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 diversity, the Gaelic tongue, and the history of independence.

During her swearing-in speech, the president outlined a leftwing alternative contrasting with the mainstream political consensus.

“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she stated, pointing to her decisive election win.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s values and concerns. Time and time again, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to other, to label, to exclude and to hinder independent thought.”

On a ceremonial occasion at Dublin Castle, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would advance environmental measures, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a renewed nation, a republic worthy of its name where each person matters and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

The presidential race outcome shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and defeated the mainstream opponent by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the outgoing president had expanded its influence, turning it into a voice for causes—a tradition Connolly is expected to continue.

In a venue filled with government figures, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, the president lamented “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she said: “Our history under foreign rule and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a lived understanding of loss, hunger, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”

Connolly also hailed the peace accord and referenced constitutional provisions that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One political party declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly repeated a commitment to prioritise the language in the presidential office and residence. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the residence, it will have first place as a working language.”

No nation can express its desires if the native language spoken by ancestors was lost, she said. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or acknowledgement. The national spirit were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with every word.”

A artillery tribute was sounded as the new president was formally invested.