Speaking in Parliament earlier on Monday, Ms MacTiernan said politicians had been ''far too timid'' on the delicate issue, despite polls showing strong public support for change to allow people to be legally assisted to die.

She called on supporters of change to make their views known to politicians so Parliament could resolve the issue ''once and for all''.

''We just need more of the population to get out there and say 'this is an issue that really speaks to us and we want you to act on it, we want you to give us that choice','' Ms MacTiernan.

''We should have a choice in those final stages of our lives as to whether we die with dignity or we are required to continue to suffer in pain and agony.''

Senator Di Natale, a medical doctor, has drafted a bill that would allow a terminally ill person to access drugs to end their life.