🔗 Share this article

The newly inaugurated president has vowed to transform Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by championing diversity, the Gaelic tongue, and the history of independence.

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly outlined a leftwing alternative contrasting with the centre-right orthodoxy.

“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – at odds with the dominant discourse,” she stated, referencing her decisive election win.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s values and concerns. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to label, to shut out and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a day marked by pomp at Dublin Castle, 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 Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a strong endorsement to articulate their vision for a renewed nation, a republic true to its principles where everyone is valued and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

Connolly’s election 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 role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had expanded its influence, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.

In a ballroom packed with officials, diplomats, and distinguished guests, the president expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and atrocities.”

Praising Ireland’s neutrality—a potential source of friction with the government—she asserted: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, hunger, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”

Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One major group did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly repeated a commitment to elevate Irish 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 native language used forebears was extinguished, she said. “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 sentiment with every word.”

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