🔗 Share this article

The newly inaugurated president has pledged to reshape Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing diversity, the Irish language, and the history of independence.

In her inauguration address, the president presented a leftwing alternative diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.

“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she stated, pointing to her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the mainstream message did not represent people’s values and concerns. 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 the historic venue, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance environmental measures, acceptance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued and differences are celebrated, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

The presidential race outcome surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate brought together progressive factions, mobilised the youth, and defeated the mainstream opponent by securing a substantial majority.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, 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, Connolly lamented “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”

Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she said: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a lived understanding of loss, hunger, and war and a call for national leadership.”

Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and cited article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One major group did not attend but said no snub was intended.

Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly repeated a commitment to elevate Irish in the official home. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the Áras, it will have first place as a working language.”

No country can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she commented. “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 mother tongue. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with every word.”

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