Catherine Connolly Takes Office on Celebratory Occasion and Festivities
The newly inaugurated president has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by championing inclusion, the Irish language, and the history of independence.
During her swearing-in speech, the president outlined a leftwing alternative contrasting with the mainstream political consensus.
“We were led to believe that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she stated, pointing to her decisive election win.
“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to marginalise, to label, to shut out and to hinder independent thought.”
On a day marked by pomp at Dublin Castle, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would advance climate action, tolerance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.
“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a strong endorsement to voice shared aspirations for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name where each person matters and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”
Connolly’s election shocked the political establishment. The non-aligned progressive candidate brought together progressive factions, energised young voters, and trounced the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.
Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the outgoing president had expanded its influence, turning it into a voice for causes—a tradition the new president will likely uphold.
In a ballroom packed with officials, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, Connolly expressed regret over “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”
Commending Ireland’s neutrality—a potential source of friction with the government—she asserted: “Our history under foreign rule and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, hunger, and war and a call for national leadership.”
The president additionally praised the peace accord and cited constitutional provisions that supports national unity with consent. One major group declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.
Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the presidential office and residence. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the residence, it will have primary status as a language of business.”
No nation can express its desires if the native language used forebears was lost, she commented. “It has been relegated without due honour or recognition. The national spirit were dampened when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with each phrase.”
A artillery tribute was sounded as the new president received the seal of office.