The failure of to pass yesterday's referendums was down to a 'rushed and confused campaign', the Social Democrats leader has said.
The constitutional questions on Care and the Family both look set to fail.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the Government “clearly got it wrong” following the projected failure of the Family referendum.
Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns, who also supported a 'Yes/Yes' vote, said the public were confused.
“The defeat of both the Family and Care referendums is the result of a rushed and confused campaign by the Government," she said.
"The Government delayed publishing the wording of both amendments; refused to accept opposition amendments; guillotined legislation in the Oireachtas; and, patronisingly, insisted on holding the referendums on International Women's Day".
Counting in the Family and Care Referendums at Dublin's RDS, 9-3-24. Image: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ieDeputy Cairns said overall it was a 'shambolic' campaign.
"The low voter turnout yesterday, and the resounding ‘No’ result, is due to the Government’s failure to properly engage with the public from the outset of this shambolic referendum campaign," she said.
"The electorate were confused by the wording of the family amendment - and the implications of it on things like succession rights - and unimpressed at the lack of ambition in the Care referendum.
"In recent days, a No vote on the care amendment was looking increasingly likely. in large part because of the Government’s appalling decision to reject wording overwhelmingly endorsed by the Citizens’ Assembly.
"Many carers and disabled people are tired of receiving nothing more than lip service from successive governments. This record of failure, and absence of trust, lies at the heart of this failed referendum," she added.
Deputy Cairns said an 'obvious next step' is for the Government to ratify the Optional Protocol on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald speaking to the media during the count of the Family and Care Referendums at Dublin's RDS, 9-3-24. Image: Newstalk/Andrew LowthSinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has described the results as a 'failure' by Government.
She said a Sinn Féin-led government would address the 'Women in the home' phrase in the Constitution but not in the way the current coalition has.
"Republican women have railed against sexist language in respect of women in the Constitution and it's something that I hope we will return to," she said.
"But let me state again: the referendums as put have failed, so I just want to reassure people that there will be no attempt on our part to re-run the same questions.
"I think it's a moment of reflection for the Government who went on a solo run on these matters; they failed to collaborate in any way and they also failed to convince the electorate," she added.
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