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

In her inauguration address, the president presented a progressive vision contrasting with the centre-right orthodoxy.

“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – at odds with the dominant discourse,” she stated, pointing to her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s hopes and fears. Time and time again, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to other, to label, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a day marked by pomp at Dublin Castle, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would promote climate action, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a renewed nation, a republic true to its principles where each person matters and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

Connolly’s election shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and defeated the mainstream opponent 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 tradition Connolly is expected to continue.

In a ballroom packed with officials, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, Connolly lamented “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”

Commending Ireland’s non-alignment—a potential source of friction with the government—she said: “Our experience of colonisation and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a lived understanding of dispossession, famine, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

Connolly also hailed the peace accord and cited constitutional provisions that supports national unity with agreement. One political party did not attend but said no snub was intended.

Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the presidential office and residence. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the Áras, it will have primary status as a language of business.”

No country can voice its aspirations if the native language used forebears was lost, she said. “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 expresses feelings and sentiment with every word.”

A artillery tribute was fired as the new president was formally invested.