
Being Positive When All Around You Are Not
Why optimism matters in leadership and life—and how to cultivate it when it’s hardest to find.
Resilience as a Leader – Why It Is a Necessity
A powerful look at the emotional and mental strength required to lead in the public eye, especially in divided or volatile times.
Getting to the Right Decision
How to navigate complexity, conflicting interests, and pressure in pursuit of sound, ethical leadership decisions.
Understanding Culture and Managing Change
A thoughtful approach to leading change by respecting identity, building trust, and finding common ground—even with opponents.
Social Media Abuse and the Real Harm That It Can Cause
From first-hand experience, Arlene shares the emotional toll of online hate and the serious impact on public figures, families, and vulnerable children.
Discovering the Real Ireland
As former Minister of Tourism, Arlene discusses how to spotlight hidden treasures and turn local gems into global destinations, through innovation and pride in heritage.
The Union and Why It Is Relevant to All Parts of the UK Today
A compelling defence of the UK Union post-Brexit, grounded in Arlene’s personal and political experience from the Troubles to the Lords.
What Is Our Future Energy Policy in Britain and the World
Arlene reflects on the urgent global need for secure, affordable, and renewable energy—and the political and economic costs involved in getting there.
