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Catherine Connolly has pledged to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by championing inclusion, the Irish language, and the legacy of decolonisation.

In her inauguration address, the president presented a progressive vision contrasting with 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 dominant discourse,” she stated, referencing her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not represent 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 affirmed that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would promote climate action, tolerance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a new republic, a republic true to its principles where each person matters and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

The presidential race outcome 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 role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.

In a venue filled with officials, diplomats, and other dignitaries, the president lamented “the acceptance of conflict and atrocities.”

Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—a potential source of friction with the government—she asserted: “Our history under foreign rule and struggle against historic hardships gives us a lived understanding of dispossession, hunger, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”

Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and cited article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with consent. One political party did not attend but said no snub was intended.

Speaking in Gaelic, she reaffirmed a pledge 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 working language.”

No nation can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she commented. “It has been relegated without due honour or acknowledgement. The national spirit were quenched when they were made to stop using their mother tongue. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with every word.”

A 21-gun salute was fired as the new president received the seal of office.