🔗 Share this article

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

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

“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she stated, referencing her landslide victory.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not reflect people’s values and concerns. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to marginalise, to label, to shut out and to hinder independent thought.”

On a day marked by pomp 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, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a powerful mandate to voice shared aspirations for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name where each person matters and differences are celebrated, where eco-friendly policies are urgently implemented, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

Connolly’s election surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate brought together progressive factions, mobilised the youth, and trounced the ruling party’s candidate by securing a substantial majority.

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

In a venue filled with officials, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, Connolly lamented “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Commending Ireland’s non-alignment—a potential source of friction with the government—she asserted: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of loss, famine, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”

Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with consent. One major group declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.

Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice 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 commented. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were made to stop using their mother tongue. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with each phrase.”

A 21-gun salute was fired as the new president was formally invested.