"We don't ever talk about or discuss merger with Labour within the party."We're very much focused on our party; on growing our party, on our policies, getting our message across to people.
"That is really where our focus is - we don't ever have any discussions about any mergers or anything like that," she added.On the leadership contest, Deputy Whitmore said she is weighing up her options."At this point in time, I feel like I'm just trying to absorb it all [and] just think through all the pros and cons I suppose."I need to talk to my family and to my team - so there's been no decision on that yet".
Main image: Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore speaking to media on the plinth outside Leinster House, Dublin in September 2021. Picture by: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie