🔗 Share this article

The newly inaugurated president has pledged to transform Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing diversity, the Gaelic tongue, and the history of independence.

In her inauguration address, Connolly presented a progressive vision diverging from 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 landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s hopes and fears. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to marginalise, to label, to exclude and to hinder independent thought.”

On a ceremonial occasion at Dublin Castle, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would promote climate action, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“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 differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

The presidential race outcome shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator brought together progressive factions, energised young voters, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by securing a substantial majority.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the outgoing president had expanded its influence, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice the new president will likely uphold.

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

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, famine, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and cited constitutional provisions that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One political party did not attend but said no snub was intended.

Switching to Irish, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the presidential office and residence. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the residence, it will have primary status as a language of business.”

No country can voice its aspirations if the native language spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she said. “It has been relegated without due honour or acknowledgement. The national spirit were dampened when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with each phrase.”

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