Arlene Foster had a chance to welcome the army’s help with Covid but perhaps deferring to Sinn Fein she did not do so

The first minister was asked at a Stormont press briefing on Thursday whether military personnel had already been deployed or would have any role in Northern Ireland’s fight against Covid-19.

In typical DUP fence-sitting mode, Arlene Foster took at least two minutes to deliver a response without saying anything by way of an answer to the question — no doubt for fear of offending her deputy standing beside her.

Michelle O’Neill had already made clear at start of lockdown that help from the army is not an option.

Sinn Fein is again seen to put their republican agenda before even the economy or lives.

How sad to see the first minister throw away the opportunity to welcome the availability of troops should they be needed.

Pauline Gray, Bangor

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