The newly inaugurated president has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by advocating for inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.
During her swearing-in speech, the president presented a leftwing alternative contrasting with the mainstream political consensus.
“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, 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 clear 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 hinder independent thought.”
On a day marked by pomp at the historic venue, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would advance environmental measures, 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 each person matters and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”
Connolly’s election shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator brought together progressive factions, mobilised the youth, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by securing a substantial majority.
Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the previous officeholder had expanded its influence, turning it into a platform for issues—a tradition the new president will likely uphold.
In a venue filled with officials, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, the president expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and genocide.”
Praising Ireland’s neutrality—a potential source of friction with the government—she said: “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.”
Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and cited article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with agreement. One major group declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.
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 nation can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she commented. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or recognition. The national spirit were quenched when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with each phrase.”
A 21-gun salute was fired as the head of state received the seal of office.
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