🔗 Share this article

The newly inaugurated president has pledged to transform Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by championing inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.

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

“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, referencing her decisive election win.

“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to categorise, to shut out 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 Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to voice shared aspirations for a renewed nation, a republic true to its principles where each person matters and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

The presidential race outcome surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and trounced the mainstream opponent by securing a substantial majority.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a tradition Connolly is expected to continue.

In a venue filled with officials, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, the president expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and atrocities.”

Praising Ireland’s neutrality—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she asserted: “Our experience of colonisation and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, famine, and war and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and cited constitutional provisions that supports national unity with consent. One major group did not attend but said no snub was intended.

Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the presidential office and residence. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the residence, it will have first place as a working language.”

No country can voice its aspirations if the native language used forebears was extinguished, she commented. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or acknowledgement. The national spirit were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with each phrase.”

A artillery tribute was sounded as the head of state received the seal of office.