Arlene Foster and Naomi Long in a bitter online row over Stormont’s power-sharing policies

Former DUP leader Arlene Foster and coalition leader Naomi Long in a bitter debate online about Stormont’s power-sharing policies.

The former prime minister accused Ms Long of “cruelty”, while the justice minister questioned Foster’s administration.

The pair had sharp talks on Twitter after Ms Long called for reforms to allow a voluntary coalition government to be formed if the DUP refused to enter the executive branch after the May elections.

Ms Foster said the coalition had tried “more than once” to change the rules during the collapse of the three-year revolution after Sinn Fein left the RHI controversy.

But Ms Long dismissed the claim, saying her party had “consistently advocated institutional reform”.

He said the coalition made proposals to take back Stormont during reform talks, but that both the DUP and Sinn Fein “were all behind us red lines”.

With a clear allusion to Ms Foster’s earlier comments about the renewable heat incentives controversy, Ms Long added, “Maybe you haven’t done all the references?”

Ms Foster responded and tweeted: “And maybe you show us from time to time how disgusting you really are. #Masks.”

As the debate continued, Ms Long asked the former DUP leader why she was sharing to share views via a “quote tweet” rather than just replying to an existing topic.

He added, “As a warrior against cyberbullying, you know this is a classic way to motivate the team. Do your best, Arleen.”

Mrs. Foster replied, “Seriously–now I’m pushing the heap. You better do it yourself, Naomi–try to practice what you preach.”

Ms Foster resigned as leader of the DUP and Prime Minister of Stormont last year after an internal uprising against her leadership.

In July last year, the former prime minister joined GB News as a regular contributor.