The SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, has repeated that he has not decided whether to stand in the presidential election. His primary focus remained the peace process and all-party talks which are due to begin at Stormont Castle in Belfast next month, he said.
On BBC Radio Ulster's Inside Politics on Saturday, Mr Hume insisted that he still had not made up his mind.
"I have stated my position already," he said. "I am aware of all the speculation. There has been plenty of speculation about it.
"I haven't given the matter detailed consideration nor have I discussed the matter with my party colleagues. I've nothing further to add to that."
Mr Hume denied telling the New York Times that although he had not reached a final decision he was tending towards running for the position. He stressed his continued commitment to the peace process.
"The whole question of the Northern talks, and of course of reaching an agreement, is still the most central issue in our politics.
"I'm quite hopeful that when the talks resume in September, all parties will concentrate their minds at last on reaching agreement and on achieving lasting stability, because that is what the vast majority of our people want," he said.