Northern Ireland's political parties were today urged to strike a devolution deal in a bid to halt a developing race hate threat.
Ethnic minorities have increasingly been targetted in the years since the peace process started and this weekend Lithuanians, Latvians and Poles were attacked in five separate incidents.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Prime Minister Tony Blair prepare for new talks in Belfast on restoring devolution on Thursday.
As Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern and Northern Ireland secretary Peter Hain met at Hillsborough today, ahead of the summit, they called on all sides to stand against the racists.
As well as warning of the consequences of not getting devolved government back into operation by this autumn, Mr (Dermot) Ahern said political accord was the best way to stop further attacks.
"If we don't make a fist of this by November 24, the issue of devolution will be off the agenda for some considerable time," he insisted.
"Also, racism and sectarianism, they are all endemic issues here in Northern Ireland. With due respect to Peter and the British ministers, it's a devolved government can really treat these issues on the ground on a day-to-day basis.
Mr Ahern's call came after two houses in Dunmurry, just outside Belfast where Lithuanians were staying, were attacked last night.
Earlier a Lithuanian man was assaulted in Castledawson, Co Derry, while an oil tanker outside the home of Polish people in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, was set on fire.
On Saturday a Latvian man suffered head and eye injuries after being beaten with baseball bats in Lisburn, Co Antrim. One man has been charged in connection with that attack.
Mr Hain today insisted police were doing everything possible to hunt down those responsible, but urged all sections of the community to stand united against the scourge.
"These people have come here to do work to move Northern Ireland forward," he said.
"Northern Ireland already has a bad reputation for religious sectarianism. We will not tolerate racism.
"I appeal to all local politicians, councillors, MLAs and the community themselves to make sure we work together to stamp out any of these nasty, poisonous racist attacks we have seen in recent days."