The newly inaugurated president has pledged to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by championing inclusion, the Irish language, and the legacy of decolonisation.
During her swearing-in speech, the president presented a leftwing alternative contrasting with the centre-right orthodoxy.
“Many assumed that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too far out – contrary to the dominant discourse,” she remarked, referencing her decisive election win.
“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to other, to categorise, to shut out and to stifle critical thinking.”
On a day marked by pomp at the historic venue, the experienced legal professional affirmed that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance climate action, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.
“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”
The presidential race outcome surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate brought together progressive factions, mobilised the youth, and defeated 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 platform for issues—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.
In a venue filled with officials, diplomats, and distinguished guests, the president lamented “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”
Praising 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 lived understanding of loss, hunger, and war and a call for national leadership.”
The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and cited article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with agreement. One major group declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.
Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly repeated a commitment to prioritise the language in the official home. “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 native language spoken by ancestors was lost, she said. “It has been relegated without due honour or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with every word.”
A artillery tribute was sounded as the head of state was formally invested.
