The newly inaugurated president has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by championing diversity, the Irish language, and the history of independence.
In her inauguration address, Connolly outlined a leftwing alternative contrasting with the mainstream political consensus.
“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – contrary to the dominant discourse,” she stated, referencing her decisive election win.
“In shared conversations, 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 the historic venue, the experienced legal professional affirmed that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance climate action, tolerance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.
“The people have spoken and have given their president a strong endorsement to voice shared aspirations for a renewed nation, a republic true to its principles where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”
The presidential race outcome surprised traditional parties. The independent leftwing legislator brought together progressive factions, energised young voters, and trounced the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.
Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the outgoing president had expanded its influence, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice the new president will likely uphold.
In a ballroom packed with officials, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, Connolly expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and atrocities.”
Commending Ireland’s neutrality—a potential source of friction 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 war 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 political party declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.
Switching to Irish, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the residence, it will have primary status as a working language.”
No nation can express its desires if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she commented. “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 mother tongue. 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.
