The First Minister has hit back at Martin McGuinness after the deputy First Minister claimed in a press conference that the two leaders had been unable to develop a proper working relationship.
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"It is regrettable that the deputy First Minister continues to publicly make intemperate personal remarks about me", Peter Robinson said in a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday night.
Mr Robinson also asked Mr McGuinness to "try and control himself especially when in public."
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The political row erupted after talks due to take place at Downing Street over the devolution of policing and justice were cancelled.
"I am surprised that he believes such attacks are likely to help us resolve the issues that we presently face," Mr Robinson said.
"I am not going to play his game by responding in kind. I will not allow the press to characterise his behaviour as a row between us. It requires both parties to be making nasty and provocative remarks to make it a row. This once again is a one-sided nasty attack."
Earlier, Martin McGuinness said opportunities were put forward to both the DUP and Sinn Fein by Prime Minister Gordon Brown to meet and discuss a suitable financial package for the transfer of powers.
Mr McGuinness blamed the DUP for the talks' collapse, claiming they had made no effort to accommodate dates offered to both parties.
"All of this comes against the backdrop of what I consider very negative contributions made by senior members of the DUP - including the scandalous argument put forward by Peter Robinson, in the aftermath of his holiday in Florida, that we should effectively dump the St Andrews Agreement out the window", Mr McGuinness said.
"Something that isn't going to happen."
The DUP needs to get real, the deputy First Minister added.
'Annoyance'
The fallout stands in stark contrast to the partnership developed between Mr McGuinness and Peter Robinson's predecessor, Ian Paisley Senior.
'I'm someone who has made huge efforts with Ian Paisley and with Peter Robinson to build a good personal relationship", Mr McGuinness said on Wednesday.
"I think I've managed that with both, unfortunately I have to record my annoyance at the fact I haven't been able to develop a close working relationship with Peter Robinson and I can assure you that it is no deficiency or lack of effort on my part.''
Speaking about the current level of stability in Stormont, Martin McGuinness added: "I think this place is experiencing real difficulties at this time ... What we need to do is try to ensure we move forward together, thus far we are not moving forward together."
He said the First Minister needed to stop looking over his shoulder at Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister, who opposes power-sharing with Sinn Fein, and to face down "rejectionists" within unionism.
Peter Robinson said there were differences between the estimates of the Treasury and local criminal justice agencies over future budgets.
He added that there was no point in meeting with Gordon Brown in Downing Street while these differences have not been resolved.
"For my own part I will continue to work steadily and with resolve for all the people of Northern Ireland and I will not be pushed or bullied by anyone," Mr Robinson added.
Alliance Party leader David Ford said the First and deputy First Ministers needed to maintain a working relationship.
"People don't want more rows at the heart of government. They want to see an Executive that delivers," he said.
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