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Catherine Connolly has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing inclusion, the Irish language, and the legacy of decolonisation.

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

“We were led to believe that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the dominant discourse,” she stated, referencing her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not represent people’s values and concerns. Time and time again, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to marginalise, to categorise, to exclude and to hinder independent thought.”

On a day marked by pomp at the historic venue, the 68-year-old former barrister affirmed that as Ireland’s 10th president, 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 voice shared aspirations for a renewed nation, a republic true to its principles where each person matters and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

Connolly’s election surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate 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 expanded its influence, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice the new president will likely uphold.

In a ballroom packed with government figures, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, Connolly lamented “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”

Commending 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 lived understanding of dispossession, hunger, and war and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and cited constitutional provisions that supports national unity with agreement. One political party did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly repeated a commitment to elevate Irish in the presidential office and residence. “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 indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she said. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with each phrase.”

A artillery tribute was sounded as the head of state was formally invested.