Sinn Féin has "no intention" of collapsing the Stormont executive despite difficulties in working power-sharing with the DUP, Finance Minister John O'Dowd has said.
O'Dowd clarified Sinn Féin's stance following speculation they could be considering the move, after Conor Murphy said last month there was "a danger the wheels could come off" if the institutions are not reformed.
On Tuesday, he said it was an "open secret" other parties had concerns about "the behaviour of the DUP" and its impact on executive stability, but his party would continue "turning up every day".
DUP leader Gavin Robinson previously said if Sinn Féin was worried about the wheels coming off it "should tighten its nuts".
He added that his party was "interested in delivering" for people.
O'Dowd's latest comments were made following a visit to the Downe Hospital with Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, looking at the work of the Regional Cataract Day Procedure Centre.
'No imminent danger'
Speaking afterwards, Nesbitt said he did not believe there was "any imminent danger" of collapse of the executive and assembly.
He said managing a four-party coalition remained a "big challenge", but that since he had become minister in June 2024, he had been surprised by the level of collegiality he had witnessed from other ministers.
The next assembly election is due to take place next May.
Calls to meet Chancellor
The finance minister also repeated his call to meet the Chancellor in a bid to secure additional funding from Westminster which could pave the way for the executive to agree a budget.
Earlier this month, Stormont officials were given legal powers to spend up to 95% of last year's funding, as a deadline passed without a budget.
O'Dowd said a "fair and sustainable funding package" was required and that he would continue pressing the highest levels of government for a decision.
Nesbitt said it was apparent that new Prime Minister Andy Burnham did not have an "answer" yet, but added that Northern Ireland could be receiving an additional £3bn if it was funded in the same way as the Scottish government.
"What we're asking for is an open and honest discussion with Treasury and the government about the state of our finances because we believe there is a systemic flaw in the way we are funded."