Best wishes extended to DUP MLA Edwin Poots across political spectrum

Social media this morning was inundated with messages to the 55-year-old who ‘wouldn’t have known about the cancer growth had it not been for the appendix’ operation before Christmas.

READ - Edwin Poots: I’m fighting cancer battle and I still have no date for surgery

Today First Minister Arlene Foster said she was reassured to see messages for Mr Poots from across the political spectrum,

She posted: “It is reassuring to see the lovely comments from across the political spectrum for Edwin.

“Cancer is indiscriminate & cruel. Has touched so many.

“I talked to Edwin after he received this diagnosis. He has great determination & is sustained by a loving wife, family & great faith.”

Last night Sinn Fein deputy leader Michelle O’Neill said: “Thinking of Edwin Poots and his family tonight as he has made public that he is going through a cancer journey. A tough time for any family. Every best wish

@edwinpootsmla”

TUV leader Jim Allister said: “Sorry to hear that Edwin Poots is battling cancer, a most indiscriminate and cruel disease. I pray he will make a full recovery and wish him and his family well.”

Fellow DUP MLA Peter Weir posted: “Best wishes to my friend and colleague Edwin Poots and his family as he begins his fight against cancer. Edwin is a fighter and the prognosis is hopeful. He will fight this with the clear determination he has always shown”.

UUP leader Steve Aiken posted: “Our best wishes for ⁦@edwinpootsmla from all at ⁦@uuponline and we wish him a swift recovery - a cancer diagnosis in never good news but Edwin is in our thoughts & prayers”.

UUP MLA Mike Nesbitt added: “Very sorry to hear Edwin Poots’ news and wishing him a full, speedy and successful procedure.”

Alliance leader Naomi Long said: “Very sorry to hear of @edwinpootsmla ‘s cancer diagnosis.

“My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this time and I wish him a full a speedy recovery.”

And Alliance MLA Paula Bradshsw posted: “Sending my very best wishes to Edwin Poots. A cancer diagnosis is devastating for anyone, and I hope he is able to start his treatment and get back on the road to recovery as soon as possible.”

Sorcha Eastwood added: “Thinking of my constituency colleague Edwin Poots as he bravely shares his story of his cancer battle. Thinking of him and the wider Poots family today who I know will rally round and give him support at what can only be an incredibly distressing time. Wishing him all the best.”

DUP MLA Paul Frew said: “Edwin Poots is not only a great political rep & an all round great guy he is also a great friend . He spends all of his time thinking about & assisting others, now he needs to take a wee bit of time to look after himself and his family as well as everyone else . God bless Edwin.”