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Catherine Connolly has pledged to transform Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by advocating for inclusion, the Irish language, and the legacy of decolonisation.

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly outlined a progressive vision diverging from the mainstream political consensus.

“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, pointing to her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to label, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a ceremonial occasion at the historic venue, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would promote environmental measures, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a strong endorsement to voice shared aspirations for a renewed nation, a republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued and differences are celebrated, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

Connolly’s election surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and trounced the ruling party’s candidate by securing a substantial majority.

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

In a ballroom packed with government figures, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, the president lamented “the acceptance of conflict and atrocities.”

Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—a potential source of friction with the government—she said: “Our history under foreign rule and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a lived understanding of dispossession, famine, and war and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and referenced constitutional provisions that supports national unity with consent. One major group did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Switching to Irish, she reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the official home. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the residence, it will have primary status as a working language.”

No country can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she commented. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or recognition. The national spirit were quenched when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and meaning with every word.”

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