First Minister Michelle O'Neill has criticised the comments of DUP Leader Gavin Robinson regarding her role, as the dispute continues between the parties following events on the Garvaghy Road.
Speaking at Stormont on Thursday, Mr Robinson confirmed that Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly would not participate in joint ministerial engagements with Michelle O'Neill, and that permission would not be granted for the first minister to operate on a solo basis.
The DUP are taking this latest step following Sinn Féin's involvements in the protest blocking an Orange Order march from coming down the Garvaghy Road in Portadown.
Mr Robinson said that the officers of the DUP met on Thursday morning, and that their "plan was collectively agreed."
"The First Minister needs to be held accountable for her actions and for her recklessness," he continued.
"Joint activities within the Office of First and Deputy First Minister have ceased. There will be no permission granted for the first minister to operate on a solo basis either."
In a separate letter sent from Emma Little-Pengelly on Thursday, addressed to the First Minister Michelle O'Neill, the Head of the Civil Service Jayne Brady, and the Executive Office Permanent Secretary Moira Doherty, the Deputy First Minister said she "did not consider it appropriate" for Michelle O'Neill or her to travel to Glasgow and participate in an economic summit led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Mr Robinson also confirmed that the party blocked Michelle O'Neill from a meeting with Uachtarán na hÉireann Catherine Connolly three weeks ago.
The First Minister Michelle O'Neill described Mr Robinson's comments as "arrogant and supremacist."
"The DUP is consumed with their own internal leadership troubles and divisions. They are in turmoil," she continued.
"The days of domination and supremacy are over.
"The days of treating people like second class citizens are over.
"There will be no going back.
"Not now, and not ever.
"I, as First Minister, will be at the Assembly on Monday morning, along with Sinn Féin’s Ministers, to continue our work.
"We will keep showing up every day for people."
