Catherine Connolly Sworn In on Celebratory Occasion and Celebration

Catherine Connolly has pledged to transform Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the history of independence.

In her inauguration address, Connolly presented a leftwing alternative contrasting with the centre-right orthodoxy.

“Many assumed that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too far out – at odds with the dominant discourse,” she remarked, referencing her decisive election win.

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to categorise, to shut out and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a ceremonial occasion at the historic venue, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance environmental measures, tolerance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a powerful mandate to voice shared aspirations for a new republic, a republic true to its principles where each person matters and differences are celebrated, where eco-friendly policies are urgently implemented, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

The presidential race outcome shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the previous officeholder had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.

In a venue filled with officials, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, the president lamented “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—a potential source of friction with the government—she asserted: “Our experience of colonisation and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a lived understanding of dispossession, hunger, and war and a call for national leadership.”

Connolly also hailed the peace accord and referenced constitutional provisions that supports national unity with consent. One political party did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Switching to Irish, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to prioritise the language in the presidential office and residence. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the residence, it will have first place as a language of business.”

No country 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 quenched when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and meaning with every word.”

A 21-gun salute was fired as the head of state received the seal of office.