Catherine Connolly Takes Office on Celebratory Occasion and Festivities
The newly inaugurated president has vowed to transform Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by championing diversity, the Irish language, and the legacy of decolonisation.
In her inauguration address, the president presented a leftwing alternative diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.
“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, pointing to her landslide victory.
“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to other, to label, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”
On a day marked by pomp at Dublin Castle, the experienced legal professional affirmed that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance climate action, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.
“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a renewed nation, a republic worthy of its name where each person matters and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”
The presidential race outcome shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator brought together progressive factions, mobilised the youth, and defeated the mainstream opponent by winning 64% of the vote.
Though the role is primarily symbolic, the previous officeholder had expanded its influence, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice the new president will likely uphold.
In a venue filled with government figures, diplomats, and other dignitaries, 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 loss, famine, and war and a call for national leadership.”
The president additionally praised the peace accord and cited constitutional provisions that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One major group declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.
Switching to Irish, she repeated a commitment to prioritise the language 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 country can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue used forebears was lost, she commented. “It has been put in second place without due honour or recognition. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were prevented from speaking their mother tongue. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with every word.”
A artillery tribute was sounded as the head of state received the seal of office.
