The environment minister has said he has no plans to lift a GM crops ban despite growing pressure from his executive colleagues.
The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) has written to Mark H Durkan calling for a review of last month's decision to ban the growing of genetically-modified crops across the north.
It is understood the letter has come with the office's joint authority, signed by both Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and acting First Minister Arlene Foster.
Ms Foster was the sole DUP minister to remain in office when her party introduced a resignation-renomination policy last month.
The finance minister said she was remaining in the executive to guard against the possibility of harmful decisions by "rogue" or "renegade" nationalist ministers.
Speaking to The Irish News last night, Mr Durkan said he did not envisage a "battle" with OFMDFM but insisted he would not be reversing his decision.
"I'll be going back to them and outlining the reasons behind my decision and explaining why I didn't feel it necessary to consult with my executive colleagues," he said.
"It's also important to note that the executive wasn't meeting at the time."
The SDLP minister also said of the eight crops earmarked for banning, none were suitable for growing in the north.
"While it's a controversial decision globally I don't think it has met with that much resistance here," he said.
A similar ban on GM crops is in place in Scotland, while Welsh authorities have adopted a "restrictive and precautionary approach to GM crop cultivation".
OFMDFM said last night it believed the environment minister's decision had "cross cutting" elements that under the ministerial code requires consultation with the executive, and had "advised Mr Durkan accordingly".
Earlier this year, Ms Foster launched a High Court bid to overturn Mr Durkan's approval of the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan, which placed restrictions on the development of Sprucefield shopping centre near Lisburn.
A judge has yet to make a decision on the judicial review.
