A controversy has erupted over the decision of the council of the Law Society, the solicitors’ representative body, to publicly support a Yes vote in Friday’s referendums.

One solicitor, Gareth Noble, a leading family and child law solicitor, has withdrawn from the society’s committee on family and child law because of the position taken by the council.

Another solicitor, Jennifer O’Riada told The Irish Times newspaper that the council’s stance was outside its remit and power.

Some other lawyers took to social media to complain the society’s 11,500 members were not consulted before the 39-member council issuing its statement.