Speaking at the launch of the party’s campaign for a Yes-Yes vote Ms McDonald said the government had acted in haste and failed to consult properly or adopt the work that had been done by the Citizens’ Assembly.

She said that she had spoken to carers who were supportive but also those who viewed the referendum on care as mere “lip service”.

“On the one hand, it represents a step forward, but on the other hand, it’s not the comprehensive, copper-fastened recognition of care, vindicating the rights of caring, carers, inside the home and beyond.”

“Should this fail, the question we would put would be the wording as per the Citizens’ Assembly.”

The Dublin Central TD said it would be her ambition to do so early in the term of any government Sinn Féin took part in.