Mary Harney is to remain as leader of the Progressive Democrats.
The leadership contest expected in the autumn is now unlikely to take place.
The Minister for Health had indicated on a number of occasions that she intended to act only as a caretaker until a leader was elected, but came under pressure to remain for the medium term at least.
Michael McDowell stood down as the party's leader and retired from politics after losing his seat in the last general election.
Her position was confimed at a meeting of the PDs' seven-member parliamentary party last night.
