Catherine Connolly Sworn In on Day of Pomp and Festivities

Catherine Connolly has vowed to transform Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing diversity, the Gaelic tongue, and the history of independence.

In her inauguration address, the president outlined 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 stated, referencing her landslide victory.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to categorise, to shut out and to hinder independent thought.”

On a day marked by pomp at the historic venue, the 68-year-old former barrister affirmed that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would promote climate action, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name where each person matters and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

The presidential race outcome shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and defeated the mainstream opponent by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice the new president will likely uphold.

In a venue filled with officials, diplomats, and distinguished guests, Connolly expressed regret over “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”

Praising Ireland’s neutrality—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she said: “Our history under foreign rule and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a lived understanding of dispossession, famine, and war and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One political party declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Speaking in Gaelic, she repeated a commitment to elevate Irish in the presidential office and residence. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the residence, it will have primary status as a language of business.”

No country can express its desires if the native language used forebears was extinguished, she commented. “It has been put in second place without due honour or recognition. The national spirit were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with every word.”

A artillery tribute was fired as the new president was formally invested.