Fianna Fáil called for an “honest and positive” campaign in the children’s rights referendum at the launch of the party’s drive for a Yes vote this morning.
Party leader Micheál Martin said it was the "first time since the Good Friday Agreement that all the political parties are asking people to vote Yes".
He welcomed the fact the November 10th referendum is being held on a Saturday, as students had been campaigning on this for a long time.
Fianna Fáil was focusing specifically on "the young vote" and he described the referendum and "back-up" legislation as "a very sensible approach to putting children first".
Fianna Fáil spokesman on Children Robert Troy TD said: "The Irish people do not lightly vote to change the Constitution, and we will be working in the days and weeks ahead to inform the public as to why we believe this change is right for our children and right for the country.
He added: "This is one of those rare times when the day-to-day politics can be put aside in support of a very important issue that is non-political, in my view.
"Fianna Fáil has already begun a series of meetings around the country to inform our members of the proposal being put before the people on November 10th and there will be more meetings held around the country in the weeks ahead."
The party's director of elections for the campaign, former minister of state Barry Andrews, said: "There is a strong base of support among Fianna Fáil members for the proposed constitutional change."
He added: "The Fianna Fáil party will be working to ensure that a positive and consistent message is brought to the public through our elected representatives and members."
