Catherine Connolly Sworn In on Celebratory Occasion and Festivities

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

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

“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the dominant discourse,” she remarked, pointing to her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not reflect people’s values and concerns. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to label, to exclude and to hinder independent thought.”

On a ceremonial occasion at Dublin Castle, the 68-year-old former barrister affirmed that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would promote climate action, tolerance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a renewed nation, a republic true to its principles where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are urgently implemented, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

Connolly’s election surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate brought together progressive factions, mobilised the youth, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the previous officeholder had stretched the constraints, turning it into a voice for causes—a tradition Connolly is expected to continue.

In a venue filled with officials, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, Connolly lamented “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Commending Ireland’s non-alignment—a potential source of friction with the government—she said: “Our history under foreign rule and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, famine, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and cited constitutional provisions that supports national unity with consent. One political party declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Speaking in Gaelic, she reaffirmed a pledge to prioritise the language in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the Áras, it will have primary status as a working language.”

No country can express its desires if the indigenous tongue used forebears was extinguished, she commented. “It has been put in second place without due honour or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with each phrase.”

A artillery tribute was sounded as the head of state received the seal of office.