Catherine Connolly Sworn In on Day of Pomp and Celebration

Catherine Connolly has pledged to reshape Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly outlined a leftwing alternative diverging from the mainstream political consensus.

“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, referencing her decisive election win.

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s values and concerns. Time and time again, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to other, 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 ensure “all voices” were heard and would promote climate action, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a strong endorsement to voice shared aspirations for a renewed nation, a republic worthy of its name where each person matters and differences are celebrated, where eco-friendly policies are urgently implemented, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

The presidential race outcome surprised traditional parties. The independent leftwing legislator brought together progressive factions, mobilised the youth, and trounced the mainstream opponent by securing a substantial majority.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the previous officeholder had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.

In a venue filled with officials, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, Connolly expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Commending Ireland’s non-alignment—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she asserted: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, famine, and war and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and cited constitutional provisions that espouses a united Ireland with agreement. One major group declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.

Switching to Irish, 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 residence, it will have first place as a language of business.”

No nation can voice its aspirations if the native language spoken by ancestors was lost, she commented. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or recognition. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were made to stop using their mother tongue. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with every word.”

A artillery tribute was fired as the head of state received the seal of office.