Ireland's New President Sworn In on Day of Pomp and Festivities

Catherine Connolly has pledged to transform Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by advocating for diversity, the Irish language, and the history of independence.

In her inauguration address, the president presented a progressive vision diverging from the mainstream political consensus.

“Many assumed that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too far out – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, pointing to her decisive election win.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Time and time again, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to marginalise, to label, to shut out and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a day marked by pomp 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 advance climate action, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.

“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 everyone is valued 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 non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and trounced 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 Connolly is expected to continue.

In a venue filled with government figures, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, Connolly lamented “the acceptance of conflict and atrocities.”

Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—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 conflict and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that espouses a united Ireland with agreement. One major group declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly repeated a commitment to elevate Irish in the official home. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the residence, it will have first place as a working language.”

No country can express its desires if the native language used forebears was extinguished, she commented. “It has been relegated without due honour or recognition. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with every word.”

A 21-gun salute was sounded as the head of state was formally invested.