Minister Coveney told the Irish Farmers Journal he was not in favour same-sex marriage 10 years ago.

"I’m someone who has grown up in a very traditional family," he said. "If you asked me 10 years ago [if I support same-sex marriage], I would have said I’m supportive of same-sex unions in law but I would have had some issues around marriage.

"I’ve changed my mind, fundamentally, on that, and I think other people have too. I think Ireland is now ready to accept that the State should support lasting and loving relationships through marriage, and that should apply to all couples," he added.

The minister believes it's a "signal of intent" from the government to ask the Minister for Agriculture to steer the election.

"[I'll be] trying to reassure people in rural Ireland who have concerns about this referendum that, look, there’s nothing to fear here," he said. "Same-sex marriage is not a threat to traditional unions. As a country, we are ready from an equality point of view to make that change.

"I have a very strong view that the role of the state should be stabilising unions, whether it’s heterosexual or same-sex. You can’t lock people out of the privilege and recognition of marriage. It’s wrong, in my view."

The referendum will take place on Friday, May 22.