Catherine Connolly Takes Office on Celebratory Occasion and Festivities

Catherine Connolly has vowed 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, the president outlined a leftwing alternative diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.

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

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to marginalise, to categorise, to shut out and to hinder independent thought.”

On a ceremonial occasion at the historic venue, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would ensure “all voices” were heard 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 worthy of its name where each person matters and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

The presidential race outcome surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate brought together progressive factions, energised young voters, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by securing a substantial majority.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the outgoing president 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 distinguished guests, the president lamented “the acceptance of conflict and atrocities.”

Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—a possible point of disagreement 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 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 consent. One major group did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

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

No nation can express its desires if the indigenous tongue used forebears was extinguished, she said. “It has been relegated without due honour or recognition. The national spirit were quenched when they were made to stop using their mother tongue. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with every word.”

A artillery tribute was fired as the head of state was formally invested.