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Catherine Connolly has vowed to transform Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by advocating for diversity, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.

In her inauguration address, the president presented a leftwing alternative diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.

“We were led to believe that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the dominant discourse,” she remarked, pointing to her decisive election win.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s hopes and fears. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to marginalise, to categorise, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a ceremonial occasion at Dublin Castle, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance climate action, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate 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 swiftly enacted, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

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 securing a substantial majority.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the previous officeholder had expanded its influence, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice the new president will likely uphold.

In a ballroom packed with officials, diplomats, and distinguished guests, Connolly lamented “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Praising Ireland’s neutrality—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, famine, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord 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.

Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly repeated a commitment 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 primary status as a working language.”

No nation can express its desires if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she commented. “It has been put in second place without due honour or acknowledgement. The national spirit were quenched when they were made to stop using their mother tongue. It’s a language that expresses feelings and meaning with each phrase.”

A 21-gun salute was sounded as the new president was formally invested.