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

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly outlined a leftwing alternative contrasting with the mainstream political consensus.

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

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the mainstream message did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to label, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a ceremonial occasion at Dublin Castle, the 68-year-old former barrister affirmed that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would promote climate action, tolerance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a strong endorsement to articulate their vision for a renewed nation, a republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

The presidential race outcome shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator brought together progressive factions, energised young voters, and defeated the mainstream opponent by securing a substantial majority.

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

In a ballroom packed with government figures, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, the president lamented “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Praising 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 deep empathy of loss, hunger, and war and a call for national leadership.”

Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and referenced constitutional provisions that supports national unity with agreement. One major group declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Switching to Irish, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the residence, it will have primary status as a working language.”

No country can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was lost, she said. “It has been put in second place without due honour or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their mother tongue. It’s a language that expresses feelings and meaning with every word.”

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