Fianna Fail has so much on its plate that it does not have time to contest elections in Northern Ireland, the Fine Gael leader Mr Enda Kenny said today.
As he took part in a series of meetings in Stormont with Northern Ireland politicians, Mr Kenny dismissed speculation that Fianna Fail may enter the political fray north of border or merge with the nationalist SDLP.
He said: "SDLP leader Mark Durkan referred during a meeting we held last night to an Eamonn de Valera cumann (branch of Fianna Fail supporters) which had been formed in his constituency but that is really about the greater picture of all-Ireland unity in its broadest sense.
"We made the point to him that Fine Gael has the youngest age structure of any party in the Dail now and there is an energy and willingness to involve ourselves in the Northern Ireland process for the benefit of everybody, taking into account people's consent and understanding.
"The conclusion of that discussion was that if Fianna Fail were to run candidates in Northern Ireland it would further shred the nationalist vote.
"However, I think Fianna Fail have probably enough on their plate dealing with Fine Gael in the south, never mind trying to take over the entire country."
Speculation that Fianna Fail may organise on a 32-county basis has refused to go away despite SDLP suggestions that the party could shred the nationalist vote if it contests elections.
Northern Ireland Policing Board member and SDLP activist Mr Tom Kelly argued in The Observerlast weekend that Fianna Fail would be the natural home for his party in the event of a political realignment throughout Ireland.
The Fine Gael delegation of five TDs and three Senators today met Ulster Unionist leader Mr David Trimble, Sinn Fein vice president Mr Pat Doherty and Northern Ireland Secretary Mr Paul Murphy at Stormont.
Their discussions focused on efforts to revive devolution.