Catherine Connolly Sworn In on Celebratory Occasion and Festivities
The newly inaugurated president has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by championing inclusion, the Irish language, and the history of independence.
During her swearing-in speech, 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 radical – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, pointing to her landslide victory.
“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s values and concerns. 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 Dublin Castle, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would promote climate action, acceptance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.
“The people have spoken and have given their president a strong endorsement to voice shared aspirations 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 non-aligned progressive candidate brought together progressive factions, energised young voters, and trounced the mainstream opponent by winning 64% of the vote.
Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had expanded its influence, turning it into a voice for causes—a tradition the new president will likely uphold.
In a ballroom packed with officials, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, Connolly lamented “the acceptance of conflict and atrocities.”
Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—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 dispossession, hunger, and war and a call for national leadership.”
The president additionally praised the peace accord and cited article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that espouses a united Ireland with agreement. One major group did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.
Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly repeated a commitment to prioritise the language in the official home. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the Áras, it will have primary status as a working language.”
No country can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was lost, she said. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or recognition. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were made to stop using their mother tongue. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with each phrase.”
A 21-gun salute was sounded as the new president received the seal of office.