Catherine Connolly Sworn In on Day of Pomp and Celebration

Catherine Connolly has pledged to transform Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by advocating for inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the history of independence.

In her inauguration address, Connolly outlined a leftwing alternative diverging from the mainstream political consensus.

“We were led to believe that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, pointing to her decisive election win.

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the mainstream message did not represent people’s values and concerns. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to marginalise, to categorise, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a day marked by pomp at the historic venue, the experienced legal professional affirmed that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard 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 true to its principles where each person matters and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

Connolly’s election surprised traditional parties. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, 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 voice for causes—a practice the new president will likely uphold.

In a venue filled with officials, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, Connolly lamented “the acceptance of conflict and atrocities.”

Commending Ireland’s non-alignment—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she asserted: “Our experience of colonisation and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a lived understanding of loss, famine, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”

Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and referenced constitutional provisions 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 reaffirmed a pledge 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 language of business.”

No country can voice its aspirations if the native language spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she commented. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect 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 each phrase.”

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