Ian Paisley jnr was unable to give public backing to DUP leader Peter Robinson yesterday.
The north antrim MP was questioned on speculation about his party leader's future on BBC radio.
asked if Mr Robinson continued to enjoy his support, Mr Paisley, pictured, insisted he would answer the question.
"as far as I know there is no vacancy in the leadership of the DUP and I don't think that has changed overnight," he said.
In recent weeks speculation about the DUP leader's future has intensified after it emerged that senior party figures put pressure on Mr Robinson ahead of last month's U-turn on support for a peace an reconciliation centre at the Maze-Long Kesh site.
However, Mr Robinson later said he would lead the party into the next three elections.
When contacted by The Irish News yesterday Mr Paisley was unable to take the call.