Arlene Foster has dismissed as "complete nonsense" any suggestion she is attempting to avoid pre-election media scrutiny.
The DUP leader faced criticism last week when she declined to take press questions after launching her party's manifesto, citing "man flu".
None of her party colleagues stepped in to answer media queries on the DUP's policy positions.
"I have made myself available to each and every one of the media when they have asked to speak to me. It's complete nonsense to say we are trying to bypass the media," she said.
"I don't know where this comes from - it is a nonsense.
"I genuinely wasn't well last Monday. I had to go the doctor on Tuesday and I am still recovering from it.
"So it is an absolute nonsense to suggest I am bypassing the media.
"It's nonsense, rubbish.
"I have never hidden from the media and I am not going to start now."
