The former deputy leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, Lord Kilclooney, has insisted he has no interest in the leadership of the party and has said he will "withdraw further" from politics.
Lord Kilclooney, formerly Mr John Taylor, also said he does not want to be reappointed to the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
He issued a statement this afternoon dismissing speculation he was interested in taking the leadership from Mr David Trimble, who is facing pressure from within the party to step down.
"In recent speculation about the leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party my name has been mentioned even though I have made it clear that I have no interest in such a position. This should have been obvious as far back as 2001 when I stood down as MP for Strangford," he said.
"It is my intention to withdraw further from active politics and I have advised the party leader, David Trimble, that I do not wish to be considered for re-appointment to membership of the Northern Ireland
Policing Board nor do I wish to continue as a member of the UK delegation to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg when the delegation is appointed later this year."
The UUP's annual general meeting takes place on March 27th.