The Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid has urged unionists not to alienating nationalists by collapsing the devolved institutions.
Speaking at the British Labour Party's conference in Blackpool, Dr Reid said: "They [nationalists] need to know that you are really committed to power-sharing, and that every time it is established, genuine concerns about paramilitary activity are not simply an excuse to raise the bar once again".
Dr Reid was referring to the Ulster Unionist Party leader Mr David Trimble's New Year deadline for disbanding the IRA. Mr Trimble has threatened to quit the Government if in protest if this does not take place.
Dr Reid also urged republicans to abandon violence forever in an attempt to reassure doubting unionists in the North.
With claims the IRA has been involved in shootings and beatings, Dr Reid told Sinn Féin it was time to pledge their commitment to convince the sceptics.
The IRA has been accused of shooting a bus driver in Derry because he was related to a man who was in dispute with the organisation.
He said: "You cannot continue to ride two horses at once. Especially if the two horses are as far apart as violence and democracy".
But Dr Reid accepted the republican leadership was committed to achieving a united Ireland through democratic means.
the Northern Secretary vowed to tacklethe bombing and shooting campaigns on both sides. He declared: "We will oppose that twisted logic with the full might of the security forces and with every power available to us".
PA