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Catherine Connolly has pledged to transform Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by advocating for diversity, the Irish language, and the history of independence.

In her inauguration address, the president presented a progressive vision contrasting with the mainstream political consensus.

“We were led to believe that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too far out – at odds with the dominant discourse,” she stated, pointing to her landslide victory.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became clear that the mainstream message did not represent 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 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, acceptance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a powerful mandate to voice shared aspirations for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued and differences are celebrated, where eco-friendly policies are urgently implemented, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

Connolly’s election shocked the political establishment. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and trounced the mainstream opponent by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice the new president will likely uphold.

In a ballroom packed with government figures, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, the president expressed regret over “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”

Commending Ireland’s non-alignment—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she said: “Our experience of colonisation and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a deep empathy of loss, hunger, and war and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

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

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

No nation can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was lost, she commented. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or recognition. The national spirit were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their mother tongue. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with every word.”

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