There appears to be little prospect of an immediate breakthrough in the stand-off between the SDLP and Justin McNulty after the party signalled that the dual roles of MLA and GAA county manager are incompatible.
In its first official statement on the matter since the Newry and Armagh MLA's appointment last month as Laois GAA football manager, the SDLP said being an assembly member is "obviously a full-time position".
Mr McNulty confirmed to The Irish News that he intends to continue in the manager's role, a position he previously held between 2010-2013, before being elected to Stormont.
Asked if he would be paid for the role, he said: "Like every other inter-county manager I abide by the rules of our association."
Any payment received from Laois GAA would have to be declared on the assembly's register of members’ interests.
The 48-year-old's appointment came as a shock to his colleagues in the SDLP. One party source said they hadn't seen the former All-Ireland-winning full-back at Stormont since his appointment was made public.
The statement from an SDLP spokesperson said the party met with Mr McNulty on Tuesday and congratulated him on his appointment.
It said the impact of his sporting commitments on his role as an MLA was also discussed.
Read more: Justin McNulty leaves SDLP assembly team 'deeply frustrated', says party source
"The SDLP has been clear that the role of an MLA is obviously a full-time position – and even more so when the assembly is sitting, legislation is being considered and politicians will be required to be available for late-night sittings to deal with the multiple crises facing public services," the statement said.
"This is the unanimous view of the SDLP parliamentary group."
In response, Mr McNulty said: "I am humbled and thankful to have been elected to serve, to stand up for, and to represent all the people of Newry and Armagh.
"I have done that from day one and I am determined to continue doing so. I remain steadfast in that position."