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Catherine Connolly has pledged to transform Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by advocating for diversity, the Irish language, and the history of independence.

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

“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, pointing to her landslide victory.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became clear that the mainstream message did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to label, to shut out and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a ceremonial occasion at the historic venue, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance climate action, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a strong endorsement to voice shared aspirations for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions 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 defeated 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 voice for causes—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.

In a ballroom packed with government figures, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, Connolly lamented “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Commending Ireland’s neutrality—a potential source of friction with the government—she said: “Our history under foreign rule and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, famine, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and referenced constitutional provisions that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One major group did not attend but said no snub was intended.

Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly repeated a commitment to elevate Irish in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the Áras, it will have first place as a working language.”

No nation can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she said. “It has been put in second place without due honour or recognition. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were made to stop using their mother tongue. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with each phrase.”

A artillery tribute was sounded as the new president received the seal of office.