Arlene Foster
FORMER leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Arlene Foster has been made a Dame.
Foster was the Northern Ireland Legislative Assembly member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone from 2003 until 2021.
She was the first minister of Northern Ireland from January 2016 until January 2017, during which she faced calls to resign over the Renewable Heat Incentive Scandal.
In protest, deputy first minister Martin McGuinness resigned, forcing Foster out of office and collapsing the Northern Ireland Executive.
The executive was not reformed until 2020, when Foster again assumed the first minister role.
During Foster’s spell as leader, the DUP entered into a confidence and supply agreement with Theresa May’s minority Conservative government following the 2017 General Election.
She resigned as leader in April 2021 following an internal party revolt.
Foster resigned from the Northern Ireland Assembly in October 2021 and is now a presenter for GB News.
Her damehood has been awarded “for political and public service.”
Mervyn Gibson
An MBE has been awarded to the controversial Orange Order’s Grand Secretary Meryvn Gibson.
The ex-Royal Ulster Constabulary Special Branch officer is a prominent figure in the Unionist movement in Northern Ireland.
He worked in the police for nearly 20 years before becoming a reverend.
His honour has been awarded “for services to the community in Northern Ireland.”
Maria Miller
The Tory MP for Basingstoke Maria Miller has been awarded a DBE.
Miller was culture secretary and minister for women and equalities from 2012 to 2014 under David Cameron.
She resigned from these roles following an expenses scandal and press criticism of her apology.
Her award was “for parliamentary and public service.”
Euan Blair
Son of former prime minister Tony Blair, Euan Blair is now the millionaire owner of Multiverse.
Multiverse is a tech start-up that connects school leavers with apprenticeships and on the job training at companies.
He has been awarded an MBE for “services to education.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel