Catherine Connolly Sworn In on Day of Pomp and Festivities

The newly inaugurated president has pledged to reshape Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.

In her inauguration address, Connolly outlined a progressive vision diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.

“Many assumed that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the dominant discourse,” she stated, pointing to her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s hopes and fears. Time and time again, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to other, to label, to shut out and to hinder independent thought.”

On a day marked by pomp at the historic venue, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would promote environmental measures, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a strong endorsement to articulate their vision for a new republic, a republic true to its principles where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

Connolly’s election shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and trounced the mainstream opponent by securing a substantial majority.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the previous officeholder had expanded its influence, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice the new president will likely uphold.

In a venue filled with officials, diplomats, and other dignitaries, Connolly expressed regret over “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”

Praising Ireland’s neutrality—a potential source of friction with the government—she asserted: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a lived understanding of loss, hunger, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”

Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and cited constitutional provisions that espouses a united Ireland with agreement. One political party did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Switching to Irish, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the Áras, it will have primary status as a language of business.”

No nation can express its desires if the native language spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she commented. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or recognition. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with each phrase.”

A 21-gun salute was sounded as the new president was formally invested.