First Minister Arlene Foster has said the Irish Government is talking down Northern Ireland’s economy and attempting to poach jobs.

The DUP leader was speaking as she addressed the party’s annual conference in Belfast on Saturday.

Ms Foster said Brexit represents “the biggest economic opportunity for this country in decades” and added that the benefits of being in the UK are more important than being in the EU.

She said relations with the Dublin administration are “probably as good as they have ever been” and work will continue when it is Northern Ireland’s best interests.

“However, the reality is that political instability in Dublin, and fears for their own future, are driving their decision-making at present as much as any concern about NI,” the DUP leader continued.

“And while they seek to take the views of people of Northern Ireland on the issue of Brexit at home, their representatives are sent out around the world to talk down our economy and to attempt to poach our investors.

It is clear conference that the one place that a hard border does exist is in the mind of the Irish Government. First Minister Arlene Foster

“Well, I don’t believe in a hard border and am happy to welcome shoppers looking for a bargain from across the border anytime they want to come!”

Ms Foster said she was proud of the role the DUP played in backing Brexit and praised the party’s performance in the last Assembly election.

She also used the speech to attack the opposition parties, after SDLP leader Colum Eastwood took to the stage at the recent UUP conference.

Arlene Foster said: “But poor old Mike and Colum - they're Steptoe and Son. And for younger people here, Steptoe and Son were a very odd couple.

“Actually, the similarities are amazing. One was an older, bitter man. The other was a frustrated, younger man. They had to live together, but they never got on.

“And they made a living selling junk to the public.”

The speech was Arlene Foster’s first conference address since taking over from Peter Robinson as leader of the DUP and it was met with applause from party members.