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Catherine Connolly has pledged to transform Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by advocating for inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly outlined a progressive vision contrasting with the mainstream political consensus.

“We were led to believe that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too far out – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, pointing to her landslide victory.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not represent people’s values and concerns. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to categorise, to exclude and to hinder independent thought.”

On a day marked by pomp at Dublin Castle, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would promote climate action, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a strong endorsement to voice shared aspirations for a renewed nation, a republic worthy of its name where each person matters and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are swiftly enacted, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

Connolly’s election shocked the political establishment. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and trounced the mainstream opponent by securing a substantial majority.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the previous officeholder 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 distinguished guests, the president lamented “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”

Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she said: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, famine, and war and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and cited article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One major group declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.

Switching to Irish, she reaffirmed a pledge to prioritise the language in the presidential office and residence. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the residence, it will have first place as a language of business.”

No country can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was lost, she said. “It has been put in second place without due honour or acknowledgement. The national spirit were quenched when they were prevented from speaking their mother tongue. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with each phrase.”

A artillery tribute was fired as the new president received the seal of office.