Peter Robinson has said Sinn Féin's weekend threat, to pull out of the Executive in the absence of progress on devolving policing powers, has endangered the process.
The DUP leader and NI First Minister said DUP movement on such issues would not be hastened by the issuing of threats.
He returned from holidays yesterday to find a new row between his party and Sinn Féin over plans to devolve policing and justice powers.
Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin had warned the party would pull its ministers out of the Executive if the issue was not resolved.
Mr Robinson said in the absence of any statement of correction by Sinn Féin he had to assume this was the party's official position. But he said he would be pleased if it proved otherwise.
He said it was not the DUP which was blocking executive business.
He said there would be serious consequences for the good government of Northern Ireland if the next meeting of the Executive, which is scheduled for 18 September, was not to take place.
