🔗 Share this article

The newly inaugurated president has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by championing diversity, the Gaelic tongue, and the history of independence.

In her inauguration address, the president presented a leftwing alternative contrasting with the centre-right orthodoxy.

“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the dominant discourse,” she remarked, referencing her landslide victory.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not represent people’s values and concerns. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to marginalise, to label, to shut out and to stifle critical thinking.”

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

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a strong endorsement to articulate their vision for a new republic, a republic true to its principles 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 united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and defeated the mainstream opponent by securing a substantial majority.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the previous officeholder had expanded its influence, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice the new president will likely uphold.

In a venue filled with government figures, diplomats, and distinguished guests, Connolly expressed regret over “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 resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a lived understanding of dispossession, famine, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and cited article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with consent. One major group did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to prioritise the language in the official home. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the Áras, it will have primary status as a language of business.”

No nation can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she said. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and meaning with each phrase.”

A artillery tribute was sounded as the new president was formally invested.