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Catherine Connolly has vowed to transform Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by championing diversity, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.

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

“Many assumed that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too far out – contrary to the dominant discourse,” she remarked, pointing to her landslide victory.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not represent people’s hopes and fears. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to label, to shut out and to hinder independent thought.”

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, acceptance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a strong endorsement to voice shared aspirations for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name 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 independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and trounced the ruling party’s candidate by securing a substantial majority.

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, diplomats, and other dignitaries, Connolly expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and atrocities.”

Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she said: “Our history under foreign rule and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a lived understanding of loss, 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 espouses a united Ireland with consent. One major group did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Switching to Irish, Connolly repeated a commitment 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 nation can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was lost, she commented. “It has been put in second place without due honour or acknowledgement. The national spirit were quenched when they were prevented from speaking their mother tongue. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with each phrase.”

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