Catherine Connolly Takes Office on Celebratory Occasion and Festivities
The newly inaugurated president has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by advocating for inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the history of independence.
In her inauguration address, the president outlined a progressive vision diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.
“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she stated, pointing to her landslide victory.
“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to marginalise, to label, to shut out and to hinder independent thought.”
On a day marked by pomp at Dublin Castle, the experienced legal professional affirmed that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance environmental measures, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.
“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a new republic, a republic true to its principles where each person matters and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are swiftly enacted, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”
The presidential race outcome shocked the political establishment. The non-aligned progressive candidate brought together progressive factions, energised young voters, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.
Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had expanded its influence, turning it into a voice for causes—a tradition the new president will likely uphold.
In a venue filled with government figures, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, the president expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and genocide.”
Commending Ireland’s neutrality—a potential source of friction with the government—she asserted: “Our history under foreign rule and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, famine, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”
The president additionally praised 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 presidential office and residence. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the Áras, it will have first place as a working language.”
No nation can express its desires if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she said. “It has been relegated without due honour 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 sentiment with every word.”
A 21-gun salute was fired as the new president was formally invested.