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Catherine Connolly has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by advocating for inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly outlined a progressive vision contrasting with the centre-right orthodoxy.

“We were led to believe that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too far out – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she stated, referencing her decisive election win.

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

On a day marked by pomp at the historic venue, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance 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 new republic, a republic true to its principles where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies 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, mobilised the youth, and trounced the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.

In a venue filled with officials, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, the president lamented “the acceptance of conflict 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 deep empathy of loss, famine, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with consent. One major group did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Switching to Irish, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the Áras, it will have first place as a language of business.”

No country can voice its aspirations if the native language spoken by ancestors was lost, she said. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or recognition. The national spirit were quenched when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with each phrase.”

A 21-gun salute was fired as the new president received the seal of office.