Who Is Arlene Foster? Age, Biography and Wiki
Arlene Foster was born on July 17, 1970, making her 55 years old in 2025. She is a prominent political figure in Northern Ireland, having served as First Minister from 2016 to 2017 and again from 2020 to 2021. Foster is a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and is recognized for her strong leadership and influence in Northern Irish politics.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 17, 1970 |
| Age | 55 Years |
| Birth Place | Enniskillen, Northern Ireland |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Ireland |
Popularity
Arlene Foster's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Arlene Foster stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) and weighs around 150 pounds (68 kg). Her body measurements have generally remained consistent throughout her political career, but specifics on her exact figures are less frequently highlighted in public forums.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Arlene Foster is happily married to her husband, Gareth Foster. The couple has been together for several years and has three children. Arlene has maintained a relatively private personal life, but her family often supports her during public events and political activities.
When she was aged nine, her family moved to live in the Castlebalfour Estate, a housing estate in nearby Lisnaskea, after an IRA attack on the family home at Dernawilt. She is a member of the Church of Ireland.
Her experience with the Troubles began early in her life when a night-time attempt was made to kill her father, a Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) reservist, who was shot and severely injured at their family farm; the family was forced to leave the Roslea area, moving to Lisnaskea instead.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Arlene Foster's estimated net worth is around $2 million. Her income is derived from her political career, which includes her salary as a First Minister and her subsequent roles in politics and consultancy. While the exact figures of her salary and earnings can fluctuate year by year, she is regarded as one of the more prominent figures in Northern Irish politics, which contributes to her financial standing.
Foster suggested in August 2024 that Members of Parliament (MPs) should be paid more, saying that while their £91,346 salary is very good, "it's not huge".
Career, Business and Investments
Arlene Foster's political career began with the Ulster Unionist Party before she transitioned to the DUP, where she gained significant prominence. Beyond her political career, Foster has also been involved in various business ventures, including consultative roles and public speaking engagements. Her expertise in governance, as well as her involvement in business-related discussions, showcases her versatility in both arenas.
Arlene Isobel Foster, Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee (née Kelly; born 17 July 1970), is a British broadcaster and politician from Northern Ireland who is serving as Chair of Intertrade UK since September 2024.
She previously served as First Minister of Northern Ireland from 2016 to 2017 and 2020 to 2021 and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) from 2015 to 2021. Foster was the first woman to hold either position.
She is a Member of the House of Lords, having previously been a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Fermanagh and South Tyrone from 2003 to 2021.
Social Network
Arlene Foster maintains a presence on various social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook. Her accounts are often utilized to communicate her political stances, engage with constituents, and share insights into her personal life. She has a considerable following, which reflects her influence and relevance in Northern Irish politics.
McGuinness resigned as deputy First Minister in January 2017 amid the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal, which involved a green energy scheme that Foster set up during her time as Minister for Enterprise and Investment.
The scheme was set to cost the taxpayer £490 million and there were allegations of corruption surrounding Foster's role in implementing the scheme.
McGuinness asked Foster to step aside as First Minister while her involvement in the scheme was investigated, but she refused to step aside or resign and said that the voices calling for her resignation were those of "misogynists and male chauvinists".
Under the terms of the Northern Ireland power-sharing agreement, the First and deputy First Ministers are equal and, therefore, Foster could not remain in her post as First Minister and was subsequently removed from office. McGuinness's resignation caused a 2017 snap assembly election to be held, in which the DUP lost 10 seats.
After no party received an outright majority in the 2017 general election, the DUP entered into an agreement with the Conservative Party to support Prime Minister Theresa May's government.
In January 2020, she became First Minister of Northern Ireland again after the executive was reinstated under the terms of the New Decade, New Approach agreement.
Education
Arlene Foster attended Queen's University Belfast, where she earned her degree in Law. Her educational background has played a crucial role in shaping her understanding of political systems and governance, contributing to her success as a leader in Northern Ireland.
In response to the 2024 United Kingdom riots in Northern Ireland, Foster rejected what she called the "labelling" of some white working-class people in Belfast "as Nazis".
