🔗 Share this article

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

In her inauguration address, the president outlined a progressive vision diverging from the mainstream political consensus.

“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, referencing her landslide victory.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became clear that the mainstream message did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to label, to exclude 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 ensure “all voices” were heard and would advance climate action, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to voice shared aspirations for a renewed nation, a republic true to its principles where each person matters and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, 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 trounced the ruling party’s candidate by securing a substantial majority.

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

In a venue filled with government figures, diplomats, and other dignitaries, Connolly lamented “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Commending Ireland’s non-alignment—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she said: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of loss, hunger, and war and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with agreement. One major group did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Switching to Irish, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge 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 voice its aspirations if the native language spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she said. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with each phrase.”

A 21-gun salute was fired as the new president received the seal of office.