Catherine Connolly Takes Office on Celebratory Occasion and Festivities

Catherine Connolly has vowed to transform Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the history of independence.

In her inauguration address, Connolly outlined a progressive vision diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.

“Many assumed that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the dominant discourse,” she stated, pointing to her decisive election win.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to marginalise, to label, to exclude and to hinder independent thought.”

On a day marked by pomp at the historic venue, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would promote climate action, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a powerful mandate to voice shared aspirations for a renewed nation, a republic worthy of its name where each person matters and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

The presidential race outcome surprised traditional parties. The independent leftwing legislator brought together progressive factions, energised young voters, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by securing a substantial majority.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a tradition Connolly is expected to continue.

In a venue filled with government figures, diplomats, and distinguished guests, Connolly lamented “the normalisation of war and atrocities.”

Praising 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 lived understanding of loss, hunger, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and referenced constitutional provisions that supports national unity with agreement. One major group declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.

Switching to Irish, Connolly repeated a commitment 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 nation can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she commented. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or recognition. The national spirit were quenched when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with each phrase.”

A 21-gun salute was fired as the new president received the seal of office.