The German government has ruled out legalising same-sex marriage after pressure from opposition parties in light of Ireland’s law change.

German Greens/Alliance 90 leader Katrin Göring-Eckardt called on Ms Merkel’s Christian Democrat-led government to follow Ireland, telling Die Welt: “It’s time … this is a great signal from Ireland.”

But a spokesperson for Ms Merkel told the Reuters news agency that it was not a goal of the government to bring in marriage equality.

“Today was an important milestone in dismantling discrimination and the chancellor is pleased about that… but same-sex marriages are not a goal of this government.

Same-sex marriage enjoys overwhelming support in Germany, which was one of the first countries to bring in civil partnerships in 2001.

Despite polls showing 75 per cent of voters supporting the policy Germany is one of the last countries in Western Europe not to pass a law on the subject, with only Switzerland, Austria and Northern Ireland in the same boat.

Eastern Europe is far more hostile to marriage equality with countries such as Poland and Ukraine having enacted constitutional bans on equal marriage.

Irish gay marriage vote results: In pictures Show all 11 1 /11 Irish gay marriage vote results: In pictures Irish gay marriage vote results: In pictures Drag queen Panti Bless and crowd celebrate a Yes victory Drag artist and Yes activist Panti Bliss joins supporters to celebrate in front of Dublin Castle Getty Images Irish gay marriage vote results: In pictures The celebrations started last night in Dublin and continued all day A couple celebrating in Dublin EPA Irish gay marriage vote results: In pictures A woman heading to the polling station yesterday Woman walks past a mural of two rainbow coloured hearts on polling day. Polling stations in the 43 constituencies across country opened their doors yesterday to vote on legalising same sex marriage EPA Irish gay marriage vote results: In pictures A 'Yes to Equality' badge A pro-gay marriage badge on a voter's lapel in gaelic meaning "Yes to Equality" seen in Dublin on polling day. EPA Irish gay marriage vote results: In pictures A cafe in Dublin lending its support to the cause Many businesses in Ireland have got involved in the campaign, declaring their support for both the Yes and No campaigns EPA Irish gay marriage vote results: In pictures Two campaign posters side by side posters on a Dublin street Both sides have campaigned fiercely saying they are fighting for social freedom EPA Irish gay marriage vote results: In pictures Newly married couple share their support for a Yes vote Newly married Anna and Vincent Fox share a kiss as they mark their support for a Yes vote in Dublin on polling day Getty Images Irish gay marriage vote results: In pictures 50 foot mural on the wall of Caherkinmonwee Castle in Galway to celebrate gay marriage A 50 foot referendum mural created by artist Joe Caslin to promote a Yes vote Getty Images Irish gay marriage vote results: In pictures Supporters celebrate an expected Yes vote Supporters in favour of same-sex marriage pose for a photograph as thousands gather in Dublin Castle Getty Irish gay marriage vote results: In pictures Couple waiting for the result in Dublin Castle Erin Reddy (left) and Dee Campell awaiting the result at Central Count Centre in Dublin Castle PA Irish gay marriage vote results: In pictures A gay marriage activist kisses her rosary beads in celebration A gay marriage supporter kisses her rosary beads at the Central Count Centre at Dublin Castle PA

Angela Merkel’s CDU/CSU party has dominated German federal politics since 2005 when Ms Merkel was swept to power.

Her party is the only major party in Germany to oppose the policy and does so because of opposition from conservative figures and activists in its ranks.

The centre-right CDU are currently governing Germany as a grand coalition government with the centre-left SPD.

SPD justice minister Heiko Maas expressed disappointment at his own government’s move, telling Reuters that “unfortunately [extending same-sex marriage] wasn't possible with the conservatives."