The DUP leader Arlene Foster met members of the Fermanagh GAA team this evening and wished them luck in their preparations for the Ulster county final against Donegal next weekend.

She brought with her a good luck card and signed it "from a proud Fermanagh woman to her neighbours".

She told RTÉ News that she has been saying to members of her own party and support base that it is important to reach out the hand of friendship to our neighbours and "that's what I am trying to do".

She was presented with a team jersey in the traditional green Fermanagh colours by members of the county board and she was photographed with the Fermanagh senior team manager, Rory Gallagher, and members of the county board.

In January 2012, in the company of the then Deputy First Minister, the late Martin McGuinness, Arlene Foster's predecessor as DUP leader, Peter Robinson, attended a McKenna Cup GAA final between Tyrone and Derry.

The gesture by the then First Minister was considered significant at the time.

Ms Foster's decision to meet Fermanagh GAA members, as the impasse in power-sharing continues, may also be considered a significant initiative.

Asked if she will be attending the Ulster final between Fermanagh and Donegal in Clones tomorrow week, she indicated a decision has not been made yet and she said "we will wait and see".

Her meeting with the Fermanagh county board officials and team members took place at the Lough Erne Resort Hotel this evening where a team gathering took place following a training session.

Fermanagh have never before won an Ulster title and their match against neighbouring county Donegal is generating great excitement in the county.