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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 history of independence.

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly presented a leftwing alternative diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.

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

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became clear 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 categorise, to shut out and to hinder independent thought.”

On a day marked by pomp at Dublin Castle, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would promote climate action, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken 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 swiftly enacted, 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, mobilised the youth, 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 practice the new president will likely uphold.

In a venue filled with officials, diplomats, and other dignitaries, the president lamented “the normalisation of war and atrocities.”

Commending Ireland’s neutrality—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she asserted: “Our experience of colonisation and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, famine, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and cited article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with agreement. One political party did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Switching to Irish, Connolly repeated a commitment 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 nation can express its desires if the native language used forebears was extinguished, she commented. “It has been relegated without due honour or recognition. The national spirit were quenched when they were prevented from speaking their mother tongue. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with each phrase.”

A artillery tribute was sounded as the new president received the seal of office.