There is no discussion within the Social Democrats about any potential merger with the Labour Party.
That’s according to the party’s climate spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore, who was speaking after co-leaders Catherine Murphy and Róisín Shortall said they were stepping down from their roles.
There have since been suggestions that a leadership change could see the Soc Dems move closer to Labour – but Deputy Whitmore told Newstalk Breakfast that is not under consideration.
"I do think it is over-simplistic," she said.
"We don't ever talk about or discuss [merging] with Labour within the party.
"It's not something that's part of our discussion.
"We're very much focused on our party; on growing our party, on our policies, getting our message across to people.
"That is really where our focus is - we don't ever have any discussions about any mergers or anything like that," she added.
'I haven't made my decision'
On the leadership contest, Deputy Whitmore said she is weighing up her options.
"It was big news for us as well within the party," he said.
"At this point in time, I feel like I'm just trying to absorb it all [and] just think through all the pros and cons I suppose.
"I haven't made my decision yet.
"I need to talk to my family and to my team - so there's been no decision on that yet".
Deputy Whitmore said she believes everyone is potentially in the running.
"I don't think anyone's ruled themselves out at this stage," she said.
"I think everyone is just taking the time.
"I know it was out of the blue for the media and for the general public yesterday - it was out of the blue for the party TDs really as well.
"I think we're all going to need to take that time and just digest it," she added.
Dublin Central TD Gary Gannon has ruled himself out of the Social Democrats leadership contest.
