A former weekly newspaper journalist has replaced Arlene Foster in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Deborah Erskine, who worked on the Fermanagh Herald, has become the Democratic Unionist Party’s new Member of the Legislative Assembly for Fermanagh & South Tyrone.

Deborah, pictured, also worked in the DUP press office ahead of being elected as a member of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in May 2019.

She had previously been widely tipped for co-option to the former First Minister’s seat.

Deborah told the Impartial Reporter: “I am honoured to have been selected to serve the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone in the NI Assembly.

“Having served on Fermanagh and Omagh District Council since 2019, this is a tremendous opportunity to be a voice for everyone in Fermanagh and South Tyrone in the Assembly.

“I am following in the footsteps of someone who has been an exemplary public representative. Her dedication to Fermanagh and South Tyrone has been unstinting.

“I thank Arlene for her unwavering encouragement to me, and I know that will continue. I will build upon the good work she has carried out over so many years.”

Both Mrs Foster and DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson have welcomed her appointment.

Mrs Foster said: “I have worked with Deborah over many years and she will be an excellent representative in the Assembly.

“I will continue to support Deborah and the party in Fermanagh and South Tyrone in any way possible in the future.”

Sir Jeffrey added: “I am delighted that Deborah will be joining our Assembly team.

“As a local councillor, Deborah has already made a huge contribution to the community and she will bring a wealth of enthusiasm and experience to the party at Stormont during a crucial time for Northern Ireland.

“Deborah will be part of a DUP team that is focused on the immediate challenges brought to us by the Northern Ireland Protocol, but which is determined to build for Northern Ireland’s second century.”