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

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly outlined a progressive vision contrasting with the centre-right orthodoxy.

“Many assumed that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, referencing 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 served to silence, to other, 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 affirmed that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would promote climate action, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to voice shared aspirations for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

Connolly’s election surprised traditional parties. 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 outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice the new president will likely uphold.

In a ballroom packed with government figures, diplomats, and distinguished guests, the president lamented “the normalisation of war 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 deep empathy of dispossession, famine, and war and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and cited constitutional provisions that supports national unity with agreement. One political party did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Switching to Irish, she reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the presidential office and residence. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the residence, it will have primary status as a language of business.”

No country 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 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 head of state received the seal of office.