Politicians across the political spectrum in the North have condemned reports of increased dissident republican activity ahead of the deadline set for agreement on a return to devolved government.
Gardaí are investigating the possibility of a Real IRA link to bomb plot aimed at disrupting the Northern peace process following the discovery of a device and explosives in Kilbranish, Mount Leinster in Co Carlow on Friday night.
The SDLP's Alasdair McDonnell said: "It is fairly clear to most of us (that) both IRA dissidents, Real IRA or continuity, are determined to create as much havoc as possible in the run up to the 24th of November and in the run up to Christmas.
"It is unfortunate these crazy people feel, somehow, in their warped minds they are furthering the interests of the Irish people by creating havoc and disruption. "We have had enough havoc over the last 40 years to last forever. What we have got to do now is move on politically and economically.
A Sinn Féin spokeswoman said their party's position remained the same. "Our position is clear that people behind any activity such as this should stop and stop immediately," she said.
Danny Kennedy, assembly deputy leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, said: "The find in itself is very welcome and obviously anything that will prevent serious harm to property or any risk to lives in Northern Ireland is to be welcomed.
"It points to a level of threat which appears to be increasing either from the Real IRA or the Continuity IRA." He said the trouble from dissidents appears to be gathering some kind of momentum.
"It is very important gardai and the PSNI are on alert in the run up to 24th of November and the Christmas period," he added. Gardai called the Army bomb disposal unit to the scene on Friday night and members of the Army EOD team made the devices safe at first light yesterday morning.
The device consisted of a hollowed out gas cylinder, with improvised explosives. A spokesman said the device was primed for detonation and was "ready to use in the near future."
Fears have been raised over the past week of a developing campaign by dissident republicans who have been responsible for a series of incendiary bomb attacks on DIY stores across the North.