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

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly presented a leftwing alternative diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.

“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the dominant discourse,” she remarked, pointing to her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not reflect people’s values and concerns. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to categorise, to shut out and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a ceremonial occasion at the historic venue, the 68-year-old former barrister affirmed that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would promote environmental measures, tolerance, 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 worthy of its name where everyone is valued and differences are celebrated, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

Connolly’s election surprised traditional parties. The independent leftwing legislator brought together progressive factions, energised young voters, and defeated the mainstream opponent by securing a substantial majority.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had expanded its influence, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice the new president will likely uphold.

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

Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she asserted: “Our history under foreign rule and struggle against historic hardships gives us a lived understanding of dispossession, hunger, and war and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and referenced constitutional provisions that espouses a united Ireland 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. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the residence, it will have primary status as a language of business.”

No nation 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 national spirit 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 21-gun salute was fired as the head of state was formally invested.