Sir, – It should be the case that if, after a general election, no government can be formed within a given period of time, then the President should have the power to rule that the period allowed is exhausted and set a date, after consultation with the outgoing Oireachtas parties, as to the most convenient time for a fresh election.
We are in a situation in which events have totally eclipsed any relationship with previous political co-ordinates. A new mandate is required. – Yours, etc,
DAVID LYONS,
Dublin 8.