Ireland's New President Takes Office on Celebratory Occasion and Festivities
The newly inaugurated president has pledged to reshape Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.
During her swearing-in speech, Connolly outlined a progressive vision diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.
“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the dominant discourse,” she stated, pointing to her landslide victory.
“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 tended to suppress, to marginalise, to label, to shut out 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 ensure “all voices” were heard and would promote environmental measures, acceptance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.
“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 everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”
Connolly’s election shocked the political establishment. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.
Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.
In a venue filled with officials, diplomats, and other dignitaries, Connolly expressed regret over “the acceptance of conflict and atrocities.”
Praising Ireland’s neutrality—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 dispossession, hunger, and war and a call for national leadership.”
Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and cited constitutional provisions that espouses a united Ireland with agreement. One political party did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.
Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to prioritise the language in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the Áras, it will have first place as a working language.”
No nation can voice its aspirations if the native language used forebears was extinguished, she said. “It has been put in second place without due honour or acknowledgement. The national spirit were dampened when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and meaning with each phrase.”
A artillery tribute was fired as the new president was formally invested.
