🔗 Share this article

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

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly presented a leftwing alternative diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.

“Many assumed that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the dominant discourse,” she remarked, referencing her decisive election win.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s values and concerns. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to marginalise, to label, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a ceremonial occasion at the historic venue, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance environmental measures, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a strong endorsement to voice shared aspirations for a new republic, 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.”

The presidential race outcome surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by securing a substantial majority.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a tradition the new president will likely uphold.

In a ballroom packed with officials, diplomats, and other dignitaries, the president lamented “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 loss, hunger, and war and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

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

Switching to Irish, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to prioritise the language in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the Áras, it will have first place as a working language.”

No nation can express its desires if the native language used forebears was extinguished, she commented. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with each phrase.”

A artillery tribute was fired as the new president received the seal of office.