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Catherine Connolly has pledged to transform Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by championing diversity, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly outlined 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 far out – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she stated, pointing to her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not represent people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to other, to label, to shut out and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a ceremonial occasion at Dublin Castle, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would advance climate action, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a renewed nation, a republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued and differences are celebrated, where eco-friendly policies are urgently implemented, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

Connolly’s election shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator brought together progressive factions, mobilised the youth, and trounced the mainstream opponent by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the previous officeholder had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.

In a ballroom packed with officials, diplomats, and distinguished guests, Connolly lamented “the normalisation of war and atrocities.”

Commending Ireland’s non-alignment—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she said: “Our history under foreign rule and struggle against historic hardships gives us a lived understanding of loss, famine, and war and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that espouses a united Ireland with agreement. One political party did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Switching to Irish, she repeated a commitment to prioritise the language in the official home. “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 native language used forebears was lost, she commented. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or recognition. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and meaning with each phrase.”

A 21-gun salute was fired as the new president was formally invested.