A ‘Yes’ vote in today’s two referendums would result in a “solicitors’ paradise”, according to the Leader of Aontú, Peadar Tóibín TD.

Speaking at a press conference in Buswells Hotel, the Meath West TD said the proposal to add ‘durable relationships’ is “a solicitors’ paradise, virtue signalling amendment a million miles from the lived reality of people’s lives”.

Calling for a no vote he said the Constitution is the fundamental legal document of Ireland, detailing the core rights of citizens and defines the responsibilities of the State. “It is not the location for either definition free amendments with potentially huge consequences or empty meaningless virtue signalling by the government”.

On the ‘Care’ Referendum, Deputy Tóibín said it will create a ceiling of responsibility, from a “neo-liberal” Taoiseach.

“I actually suspect the care amendment was written by the Department of Finance to protect a liability for the state”.

In the proposed wording, he said the state is not obliged to care for the person: “all they have to do is strive to help the person”.

He called it “toxic” to the care of people with disabilities and urged people to vote against it.