Sir - Irish history, both North and South, provides sombre reminders of what can happen when democrats allow the centre to crumble. Northern Ireland's most damaging experience of political meltdown took place in the 1970s when Brian Faulkner and Gerry Fitt, historic contributors to partnership government, were betrayed in a cynical power struggle which ushered in decades of political chaos and public despair.
Now our community faces a rerun of history, with all its hosts to fortune. Peter Mandelson's doom-laden prediction of things to come, should direct rule be reimposed, is both frightening and accurate.
All involved should realise that a return to direct rule is neither necessary nor desirable, but we must have the vision and courage to seek and accept an interim alternative within the spirit of the peace accord.
Of course we are desperately short on political trust, but even at this late stage there is no real alternative to moving forward together on the most acceptable consensus available. Such an accommodation is available if only mainstream Unionists and mainstream Nationalists acknowledge their interdependence and give expression to it.
Surely the time has come for their respective communities to give David Trimble and Seamus Mallon the "go-ahead" to lead an interim government until the deep-rooted difficulties about the meaning of the peace accord are resolved.
Already the Trimble-Mallon partnership commands widespread support within our divided community. If built upon, their co-operation can create the confidence and trust for the wider political involvement which at this stage is a subject of debate, but not yet agreed upon. Equally, for those who do not participate in government at this stage of the debate, there is an honourable and vital role to play as a constructive opposition in the Assembly.
An inter-party coalition between unionists and nationalists to get us on our way! It may seem a lot to expect, but it is a price worth paying to retain devolved power for the people of Northern Ireland as we face a new millennium of opportunity together - Yours, etc.,
David Bleakley, Bangor, Co Down.