🔗 Share this article

The newly inaugurated president has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by championing diversity, the Irish language, and the history of independence.

During her swearing-in speech, the president presented a progressive vision contrasting with the centre-right orthodoxy.

“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she stated, referencing her decisive election win.

“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 tended to suppress, to other, to categorise, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a day marked by pomp at the historic venue, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would promote environmental measures, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a powerful mandate to voice shared aspirations for a renewed nation, a republic true to its principles where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

Connolly’s election shocked the political establishment. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and trounced the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the previous officeholder had expanded its influence, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.

In a venue filled with officials, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, Connolly expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Commending Ireland’s neutrality—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she said: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a lived understanding of dispossession, famine, and war and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and cited constitutional provisions that supports national unity with consent. One political party declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.

Speaking in Gaelic, she repeated a commitment to prioritise the language in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the Áras, it will have first place 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 put in second place without due honour or recognition. The national spirit were dampened when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with each phrase.”

A 21-gun salute was sounded as the new president was formally invested.