Piers Morgan in Twitter spat with Arlene Foster in row over 'collapse of UK'

The broadcaster had earlier claimed that Sinn Féin’s success in the local elections could contribute to the break-up of the UK, following the party’s overtaking of the DUP at the elections.

His claims led to Arlene Foster taking to Twitter to comment: “I have to say if people are going to comment on NI they should at least have the basics @piersmorgan. Unionism is still the largest designation and nationalism lost more seats.”

But the feisty broadcaster was not for backing down, replying to her comment with the quote: “You sound like Donald Trump”.

He added: “Here’s a basic fact: Sinn Féin won 27 seats to become the largest party in NI & will now be entitled to nominate a first minister - a first for a nationalist party. Hope that’s basic enough for you @ArleneFosterUK"

Earlier, Morgan had Tweeted: “I don’t think people fully understand the consequences of Sinn Fein’s success.”

He added that the public were “witnessing the impending and I think now inevitable collapse of the United Kingdom”.

Barrister and former DUP MP Emma Little-Pengelly also differed with Morgan on the social media platform, tweeting: “This is the kind of nonsense predicted. Sinn Fein had no seat change ( had 27, now on 27) DUP went into the election on 27 and only lost 2 seats. While Alliance gained, it was mainly consolidation of the middle ground (4 from SDLP, 1 from UUP and 2 from Green party).”