Ireland's New President Takes Office on Celebratory Occasion and Festivities
Catherine Connolly has pledged to transform Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing inclusion, the Irish language, and the history of independence.
During her swearing-in speech, Connolly outlined a progressive vision contrasting with the centre-right orthodoxy.
“Many assumed that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she stated, referencing her landslide victory.
“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not represent people’s values and concerns. Time and time again, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to marginalise, 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 declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would advance environmental measures, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.
“The people have spoken and have given their president a strong endorsement to voice shared aspirations for a renewed nation, a republic true to its principles where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are urgently implemented, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”
Connolly’s election surprised traditional parties. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, 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 expanded its influence, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice the new president will likely uphold.
In a venue filled with officials, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, Connolly expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and atrocities.”
Praising Ireland’s neutrality—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she said: “Our history under foreign rule and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of loss, hunger, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”
The president additionally praised the peace accord and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with agreement. One political party declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.
Switching to Irish, she repeated a commitment to prioritise the language in the official home. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the Áras, it will have first place as a working language.”
No nation can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue used forebears was lost, she said. “It has been put in second place without due honour or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with each phrase.”
A 21-gun salute was sounded as the new president was formally invested.
